I’ve got a treat that’ll make your summer days a whole lot sweeter – ice cream cookie sandwiches that combine chewy chocolate chip cookies with your favorite frozen dessert. There’s something magical about biting through a soft cookie exterior to reach that cold, creamy center. You can customize these with any ice cream flavor your heart desires, from classic vanilla to bold mint chocolate chip. Ready to discover the simple technique that transforms ordinary cookies into an extraordinary frozen delight?
Why You’ll Love these Ice Cream Cookie Sandwiches
Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or just craving something sweet on a Wednesday night, these homemade ice cream cookie sandwiches will absolutely win you over.
I’m talking about perfectly chewy chocolate chip cookies paired with creamy, cold ice cream — what’s not to love?
The best part? You can customize them however you want.
Vanilla ice cream with chocolate chip cookies? Classic.
Mint chocolate chip between double chocolate cookies? Game-changer.
Plus, you can make them ahead of time and keep them in the freezer, ready whenever that sweet tooth strikes.
Trust me, store-bought can’t compare.
What Ingredients are in Ice Cream Cookie Sandwiches?
To make these delectable ice cream cookie sandwiches, you’ll need just a handful of pantry staples plus your favorite ice cream flavor.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1¼ teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- 2 cups + 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup mini chocolate chips
- 1.5 quarts ice cream (any flavor you prefer)
When shopping for these ingredients, quality matters—especially for the butter and ice cream, which are the foundation of that rich, creamy flavor we’re all dreaming about.
How to Make these Ice Cream Cookie Sandwiches
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, beat 1 cup of softened unsalted butter with ¾ cup brown sugar and ½ cup granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
This creates that perfect cookie base with just the right amount of sweetness.
Step 2: Add the Wet Ingredients
Mix in 1 large egg and 1¼ teaspoons of vanilla extract until completely incorporated.
The vanilla adds that classic warm flavor that pairs so beautifully with ice cream.
Step 3: Incorporate Dry Ingredients
Gently fold in 1 teaspoon baking soda, ¾ teaspoon salt, and 2 cups plus 3 tablespoons of flour until just combined.
We don’t want to overmix here—that’s the secret to keeping our cookies tender rather than tough.
Step 4: Fold in Chocolate Chips
Add 1 cup of mini chocolate chips and stir until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Mini chips work better than regular ones for these sandwiches, creating the perfect chocolate-to-cookie ratio in every bite.
Step 5: Chill the Dough
Scoop the cookie dough into portions and place them on a lined baking sheet, then freeze for about 1 hour.
Chilling the dough helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Preheat your oven to 350°F and bake the chilled cookie portions until they’re just golden around the edges.
We want them slightly underbaked for that chewy texture that won’t crumble when you bite into your sandwich.
Step 7: Cool Completely
Allow the cookies to cool entirely on a wire rack before assembling.
Warm cookies plus ice cream equals a melty mess, and nobody wants that, right?
Step 8: Assemble the Sandwiches
Once cooled, scoop about ¼ cup of your chosen ice cream from the 1.5 quarts onto the flat side of one cookie, then gently press another cookie on top.
For more elaborate recipes, a stand mixer can make the creaming process effortless and produce consistently perfect cookie dough.
Give a slight twist to secure the sandwich and create that perfect ice cream-to-cookie distribution.
What to Serve with Ice Cream Cookie Sandwiches
These homemade treats are perfect on their own, but why not create a complete dessert experience? A small glass of cold milk is the classic companion—something about that creamy combination just works.
For the adults, try pairing with a shot of espresso or coffee liqueur for a sophisticated twist.
Fresh berries on the side add a bright, tart contrast that cuts through the sweetness beautifully.
If you’re hosting a party, set up a little toppings bar with sprinkles, crushed nuts, and mini chocolate chips for rolling the edges of the sandwiches.
And for the ultimate dessert indulgence? Drizzle a little warm caramel or chocolate sauce over the top just before serving.
These make a wonderful after-dinner treat or special afternoon snack that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
Ice Cream Cookie Sandwiches Substitutions and Variations
- Cookie variations: Add 1/2 tsp cinnamon or replace vanilla with almond extract for unique flavor profiles.
- Ice cream adventures: Try coffee ice cream with chocolate cookies, or mint chip with chocolate chunk cookies.
Who doesn’t love a seasonal pumpkin ice cream in fall?
• Fun finishes: Roll edges in crushed Oreos, toasted coconut, or mini M&Ms before freezing for extra texture and visual appeal.
Leftovers and Storage for these Ice Cream Cookie Sandwiches
These delightful treats are perfect for making ahead and storing for those sweet tooth emergencies we all have! Once assembled:
- Wrap each sandwich individually in plastic wrap or parchment paper, then store in an airtight container or freezer bag to prevent freezer burn.
- Properly stored ice cream sandwiches will stay fresh for up to 2 weeks in the freezer—though I doubt they’ll last that long!
- For the best texture and flavor, let the sandwiches sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before serving. This slight softening makes them easier to bite into without the ice cream squishing out everywhere.
- To prevent cookies from becoming too hard, never store them in the refrigerator—always use the freezer.
- While delicious right away, these sandwiches actually benefit from overnight freezing, as it allows the cookies to soften slightly from the ice cream moisture.
Final Thoughts
These homemade ice cream cookie sandwiches bring together two beloved treats in one irresistible package. The perfect balance of chewy chocolate chip cookies with creamy ice cream creates that nostalgic comfort we all crave, but with a flavor that surpasses any store-bought version.
They’re ideal for summer gatherings, birthday parties, or simply stashing in your freezer for impromptu dessert nights. The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility—swap in different ice cream flavors or cookie mix-ins to create your own signature combination.
In a world of complicated desserts, sometimes the simplest ones bring the most joy.