Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ice cream sandwiches are incredibly easy to make and endlessly adaptable. You can mix and match flavors, textures, and toppings to suit your taste or occasion. They’re perfect for making ahead, storing in the freezer, and pulling out whenever you want a single-serving dessert that feels special but is simple to enjoy. Great for kids and adults alike!
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Ice cream (any flavor, slightly softened)
- Cookies, brownies, or blondies (preferably soft-baked)
- Optional: sprinkles, mini chocolate chips, crushed nuts, or cookie crumbs for coating
- Wax paper or parchment paper (for wrapping)
Directions
- Soften the ice cream: Let your chosen ice cream sit at room temperature for 5–10 minutes until soft enough to scoop but not melted.
- Pair your cookies or bases: Match similar-sized cookies, brownie squares, or other sandwich components.
- Scoop and sandwich: Place a generous scoop of ice cream on the flat side of one cookie, then top with another cookie, gently pressing to spread the ice cream to the edges.
- Roll in toppings (optional): Roll the edges of the ice cream in sprinkles, mini chocolate chips, or other toppings for added flavor and texture.
- Wrap and freeze: Wrap each sandwich in parchment or wax paper. Place in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for at least 2 hours until firm.
- Serve and enjoy: Let sit at room temperature for 2–3 minutes before serving if very firm.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 6–8 ice cream sandwiches, depending on size. Prep time is approximately 20 minutes, plus at least 2 hours of freezing time.
Variations
- Brownie Sandwiches: Use chewy brownies cut into squares as your base.
- Blondie or Cookie Bar: Slice baked cookie bars into squares for a sturdy base.
- Vegan Version: Use dairy-free ice cream and vegan cookies.
- Fruit Sorbet Sandwiches: Use lemon or raspberry sorbet with sugar cookies for a fruity twist.
- S’mores Style: Use graham crackers with chocolate ice cream and marshmallow topping inside.
Storage/Reheating
Store the wrapped sandwiches in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag for up to 2 weeks in the freezer. There’s no need to reheat—simply let sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften slightly before serving.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought cookies?
Yes, soft store-bought cookies work well. Just avoid crispy cookies—they may become too hard once frozen.
What’s the best way to keep the ice cream from oozing out?
Make sure the ice cream is soft but not melted. Freeze the assembled sandwiches immediately after building.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, they’re perfect for making in advance. Just store in the freezer until you’re ready to serve.
How do I keep the cookies from getting too hard in the freezer?
Use soft-baked cookies and let the sandwiches sit at room temp for a few minutes before eating.
Can I use homemade cookies?
Absolutely. Let them cool completely before assembling.
Can I use a cookie cutter to shape them?
Yes! Cut the cookies or brownie base into shapes before adding the ice cream for a fun presentation.
What’s the best ice cream flavor to use?
Vanilla, chocolate, and cookies & cream are classic choices, but feel free to get creative.
How do I keep them from sticking together?
Wrap each sandwich individually or place parchment paper between them in a container.
Can I make mini versions?
Yes, use smaller cookies or cut smaller portions from a cookie or brownie sheet for bite-sized treats.
Can I add mix-ins to the ice cream?
Sure—swirl in fudge, peanut butter, or chopped candy before sandwiching for extra flavor.
Conclusion
Ice cream sandwiches are a timeless and fun dessert that you can easily customize and prepare ahead. With endless combinations of cookies, brownies, and ice cream flavors, you can create something unique every time. Whether you’re planning a summer party or just stocking your freezer with sweet treats, these cool sandwiches are sure to become a favorite.
PrintIce Cream Sandwiches
Ice cream sandwiches are a nostalgic and customizable frozen treat made by sandwiching creamy ice cream between two soft cookies, brownies, or blondies. They’re fun, handheld, and perfect for summer or anytime you want a sweet, cool dessert.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes (including freeze time)
- Yield: 6–8 ice cream sandwiches
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- ice cream (any flavor, slightly softened)
- 12–16 soft-baked cookies, brownies, or blondies
- Optional: sprinkles, mini chocolate chips, crushed nuts, or cookie crumbs for coating
- Wax or parchment paper (for wrapping)
Instructions
Let ice cream sit at room temperature for 5–10 minutes until scoopable but not melted.
- Pair cookies or brownie squares of similar size to create sandwich bases.
- Scoop about 1/4 cup of ice cream onto the flat side of one cookie. Top with another cookie and press gently to spread ice cream evenly to the edges.
- Roll the sides of the sandwich in sprinkles, mini chocolate chips, or other desired toppings (optional).
- Wrap each sandwich tightly in wax or parchment paper and place on a baking sheet.
- Freeze for at least 2 hours, or until firm.
- Let sit at room temperature for 2–3 minutes before serving if too firm.
Notes
- Use soft cookies to prevent freezing too hard.
- Freeze assembled sandwiches immediately to maintain shape.
- Try using cookie cutters for fun shapes with brownies or cookies.
- Store individually wrapped sandwiches in an airtight freezer bag.
- Let thaw briefly before eating for best texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
