Irresistible 5-Star Cookie Ice Cream Sandwiches Recipe

You know those summer afternoons when you’re craving something sweet but don’t want to fuss with complicated desserts? That’s exactly when these mini chocolate chip cookie ice cream sandwiches save the day! I first made them for my niece’s birthday party last July – the kids went wild for the bite-sized treats, and the adults kept “stealing” them too. What I love most is how simple they are – soft homemade cookies hugging creamy vanilla ice cream, all rolled in extra chocolate chips for that perfect crunch. They’re the ultimate make-ahead dessert for hot days when you want something cold, sweet, and totally irresistible without spending hours in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love These Cookie Ice Cream Sandwiches

Trust me, once you try these little guys, you’ll be hooked. Here’s why they’re absolutely brilliant:

• No baking stress – The cookie dough comes together in minutes, and the small size means they bake fast.
• Party perfection – Their bite-sized shape makes them ideal for gatherings (no messy cutting required!).
• Make-ahead magic – I always stash a batch in my freezer for last-minute sweet cravings.
• Endless fun – Rolling the edges in extra chocolate chips gives that satisfying crunch I can’t resist.
• Kid-approved – My niece calls them “ice cream cookies” and begs me to make them weekly.

Ingredients for Cookie Ice Cream Sandwiches

Here’s everything you’ll need to make these irresistible treats. I’ve learned through trial and error that quality ingredients really make a difference – especially with something this simple!

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened – Leave it out for an hour before baking (it should dent easily when pressed)
• 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar – Really pack it into the measuring cup for that perfect chew
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar – The combo with brown sugar gives the best texture
• 1 large egg – Room temperature blends better – just set it out with the butter
• 1 tsp vanilla extract – Pure vanilla makes all the difference here
• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour – Spoon and level it – no packing!
• 1/2 tsp baking soda – Freshness matters – check the date
• 1/2 tsp salt – Balances all that sweetness beautifully
• 3/4 cup mini chocolate chips – The small ones distribute better in mini cookies
• 2 cups vanilla ice cream, slightly softened – Let it sit out just 10 minutes for easy spreading
• 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips (for rolling) – Extra for that gorgeous chocolatey edge

Equipment You’ll Need

Don’t worry – you probably have most of this stuff already! Here’s what I grab from my kitchen when making these cookie ice cream sandwiches:

• 2 baking sheets – Standard half-sheet pans work perfectly
• Parchment paper – Lifesaver for easy cookie removal
• Hand mixer or stand mixer – Though honestly, I’ve made these by hand when feeling nostalgic
• Cookie scoop (1-tbsp size) – My secret for perfectly even mini cookies
• Spatula – For scraping down the bowl
• Cooling rack – Essential for crisp bottoms
• Piping bag or spoon – For that ice cream filling

How to Make Cookie Ice Cream Sandwiches

Okay, let’s get to the fun part! Making these cookie ice cream sandwiches is seriously easy, but I’ve got some tricks to share that’ll make them absolutely perfect every time. Follow these steps, and you’ll be enjoying these frozen treats before you know it!

Baking the Mini Chocolate Chip Cookies

First things first – preheat that oven to 350°F and line your baking sheets with parchment paper. This is non-negotiable in my book – it keeps the bottoms from browning too much and makes cleanup a breeze.

Now, cream together the softened butter and both sugars until it’s light and fluffy – about 2 minutes with a mixer. This step is crucial for that perfect cookie texture! Mix in the egg and vanilla until everything’s smooth and happy.

Here’s where I get careful – add the flour, baking soda, and salt all at once, but mix just until combined. Overmixing makes tough cookies, and we want these babies soft! Fold in those mini chocolate chips gently – I like to save a few to press into the tops of the dough balls for extra chocolatey goodness.

Use your cookie scoop to portion out tablespoon-sized balls of dough. Roll them gently between your palms – don’t pack them too tight! Space them about 2 inches apart on your prepared sheets. They’ll spread just enough to make perfect sandwich-sized cookies.

Bake for 8-10 minutes until the edges are lightly golden but the centers still look slightly underdone. They’ll firm up as they cool – promise! Let them cool completely on the baking sheets before moving them. Patience is key here!

Assembling the Cookie Ice Cream Sandwiches

While your cookies cool, let your ice cream soften slightly – about 10 minutes on the counter does the trick. You want it spreadable but not melted! I’ve learned the hard way that too soft means messy sandwiches.

Flip half your cookies upside down – these will be your bottoms. Spoon or pipe about 1-2 tablespoons of ice cream onto each one. Pro tip: If using a spoon, dip it in warm water between scoops for cleaner portions!

Top each ice cream dollop with another cookie (right side up) and gently press together. Don’t squeeze too hard – we want that ice cream layer to stay intact! Now comes the fun part – roll those exposed ice cream edges in your reserved mini chocolate chips. The chips stick beautifully and give that gorgeous chocolate rim.

Freezing for Perfect Texture

Here’s the step you don’t want to skip! Arrange your assembled sandwiches on a tray and pop them in the freezer for at least 30 minutes. This firms everything up so you get that perfect bite – crisp cookie giving way to creamy ice cream.

I know it’s tempting to eat them right away (trust me, I’ve been there), but waiting makes all the difference. The ice cream needs time to re-solidify properly between those warm cookies. Your patience will be rewarded with the perfect texture!

Tips for the Best Cookie Ice Cream Sandwiches

After making hundreds of these little treats (no exaggeration!), I’ve picked up some foolproof tricks that’ll take your cookie ice cream sandwiches from good to unbelievable:

• Cookie scoop is king – That tablespoon-sized scoop isn’t just for neatness – it guarantees uniform cookies that sandwich perfectly. No lopsided treats here!
• Ice cream sweet spot – Too soft and it oozes everywhere; too hard and you’ll crack your cookies. Aim for spreadable but still holds its shape when scooped.
• Freeze in stages – Pop the tray of assembled sandwiches uncovered for 20 minutes first – this prevents the chocolate chips from sliding off when you bag them.
• Layer with parchment – When storing extras (if you have any!), place parchment between layers so they don’t stick together in the freezer.
• Get creative with flavors – My family loves when I mix mini M&Bs into the ice cream or sprinkle crushed pretzels on the edges for salty-sweet magic.

Variations for Cookie Ice Cream Sandwiches

The beauty of these little sandwiches is how easily you can mix things up! My niece and I love experimenting with different combos. Here are our favorites:

• Mint chocolate magic – Swap in mint chocolate chip ice cream and add a drop of peppermint extract to the cookie dough
• Peanut butter dream – Use peanut butter cookies (just sub 1/4 cup flour for peanut butter powder) with chocolate ice cream
• Double chocolate – Add 1/4 cup cocoa powder to the dough and sandwich with cookies & cream ice cream
• Rainbow fun – Roll the edges in colorful sprinkles instead of chocolate chips for birthday parties

Honestly, once you get the basic method down, the flavor possibilities are endless!

Serving and Storing Cookie Ice Cream Sandwiches

Here’s the best part – these little guys are ready whenever you are! I like to pull them from the freezer about 5 minutes before serving – just enough to take the chill off but still keep that perfect frozen texture. Store any extras (ha, good luck having leftovers!) in an airtight container with parchment between layers. They’ll keep beautifully in your freezer for up to a week – though in my house, they never last that long!

Nutritional Information

Here’s the nutritional breakdown per mini cookie ice cream sandwich (because yes, I’ve actually measured these out!):

• Calories: 320
• Total Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Sugar: 25g
• Protein: 4g
• Sodium: 150mg

Of course, these numbers can vary slightly depending on your exact ingredients – especially the ice cream brand you choose. But hey, when something tastes this good, who’s counting?

Frequently Asked Questions

I’ve gotten so many questions about these cookie ice cream sandwiches over the years – here are the ones that pop up most often with my tried-and-true answers:

Can I use store-bought cookies to save time?
Absolutely! While homemade cookies taste amazing, I’ve definitely grabbed mini chocolate chip cookies from the bakery section when in a pinch. Just look for soft ones – crisp cookies tend to crack when you press them together. The ice cream softens them perfectly as they freeze!

How far in advance can I make these?
They’re perfect make-ahead desserts! I regularly prep them up to a week before parties. Just store them in an airtight container with parchment between layers. Pro tip: If making more than 3 days ahead, wrap each sandwich individually in plastic wrap first to prevent freezer burn.

What’s the best way to soften the ice cream?
Don’t microwave it! I leave the carton on the counter for exactly 10 minutes – that’s the sweet spot where it’s spreadable but not melted. Stirring with a spoon helps distribute the softness evenly.

Can I use different ice cream flavors?
Please do! Vanilla’s classic, but my family goes wild for cookies & cream or strawberry ice cream versions. Just avoid flavors with large mix-ins that make spreading tough. Coffee ice cream with these cookies? *Chef’s kiss*

Help! My sandwiches are sliding apart!
No worries – this happens if the ice cream was too soft. Just pop them back in the freezer for 20 minutes to firm up. Next time, let the ice cream soften less and work quicker when assembling!

Share Your Cookie Ice Cream Sandwiches

I’d love to see your cookie ice cream sandwich creations! Did you try a fun flavor twist? Did the kids go crazy for them like mine do? Snap a photo and tell me all about it in the comments below – your baking adventures make my day!

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