A grocery store has countless options for ice cream treats, but did you know that you can also make your own? Creating a homemade cookie ice cream sandwich is easier than you might think! And even better, customizing these treats is a breeze once you know the basics. You’ll be able to put together mint chocolate chip, double chocolate chip, peanut butter and M&M’s-loaded cookie sandwiches in no time.
This chocolate chip cookie ice cream sandwich recipe makes use of a simple, chewy chocolate chip cookie recipe. Once the cookies are baked and cooled, all that’s left to do is add a big scoop of the best vanilla ice cream to sandwich between two cookies. Make homemade ice cream cookie sandwiches the day you plan to enjoy these treats, or prep them ahead of time to have on hand whenever a craving strikes.
Ingredients for a Cookie Ice Cream Sandwich
- Butter: The chocolate chip cookies for these ice cream sandwiches start with a base of softened butter. Butter provides structure and flavor for the cookie dough.
- Brown sugar: Brown sugar brings a nice molasses sweetness to the cookie dough. It also makes for chewier cookies.
- Granulated sugar: Cream the granulated sugar with the butter and brown sugar to help aerate the mixture. Like the brown sugar, granulated packs even more sweetness.
- Egg: One egg binds the ingredients and assists the cookies in rising while baking.
- Vanilla extract: A good vanilla extract will infuse the cookie dough with that sweet bakery flavor. It also helps enhance the brown sugar notes.
- All-purpose flour: Flour provides structure in the cookie dough.
- Baking powder and baking soda: Baking powder and baking soda are leavening agents, and both are used in this recipe to create the ideal soft, chewy texture of the cookies.
- Salt: Just a touch of salt helps balance the sweetness in the cookie dough.
- Mini chocolate chips: Mini chocolate chips are mixed into the dough to make these cookie ice cream sandwiches extra special. You can swap in regular chocolate chips if needed, but mini chocolate chips are easier to eat when the cookies are cold.
- Vanilla ice cream: Choose your favorite pint, and get scooping! Vanilla ice cream is sandwiched between two cookies for these homemade ice cream cookie sandwiches. However, you could certainly choose to use another ice cream flavor such as chocolate or mint chocolate chip.
Directions
Step 1: Cream the butter and sugars
Preheat the oven to 350°F. In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugars until light and fluffy, for five to seven minutes.
Beat in the egg and vanilla.
Step 2: Add the dry ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt.
Gradually beat the dry ingredients into the creamed mixture. Stir in chocolate chips.
Step 3: Drop and bake
Drop the prepared dough by tablespoonfuls onto greased baking sheets. They should be 3 inches apart so there is room for spreading. Flatten each ball slightly. Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes or until light brown. Transfer the baked cookies to wire racks to completely cool.
Step 4: Scoop and assemble
Top half the cooled cookies with a scoop of ice cream. Top with another cookie and press down gently.
Roll the sides of each ice cream sandwich in sprinkles, mini chocolate chips or pecans, if desired. Wrap the finished cookie ice cream sandwiches in storage wrap and freeze until serving.
Cookie Ice Cream Sandwich Variations
- Use M&M’s: Want to add a pop of color to your cookies? Instead of using mini chocolate chips, swap in mini M&M’s.
- Dip them in chocolate: Learn how to melt chocolate, then melt chocolate and dip half of each assembled ice cream sandwich in the melted chocolate. For the best results, freeze the cookie ice cream sandwiches before dipping them.
- Make homemade ice cream: While grabbing vanilla ice cream from the freezer aisle is the quickest option, you could make your own vanilla ice cream for entirely homemade ice cream cookie sandwiches. Try flavors like cookies and cream ice cream or banana ice cream for the ultimate combo.
How to Store a Cookie Ice Cream Sandwich
Homemade ice cream cookie sandwiches can melt easily. Once they are assembled with ice cream, keep the sandwiches stored in the freezer. Wrapping them individually in storage wrap will help prevent freezer burn.
How long do ice cream cookie sandwiches last?
Assembled cookie ice cream sandwiches will last stored in the freezer for up to three weeks.
Can you make cookie ice cream sandwiches ahead of time?
Homemade ice cream cookie sandwiches can absolutely be made ahead of time, making them perfect for any occasion. Bake and cool the cookies, assemble the sandwiches and keep them stored in the freezer until you plan to serve them.
Cookie Ice Cream Sandwich Tips
Can you use other cookies for ice cream cookie sandwiches?
Leave out the chocolate chips entirely for plain cookie dough, if you choose. You could also try oatmeal cookies, chewy peanut butter cookies or double chocolate chip cookies to make homemade cookie ice cream sandwiches.
Can you use gelato for cookie ice cream sandwiches?
There’s a slight difference between ice cream and gelato, but both can be used in these ice cream sandwiches. The Italian version will be wonderfully creamy and you can use the same flavors, such as vanilla bean, chocolate or mint gelato.
