Vanilla Ice Cream Sandwiches are a classic and delicious treat that brings together creamy vanilla ice cream and soft, chewy cookies. Perfect for hot summer days, parties, or a nostalgic dessert, these ice cream sandwiches are easy to make at home and can be customized with your favorite cookies, ice cream flavors, and toppings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Classic Dessert: Combines two favorite treats—cookies and ice cream—in one bite.
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and minimal prep time.
- Customizable: Use different cookie flavors, ice creams, or roll in fun toppings.
- Kid-Friendly: A fun and tasty treat that everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Ice Cream Sandwiches:
- 1 pint vanilla ice cream, slightly softened
- Optional: Sprinkles, mini chocolate chips, or crushed nuts for rolling
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Make the Cookies:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. - Mix Wet Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, beat butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until creamy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined. - Combine Ingredients:
Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until a dough forms. - Bake the Cookies:
Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Gently flatten each ball with the back of a spoon. Bake for 8-10 minutes until cookies are set. Allow them to cool completely on a wire rack. - Prepare the Ice Cream Sandwiches:
Scoop a generous portion of vanilla ice cream onto the flat side of one cookie. Top with another cookie and gently press together. - Add Toppings:
If desired, roll the edges of the ice cream sandwiches in sprinkles, mini chocolate chips, or crushed nuts. - Freeze:
Wrap each ice cream sandwich in plastic wrap and freeze for at least 1 hour before serving. - Serve and Enjoy:
Unwrap and enjoy your homemade ice cream sandwiches!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Makes approximately 8 ice cream sandwiches
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Freeze Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Variations
- Different Cookies: Use chocolate chip, sugar cookies, or oatmeal cookies instead of chocolate cookies.
- Flavor Twist: Try different ice cream flavors like chocolate, strawberry, or mint chocolate chip.
- Add Crunch: Roll sandwiches in crushed candies, cookies, or granola.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free flour and cookies for a gluten-free treat.
Storage/Reheating
- Freezer: Store wrapped ice cream sandwiches in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 weeks.
- No Reheating Needed: Ice cream sandwiches are best enjoyed straight from the freezer!
FAQs
Can I use store-bought cookies?
Yes, using store-bought cookies is a quick and easy option if you’re short on time.
How do I keep the ice cream from melting while assembling?
Work quickly and freeze the sandwiches immediately after assembly. You can also chill the cookies before filling them.
What’s the best way to soften ice cream for filling?
Let the ice cream sit at room temperature for about 5-10 minutes until it is easy to scoop but not too soft.
Can I make mini ice cream sandwiches?
Yes, use smaller cookies or cut larger sandwiches in half for bite-sized treats.
How do I get a neat, even ice cream layer?
Scoop the ice cream onto a piece of plastic wrap, flatten it into a disk, and freeze it before sandwiching between cookies.
Can I use other types of ice cream?
Absolutely! Any ice cream flavor or even frozen yogurt and sorbet will work well.
How do I prevent the cookies from breaking?
Ensure the cookies are completely cooled and not too hard before assembling.
Can I dip the ice cream sandwiches in chocolate?
Yes, partially dip the sandwiches in melted chocolate and add sprinkles or nuts for a fun twist.
What if I don’t have a cookie scoop?
Use a spoon to scoop the dough and roll it into even balls with your hands.
How long should I freeze the sandwiches before serving?
Freeze for at least 1 hour to allow the ice cream to firm up.
Conclusion
Vanilla Ice Cream Sandwiches are the ultimate nostalgic treat that brings smiles to both kids and adults. This easy recipe allows you to create delicious, homemade ice cream sandwiches with your favorite cookies and ice cream flavors. Whether you’re looking for a cool dessert on a hot day or a fun party treat, these classic ice cream sandwiches are sure to delight. Make a batch today and enjoy the perfect blend of chewy cookies and creamy vanilla ice cream!
Print
Vanilla Ice Cream Sandwiches
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Chill Time: 2-3 hours
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 3.5 hours
- Yield: 12 sandwiches 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking, Freezing
- Cuisine: American
Description
Vanilla Ice Cream Sandwiches
Vanilla Ice Cream Sandwiches are a classic and delicious treat that brings together creamy vanilla ice cream and soft, chewy cookies. Perfect for hot summer days, parties, or a nostalgic dessert, these ice cream sandwiches are easy to make at home and can be customized with your favorite cookies, ice cream flavors, and toppings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Classic Dessert: Combines two favorite treats—cookies and ice cream—in one bite.
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and minimal prep time.
- Customizable: Use different cookie flavors, ice creams, or roll in fun toppings.
- Kid-Friendly: A fun and tasty treat that everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Ice Cream Sandwiches:
- 1 pint vanilla ice cream, slightly softened
- Optional: Sprinkles, mini chocolate chips, or crushed nuts for rolling
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Make the Cookies:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. - Mix Wet Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, beat butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until creamy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined. - Combine Ingredients:
Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until a dough forms. - Bake the Cookies:
Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Gently flatten each ball with the back of a spoon. Bake for 8-10 minutes until cookies are set. Allow them to cool completely on a wire rack. - Prepare the Ice Cream Sandwiches:
Scoop a generous portion of vanilla ice cream onto the flat side of one cookie. Top with another cookie and gently press together. - Add Toppings:
If desired, roll the edges of the ice cream sandwiches in sprinkles, mini chocolate chips, or crushed nuts. - Freeze:
Wrap each ice cream sandwich in plastic wrap and freeze for at least 1 hour before serving. - Serve and Enjoy:
Unwrap and enjoy your homemade ice cream sandwiches!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Makes approximately 8 ice cream sandwiches
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Freeze Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Variations
- Different Cookies: Use chocolate chip, sugar cookies, or oatmeal cookies instead of chocolate cookies.
- Flavor Twist: Try different ice cream flavors like chocolate, strawberry, or mint chocolate chip.
- Add Crunch: Roll sandwiches in crushed candies, cookies, or granola.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free flour and cookies for a gluten-free treat.
Storage/Reheating
- Freezer: Store wrapped ice cream sandwiches in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 weeks.
- No Reheating Needed: Ice cream sandwiches are best enjoyed straight from the freezer!
FAQs
Can I use store-bought cookies?
Yes, using store-bought cookies is a quick and easy option if you’re short on time.
How do I keep the ice cream from melting while assembling?
Work quickly and freeze the sandwiches immediately after assembly. You can also chill the cookies before filling them.
What’s the best way to soften ice cream for filling?
Let the ice cream sit at room temperature for about 5-10 minutes until it is easy to scoop but not too soft.
Can I make mini ice cream sandwiches?
Yes, use smaller cookies or cut larger sandwiches in half for bite-sized treats.
How do I get a neat, even ice cream layer?
Scoop the ice cream onto a piece of plastic wrap, flatten it into a disk, and freeze it before sandwiching between cookies.
Can I use other types of ice cream?
Absolutely! Any ice cream flavor or even frozen yogurt and sorbet will work well.
How do I prevent the cookies from breaking?
Ensure the cookies are completely cooled and not too hard before assembling.
Can I dip the ice cream sandwiches in chocolate?
Yes, partially dip the sandwiches in melted chocolate and add sprinkles or nuts for a fun twist.
What if I don’t have a cookie scoop?
Use a spoon to scoop the dough and roll it into even balls with your hands.
How long should I freeze the sandwiches before serving?
Freeze for at least 1 hour to allow the ice cream to firm up.
Conclusion
Vanilla Ice Cream Sandwiches are the ultimate nostalgic treat that brings smiles to both kids and adults. This easy recipe allows you to create delicious, homemade ice cream sandwiches with your favorite cookies and ice cream flavors. Whether you’re looking for a cool dessert on a hot day or a fun party treat, these classic ice cream sandwiches are sure to delight. Make a batch today and enjoy the perfect blend of chewy cookies and creamy vanilla ice cream!
Ingredients
For the Chocolate Wafers:
- 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (100g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/4 cups (283g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/4 cups (250g) granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
For the Filling:
- 1 1/2 quarts (6 cups) vanilla ice cream, softened
Instructions
-
Prepare the Ice Cream Layer:
- Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing excess to hang over the sides for easy removal.
- Spread the softened vanilla ice cream evenly into the pan, smoothing the top.
- Freeze until firm, at least 2 hours or overnight.
-
Make the Chocolate Wafers:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
- In a separate large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the vanilla extract and eggs to the butter-sugar mixture, beating well after each addition.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Divide the dough in half. Roll each half between two sheets of parchment paper to about ¼-inch thickness.
- Transfer the rolled dough to the prepared baking sheet and remove the top parchment layer.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until set. Allow to cool completely.
-
Assemble the Sandwiches:
- Once the wafer sheets are cooled, trim the edges to create straight lines.
- Cut each sheet into 12 equal rectangles.
- Remove the ice cream slab from the freezer and, using the same measurements, cut into 12 rectangles.
- Place one ice cream rectangle between two chocolate wafers, pressing gently to adhere.
- Wrap each sandwich in parchment or wax paper and freeze until firm, about 1 hour.
Notes
- Variations: Feel free to experiment with different ice cream flavors such as mint chocolate chip, strawberry, or cookies and cream.
- Storage: Store the wrapped sandwiches in an airtight container in the freezer for up to two weeks.
- Serving Tip: For easier eating, let the sandwiches sit at room temperature for 2-3 minutes before serving.