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When the sun is high or a gathering needs something special, these ice cream cookie sandwiches always deliver cool comfort and a bit of cheer. Creamy vanilla ice cream hugged by soft chocolate chip cookies makes a treat that pleases kids and grownups alike, whether you bake the cookies yourself or pick up your favorite brand.
Putting these together became my quick trick for birthdays that sneak up on me. My family lights up whenever these appear – sometimes we even have mini assembly lines in the kitchen.
Ingredients
- Soft chocolate chip cookies: I like homemade best for their chewy centers but any bakery or store version will do just make sure they stay soft for easy biting
- Vanilla ice cream: Choose a creamy brand for best texture let it soften slightly for effortless scooping
- Mini chocolate chips: Add a chocolate crunch and stick well to the sides
- Rainbow sprinkles: These make everything more joyful select vibrant colors that do not bleed
- Chopped nuts: like peanuts or pecans give a salty crunch but buy them roasted and unsalted for pure flavor
- You can swap flavors or toppings based on what you love or what is in the pantry
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cool the Cookies:
- If you made your cookies fresh let them rest completely on a wire rack. Room temperature is key because warm cookies will melt your ice cream and cause sliding.
- Prep the Baking Sheet:
- Line a large sheet pan with parchment paper or use a silicone mat. This makes cleanup easy and keeps the sandwiches from sticking.
- Set the First Cookies:
- Arrange half your cookies flat side up on the lined sheet. This creates a stable base for scooping on the ice cream.
- Add the Ice Cream:
- Use an ice cream scoop or large spoon to mound about a quarter to a third cup of softened vanilla ice cream on each base cookie. Gently press down so it spreads to nearly the edge.
- Top with Second Cookie:
- Take the other cookies and place one flat side down onto each mound. Press gently to make a neat sandwich without cracking the cookies.
- Add Toppings:
- Roll the sides of each sandwich in mini chocolate chips sprinkles or nuts. Pour toppings into a shallow dish for easy coating and press lightly so they stick to the soft ice cream edges.
- Freeze Until Firm:
- Return all the sandwiches to the lined pan and set in the freezer for at least an hour. This helps them hold their shape for easy handling and keeps the ice cream from dripping.
- Wrap or Serve:
- Once frozen you can serve them right away or wrap each sandwich in parchment and store in the freezer. This makes them perfect for lunchboxes or last-minute desserts.
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My favorite is mixing in chopped toasted pecans on half the batch because my grandfather loved them that way. We used to line up the toppings and compete to see who could make the prettiest one.
Storage Tips
Keep the sandwiches wrapped tightly in parchment or wax paper and store in a sealed container in your freezer. They will taste fresh for up to a month but usually disappear long before that in my house.
Ingredient Substitutions
You can swap the cookie type for oatmeal raisin snickerdoodle or double chocolate. For a dairy free treat try coconut milk ice cream and vegan cookies. Toppings work with just about anything you love such as chopped dried fruit or crushed pretzels.
Serving Suggestions
Serve them straight from the freezer for the best bite and no mess. For a fun dessert bar set out different toppings in bowls and let guests dip and decorate their own. Pair with iced coffee lemonade or milk for classic enjoyment.
A Bit of History
Ice cream sandwiches have American roots going back more than a century as a street food favorite. Original vendors would press a scoop of ice cream between thin wafers and hand them out on hot city days. Today the tradition continues with endless options from bakeries to backyard kitchens.
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Common Questions
- → Can I use different ice cream flavors?
Absolutely! Try chocolate, strawberry, or mint chip to vary the taste and suit personal preferences.
- → Do cookies have to be homemade?
Store-bought cookies work well, but homemade options like double chocolate or oatmeal add a personal touch.
- → How do I make sandwiches easier to assemble?
Let the ice cream soften at room temperature for a few minutes to make scooping and spreading simpler.
- → How long can the sandwiches be stored?
Once wrapped individually, they can be frozen for up to one month without losing flavor or texture.
- → What toppings work best for rolling the sides?
Mini chocolate chips, sprinkles, and chopped nuts offer both color and crunch, complementing the soft cookies and creamy ice cream.