Nothing says summer like these incredibly simple yet mouthwatering Ice Cream Cookie Sandwiches. With just two ingredients — creamy ice cream and soft, chewy cookies — you can whip up a batch of these frozen treats in no time. Perfect for barbecues, pool parties, or just a casual backyard hangout, they’re a guaranteed hit with kids and adults alike.
You can get creative with the flavors by mixing and matching different ice creams and cookies — think chocolate chip cookies with mint chocolate chip ice cream or peanut butter cookies with vanilla bean. The possibilities are endless! These Ice Cream Cookie Sandwiches bring pure nostalgic joy with every bite, making them the ultimate effortless summer dessert.
Full Recipe:
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1 pint of your favorite ice cream
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12 soft cookies (store-bought or homemade)
Directions:
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Let the ice cream sit out for 5-10 minutes until slightly softened but not melted.
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Place a scoop of ice cream onto the flat side of one cookie.
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Gently press a second cookie on top to form a sandwich.
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Smooth the edges with a knife or small spatula for a clean look.
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Place the assembled sandwiches on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
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Freeze for at least 1 hour before serving to firm up.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 0 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Kcal: 320 kcal | Servings: 6 sandwiches
Why Ice Cream Cookie Sandwiches Are the Perfect Treat
Ice Cream Cookie Sandwiches are the ultimate easy dessert that checks all the boxes: quick to make, crowd-pleasing, endlessly customizable, and delightfully nostalgic. Whether you’re planning a summer party, need a simple dessert for a family gathering, or just want a sweet, cold treat on a warm afternoon, these sandwiches deliver pure happiness. Combining two classic favorites — cookies and ice cream — into one handheld treat is not only brilliant but irresistible. The creamy, rich texture of ice cream paired with the chewy, soft texture of cookies creates a satisfying contrast in every bite, making it hard to stop at just one.
A Brief History of Ice Cream Sandwiches
The idea of combining frozen desserts with a baked item isn’t new. Ice cream sandwiches have been around since at least the late 19th century. Early versions were often made with wafers or sponge cake. In the 1970s and ’80s, commercially produced versions made them a staple in supermarkets and ice cream trucks. The cookie-based version we know and love today took off when bakers and home cooks realized the magic that happens when chewy cookies meet creamy frozen ice cream. Over the years, variations have exploded globally, but the fundamental idea remains deliciously simple and comforting.
The Magic of a 2-Ingredient Recipe
In today’s busy world, 2-ingredient recipes are a lifesaver. They offer a low-effort, high-reward option for anyone looking to whip up something special without spending hours in the kitchen. The genius of these Ice Cream Cookie Sandwiches lies in their simplicity. No complicated techniques, no baking skills required — just a scoop and a sandwich. Because the cookies and ice cream are doing all the heavy lifting in terms of flavor and texture, you get a dessert that tastes like it took much more effort than it actually did.
Customizing Your Ice Cream Cookie Sandwiches
One of the best things about Ice Cream Cookie Sandwiches is how easy they are to customize. You can mix and match flavors based on your mood, the season, or the occasion. Love a classic combo? Go for chocolate chip cookies with vanilla ice cream. Feeling adventurous? Try snickerdoodle cookies with salted caramel ice cream or double chocolate cookies with raspberry sorbet. You can even roll the sides in crushed nuts, mini chocolate chips, rainbow sprinkles, or shredded coconut for an extra pop of flavor and fun.
In addition to flavor pairings, you can adjust the size depending on who you’re serving. Make mini versions for kids or create giant sandwiches for an indulgent adult treat. Gluten-free, vegan, or dairy-free? No problem! There are plenty of cookie and ice cream alternatives on the market today, allowing everyone to enjoy this easy dessert.
Tips for Making the Best Ice Cream Cookie Sandwiches
Although this is one of the easiest desserts to make, a few tips can help you create the perfect sandwich every time:
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Slightly Soften the Ice Cream: Allowing the ice cream to sit out for a few minutes makes it easier to scoop and spread without cracking the cookies.
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Choose Soft Cookies: Softer cookies are much easier to bite into once frozen. Hard or crunchy cookies may become too brittle and crack when frozen.
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Pre-Scoop the Ice Cream: For parties or gatherings, pre-scoop the ice cream onto a baking sheet and freeze. When it’s time to assemble, you can just grab a scoop and sandwich it quickly.
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Chill After Assembling: Freeze the assembled sandwiches for at least an hour before serving to ensure they hold their shape and have the perfect texture.
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Wrap Individually: If making ahead, wrap each sandwich tightly in plastic wrap or parchment paper. This keeps them fresh and prevents freezer burn.
Fun Ideas to Elevate Your Ice Cream Cookie Sandwiches
If you want to take your Ice Cream Cookie Sandwich game to the next level, here are some fun twists to try:
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Flavor Bombs: Layer in a thin spread of peanut butter, Nutella, or fruit jam between the cookie and ice cream for an extra burst of flavor.
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Mix-Ins: Add crushed candy bars, cookie crumbs, or caramel swirls to the softened ice cream before sandwiching.
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Themed Sandwiches: Coordinate your flavors and toppings to match a holiday theme, like red and green sprinkles for Christmas or pastel candies for Easter.
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Gourmet Touch: Use gourmet cookies like macarons or specialty bakery cookies to create a more upscale version of the classic.
Why Everyone Loves Ice Cream Cookie Sandwiches
There’s something almost universally appealing about Ice Cream Cookie Sandwiches. They tap into a sense of childhood nostalgia, but they’re also flexible enough to be made sophisticated for adult tastes. They don’t require fancy plating or utensils, which makes them perfect for casual entertaining. Plus, because they can be made ahead of time, they’re an ideal dessert for busy hosts. Every bite offers a blend of creamy, chewy, and sweet flavors that can instantly lift anyone’s mood.
Perfect Occasions for Serving Ice Cream Cookie Sandwiches
These little frozen treats are perfect for a variety of occasions:
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Birthday Parties: Kid-friendly and easy to customize with colorful sprinkles.
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Summer BBQs: The ultimate cooldown treat after a grilled feast.
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Holiday Gatherings: Use festive flavors and decorations to match the season.
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Weddings or Baby Showers: Offer a gourmet version as part of a dessert table.
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Everyday Treats: Because sometimes, you don’t need a reason to indulge!
No matter when or where you serve them, Ice Cream Cookie Sandwiches are guaranteed to disappear fast!
Conclusion
Ice Cream Cookie Sandwiches are a shining example of how simple ingredients, a bit of creativity, and minimal effort can come together to create something truly memorable. They fit perfectly into any celebration, elevate casual gatherings, and bring smiles to faces young and old alike. Their versatility ensures they can be enjoyed year-round with endless flavor combinations. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a total beginner, mastering the art of the Ice Cream Cookie Sandwich is easy — and once you do, you’ll find yourself reaching for this quick recipe time and time again.
Simple, satisfying, and endlessly customizable, Ice Cream Cookie Sandwiches truly are the sweet treat that everyone needs in their life.