When the sun is shining and the days are long, nothing beats a cool, creamy dessert in your hand. This Ice Cream Cookie Sandwich recipe brings together two of the most beloved treats—soft, chewy cookies and rich, creamy ice cream—into one unforgettable dessert. Every bite delivers a perfect balance of textures and flavors, making it ideal for hot summer days, birthday parties, or just a sweet pick-me-up anytime you crave something special.
Why We Love This Ice Cream Cookie Sandwich Recipe
You might wonder what makes this Ice Cream Cookie Sandwich so irresistible. First, it’s the combination of textures. The cookies are soft and chewy, slightly crisp at the edges, while the ice cream is creamy and cold, providing a delightful contrast with every bite. Second, it’s highly versatile. You can pick any flavor of ice cream and any kind of cookie—chocolate chip, M&M, peanut butter, or even oatmeal—allowing you to adapt it to your tastes or the season.
Another reason to love these sandwiches is how fun they are to assemble. Whether you’re making them with kids, friends, or for a special occasion, they’re interactive and hands-on. You can add toppings like sprinkles, crushed candies, or mini chocolate chips for a colorful, festive touch. Finally, they are easy to make ahead. You can prepare them, freeze them, and pull them out whenever a sweet craving strikes. That combination of taste, fun, and convenience makes this treat a winner every time.
Ingredients for Ice Cream Cookie Sandwiches
To create your perfect Ice Cream Cookie Sandwich, you need two sets of ingredients: one for the cookies and one for the sandwiches themselves.
For the Ice Cream Cookie Sandwiches
- 2 pints (about 4 cups) ice cream (choose your favorite flavor)
- 32 M&M cookies (recipe below)
- Optional: mini M&Ms, crushed M&Ms, mini chocolate chips, sprinkles for rolling the sides
For the M&M Cookies
- 3 ¼ cups (390g) all-purpose flour
- 1 ¼ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1 ½ cups (288g) light or dark brown sugar
- ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 2 cups M&M’s (plus extra for tops if desired)
How to Make Ice Cream Cookie Sandwiches
Making Ice Cream Cookie Sandwiches is a straightforward process, but paying attention to details ensures the best results. Start with the cookies. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures that your cookies rise evenly and have the right texture.
Next, in a separate bowl, beat the butter with the brown sugar and granulated sugar until creamy and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then incorporate the vanilla extract for that classic sweet aroma. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the dough, which can make cookies tough. Fold in the M&M’s carefully so they are evenly distributed without breaking too many.
Scoop the cookie dough onto your prepared baking sheets using a cookie scoop or spoon, spacing them about 2 inches apart. If you want, press a few extra M&M’s on top of each cookie for a vibrant finish. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may appear slightly underbaked, but this ensures the cookies stay soft and chewy. Let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack before assembling the sandwiches.
Once your cookies are cooled, it’s time to assemble. Place a cookie flat side up and scoop a generous amount of ice cream onto it. Top with another cookie, pressing down gently to spread the ice cream evenly to the edges. For a fun twist, roll the sides of the sandwiches in mini M&Ms, sprinkles, or chocolate chips. Place the sandwiches on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze for at least one hour to allow the ice cream to firm up.
How to Serve Ice Cream Cookie Sandwiches
Serving these sandwiches is all about presentation and keeping them perfectly chilled. Serve them straight from the freezer on a decorative plate or platter. If you want, wrap individual sandwiches in parchment paper for easy handling, especially if you’re serving them at a party or picnic.
For an extra touch, drizzle chocolate or caramel sauce over the sandwiches or sprinkle a few more candies on top. They pair well with a simple glass of milk or a scoop of extra ice cream on the side. Because the ice cream melts quickly, it’s best to serve them immediately after removing from the freezer for maximum enjoyment. You can also set up a small toppings bar and let everyone customize their sandwiches for an interactive dessert experience.
Expert Tips for Ice Cream Cookie Sandwiches
Making perfect Ice Cream Cookie Sandwiches is easier when you follow a few expert tips. First, don’t overbake the cookies. Soft, chewy cookies make the best sandwiches, so pull them out of the oven when the edges are just golden.
Second, slightly soften your ice cream before scooping. It makes spreading between the cookies much easier and avoids breaking the cookies. Work quickly to prevent the ice cream from melting too much.
Third, freeze the sandwiches for at least an hour before serving. This ensures the ice cream is firm and holds its shape. If you’re storing them for later, wrap each sandwich individually to prevent freezer burn and ice crystals.
Finally, get creative with flavors. Don’t limit yourself to M&M cookies. Chocolate chip, peanut butter, or oatmeal cookies pair beautifully with different ice cream flavors. Mix and match textures and colors to create a sandwich that’s uniquely yours.
How to Store Ice Cream Cookie Sandwiches
Proper storage is key to keeping your Ice Cream Cookie Sandwiches fresh and delicious. Once assembled, wrap each sandwich individually in parchment paper or plastic wrap. Place them in an airtight container and store them in the freezer for up to two weeks.
When you’re ready to enjoy, remove the sandwiches from the freezer and let them sit for a few minutes at room temperature. This softens the ice cream slightly, making them easier to bite into while still staying firm. Avoid leaving them out too long to prevent melting and mess.
Variations of Ice Cream Cookie Sandwiches
One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. You can experiment with endless variations to suit your taste. Swap the M&M cookies for chocolate chip, peanut butter, or oatmeal cookies. Try different ice cream flavors—mint chocolate chip, cookie dough, caramel swirl, or fruity sorbets add unique flavors.
Add toppings for extra fun. Roll the sides of the sandwiches in crushed candy bars, sprinkles, or mini chocolate chips. Drizzle with chocolate or caramel sauce for a decadent touch. You can even make a “mini version” using smaller cookies for bite-sized treats perfect for parties or lunchboxes. The possibilities are endless, and every variation tastes just as delicious as the original.
FAQ About Ice Cream Cookie Sandwiches
What cookies work best for ice cream sandwiches?
Soft, chewy cookies are ideal because they hold the ice cream without breaking. M&M cookies, chocolate chip cookies, and oatmeal cookies all work wonderfully.
Can I use store-bought cookies instead of homemade?
Yes! Store-bought cookies save time and still taste great. Look for soft, chewy varieties for best results.
How do I prevent the ice cream from melting too fast while assembling?
Slightly soften the ice cream for easier spreading, work quickly, and keep the cookies on a cool surface. Freeze the sandwiches immediately after assembly.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely. Wrap each sandwich individually and freeze for up to two weeks. Let them sit a few minutes at room temperature before serving.
Can I mix flavors of ice cream?
Yes! Combining flavors adds a fun twist and allows for unique flavor combinations that everyone will love.
How can I make these more decorative?
Roll the sides in mini candies, chocolate chips, or sprinkles. You can also drizzle melted chocolate or caramel over the top for a festive look.
Ice Cream Cookie Sandwiches
Equipment
- Oven
- Baking Sheets
- Mixing Bowls:
- Parchment Paper
Ingredients
- 2 pints ice cream (about 4 cups; choose your favorite flavor)
- 32 M&M cookies (recipe below)
- mini M&Ms, crushed M&Ms, mini chocolate chips, sprinkles (optional, for rolling the sides)
- 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (390g)
- 1 1/4 tsp. baking powder
- 1 tsp. baking soda
- 1 tsp. salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter (226g, softened to room temperature)
- 1 1/2 cups light or dark brown sugar (288g)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (100g)
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 2 tsp. pure vanilla extract
- 2 cups M&M’s (plus extra for tops if desired)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, beat the butter with brown sugar and granulated sugar until creamy and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Incorporate vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Fold in M&M’s carefully.
- Scoop dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing about 2 inches apart. Press extra M&M’s on top if desired.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are lightly golden. Let cool completely on a wire rack.
- To assemble, place a cookie flat side up, scoop ice cream onto it, and top with another cookie. Roll sides in mini M&Ms or sprinkles if desired.
- Freeze sandwiches for at least one hour to firm up the ice cream.
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