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As the summer sun begins to blaze, there’s nothing quite like a homemade ice cream sandwich to cool you down and bring a smile to your face. Picture this: soft, chewy chocolate chip cookies, warm from the oven, cradling creamy vanilla ice cream that melts just a little at the edges. This delightful treat is not just a nostalgic nod to childhood; it’s a customizable masterpiece that you can whip up in your own kitchen! Whether you’re prepping for a backyard barbecue, a picnic in the park, or simply satisfying a sweet craving, these easy homemade ice cream sandwiches will have you skipping the ice cream truck altogether.

Not only are these treats a breeze to make, but they also allow for endless creativity. Want to roll them in sprinkles or layers of your favorite ice cream flavors? Go for it! Plus, this recipe is adaptable for dietary needs, ensuring even those who are gluten-free or dairy-free can join in the fun. Ready to dive into a recipe that’s as delicious as it is simple? Let’s get started!

Why are Homemade Ice Cream Sandwiches a Must-Try?

Endless Customization: These sandwiches can be tailored to your preference with various ice cream flavors and mix-ins.

Make-Ahead Delight: Perfect for summer gatherings, you can prepare these in advance, ensuring sweet treats are always on hand.

Soft, Chewy Goodness: The combination of chewy chocolate chip cookies and creamy ice cream delivers a delightful texture that will have everyone coming back for more.

Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adapt this recipe to be gluten-free or dairy-free, making it inclusive for all your guests.

Quick and Easy: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, you’ll have these delicious sandwiches ready in no time!

Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for parties, kids and adults alike will be mesmerized by the delightful flavors and textures of these treats. Don’t forget to check out our make-ahead tips for the best preparation and storage advice!

Homemade Ice Cream Sandwiches Ingredients

For the Cookies
• Butter – Use softened unsalted butter for a rich and moist cookie base.
• Brown Sugar – Provides moisture and a deeper, caramel-like flavor that enhances the cookies.
• Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the cookies and helps achieve a light, airy texture.
• All-Purpose Flour – The main component that gives structure to the chewy cookies.
• Cornstarch – Keeps your cookies soft and chewy even after freezing; reduces gluten formation.
• Baking Soda – Acts as a leavening agent to help the cookies rise perfectly.
• Salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
• Eggs (1 whole + 1 yolk) – Adds moisture and the extra yolk ensures a chewy texture.
• Vanilla Extract – Infuses the cookies with warmth and aromatic flavor.
• Mini Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips – Add delightful chocolate pockets; can substitute with other chocolate varieties.

For the Ice Cream
• Vanilla Ice Cream – The classic filling; can be swapped with any flavor like chocolate, strawberry, or mint.

For Rollable Toppings
• Mini Chocolate Chips/Sprinkles – Ideal for rolling the edges to add extra flavor and fun textures; consider crushed nuts for a unique twist.

With these homemade ice cream sandwiches, you’re not just crafting a treat; you’re creating memories that will linger long after the last bite!

How to Make Homemade Ice Cream Sandwiches

Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (177°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt until well combined—this ensures your cookies will have the perfect texture!
Cream Butter and Sugars: In a separate mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter with both sugars until the mixture is light and fluffy (about 2 minutes).
Add Eggs and Vanilla: Incorporate one whole egg and an extra yolk alongside the vanilla extract into the creamed mixture, beating until just combined for a rich flavor.
Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined—be careful not to overmix!
Fold in Chocolate Chips: Add the mini semi-sweet chocolate chips to your batter and fold them in gently, ensuring even distribution without breaking the chips.
Scoop and Bake: Using a 1.5-tablespoon scoop, drop portions of cookie dough onto your prepared sheets, spacing them about 3 inches apart. Bake for 12-13 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
Cool Cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely—patience is key here!
Assemble Sandwiches: Once your cookies are cool, take one cookie and scoop a generous amount of ice cream onto its flat side. Top it with another cookie and gently press down, then roll the edges in your choice of toppings.
Freeze: Wrap your assembled ice cream sandwiches in wax paper or plastic wrap and freeze for at least 3 hours or until they are firm enough to enjoy.

Optional: Sprinkle a little sea salt on top of the ice cream before freezing for an extra burst of flavor!

Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Homemade Ice Cream Sandwiches Variations & Substitutions

Feel free to let your creativity run wild as you explore these delightful twists!

Peanut Butter Chips: Swap chocolate chips for peanut butter chips or chunks for a nutty flavor that will take your cookies to the next level.
Dried Fruit: Add some chewy diced dried fruit like apricots or cranberries into the cookie dough for a fruity surprise. It brightens up the sweetness and adds a chewy texture.
Ice Cream Flavors: Use different flavors such as chocolate, cookies and cream, or even sherbet for a fun and unique experience with each sandwich.
Gluten-Free Flour: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to accommodate gluten sensitivities without sacrificing texture.
Dairy-Free Options: Use vegan butter and almond milk ice cream to create a delightful dairy-free version that everyone can enjoy together.
Nutty Crunch: Roll the edges of your sandwiches in crushed nuts such as almonds or pecans for added crunch and flavor—it’s like giving your sandwich a cozy hug!
Minty Twist: Incorporate mint chocolate chips into your cookie dough for a refreshing take that pairs well with chocolate ice cream, creating a decadent dessert reminiscent of mint chocolate chip.
Extra Crispy: Bake your cookies for an additional minute or two for a crisper edge, which contrasts beautifully with the creamy filling for those who love a good bite!

These variations and substitutions will ensure you create an unforgettable homemade experience each time!

What to Serve with Homemade Ice Cream Sandwiches?

As the warmth of summer beckons, pairing these delightful treats with complementary sides can elevate your outdoor dining experience.

Chilled Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal berries and melons adds a refreshing, vibrant twist, balancing the sweetness of the sandwiches beautifully.
Creamy Coleslaw: The crunchy texture and tang of coleslaw create a delicious contrast, making it a perfect snack alongside sweet treats.
Sparkling Lemonade: A bubbly, zesty lemonade quenches thirst while its brightness enhances the flavors of your ice cream sandwiches.
Chocolate Dipped Pretzels: Salty and sweet, these add a fun texture and are perfect for mixing flavors while enjoying ice cream goodness.
Mini Cheesecakes: For an elegant dessert spread, their rich flavor offers a delightful, creamy counterpart to the chewy, ice-cream-filled bliss.
Fudgy Brownies: Rich and chocolaty, brownies add a decadent layer to your dessert table and are sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.

Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or simply enjoying a sunny day, these pairings ensure that your homemade ice cream sandwiches shine alongside unforgettable flavors!

Expert Tips for Homemade Ice Cream Sandwiches

Butter Consistency: Ensure your butter is softened, not melted, to achieve the perfect cookie texture—overly soft butter can lead to flat cookies!
Chill Dough for Softness: For even softer cookies, refrigerate the dough for about 30 minutes before baking. This airiness can enhance the chewiness of your homemade ice cream sandwiches.
Cooling is Crucial: Allow cookies to cool completely before assembling. This prevents the ice cream from melting too quickly and makes for a better presentation.
Uniform Ice Cream Discs: For evenly-shaped sandwiches, freeze your ice cream in a flat layer, then cut into discs to match the cookie size.
Creative Roll Options: Experiment with various toppings like mini chocolate chips, crushed nuts, or sprinkles to add texture and visual appeal to your homemade ice cream sandwiches!
Storage Tips: To maintain freshness, wrap your assembled sandwiches in plastic wrap before freezing. They can last up to a week for your sweet tooth cravings!

How to Store and Freeze Homemade Ice Cream Sandwiches

Fridge: Keep assembled sandwiches in the fridge for up to 2 days; however, the cookies may soften, diminishing their delightful chewiness.

Freezer: Wrap the sandwiches tightly in wax paper or plastic wrap to prevent ice crystals and store in the freezer for up to 1 week, ensuring freshness and flavor.

Reheating: When ready to enjoy, let the sandwiches sit at room temperature for about 5 minutes to soften slightly before indulging in their creamy goodness.

Make-Ahead: These homemade ice cream sandwiches can be prepared in advance, making them perfect for last-minute gatherings or summer parties!

Make Ahead Options

These Homemade Ice Cream Sandwiches are a fantastic option for those looking to save time on busy summer days! You can prepare the chewy chocolate chip cookies up to 3 days in advance; simply store them in an airtight container at room temperature to keep their freshness. For the ice cream, you can also scoop it into flat layers and freeze it in a dish, making it easy to cut into rounds when assembling—this can be done up to 24 hours ahead. When you’re ready to serve, simply assemble the sandwiches and indulge in these delightful treats that are just as delicious as fresh!

Homemade Ice Cream Sandwiches Recipe FAQs

How do I choose ripe ingredients for my cookies?
Absolutely! For the best texture in your cookies, make sure to use very soft, but not melted, unsalted butter. When shopping for eggs, opt for fresh ones to ensure they bind well while baking. For the chocolate chips, you can choose mini semi-sweet chips, but feel free to swap in your favorite variety, like dark chocolate, if that’s your preference!

How should I store my homemade ice cream sandwiches?
The best way to store your ice cream sandwiches is by wrapping them tightly in wax paper or plastic wrap, which helps prevent ice crystals from forming. You can keep them in the freezer for up to 1 week for optimal flavor and texture. I recommend enjoying them on the first few days for the freshest experience, but they may last through the week.

Can I freeze homemade ice cream sandwiches for later?
Yes, you can! To freeze your assembled ice cream sandwiches, wrap each one individually in wax paper or plastic wrap. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container, and they can be stored for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply take them out and let them sit at room temperature for about 5 minutes to soften slightly before indulging in their creamy goodness.

What should I do if my cookies turn out too hard?
If your cookies become too hard, they may have been overbaked. Always keep an eye on them during the final minutes of baking. To prevent this, you can experiment by taking them out of the oven when they are just set but still slightly underbaked. Also, storing them in an airtight container with a slice of bread will help maintain softness over time.

Are there any dietary considerations I should be aware of?
Very! This recipe is quite versatile. You can easily make it gluten-free by using a gluten-free flour blend and dairy-free by substituting with dairy-free ice cream and vegan butter. Ensure to check labels for any potential allergens, especially when selecting chocolate chips or toppings. Always double-check with your guests about specific dietary needs to ensure everyone can enjoy these delightful treats!

How can I enhance the flavors of my homemade ice cream sandwiches?
Try incorporating unique toppings or fillings! You can mix in a dash of espresso powder or a pinch of sea salt to the cookie dough for a flavor boost. Alternatively, roll the edges in crushed nuts, toffee bits, or coconut flakes for added texture and taste. The more the merrier, so don’t be afraid to get creative with your combinations!

Remember, these homemade ice cream sandwiches are all about fun and flexibility, so feel free to adjust according to your family’s tastes.