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Classic vanilla ice cream pressed between soft chocolate chip cookies makes for a nostalgic frozen sandwich that never fails to thrill kids and grown-ups alike. Whether you bake the cookies yourself or grab your favorite from the bakery, these treats come together quickly and disappear even faster at backyard barbecues, birthday parties, or just as a sweet finish to a Tuesday night.
Whenever my niece visits, we always assemble a batch together and she insists on extra sprinkles on every sandwich. Her huge grin is totally worth every bit of melted ice cream on my kitchen floor.
Ingredients
- Soft chocolate chip cookies: This is the star of the show. Use a bakery cookie for chewy texture and richer flavor. Make sure the cookies are not too crisp so they do not shatter when pressed
- Vanilla ice cream: Look for a creamy, full-fat option and let it soften just a bit at room temperature. The slight softening means it melds easily with the cookies
- Mini chocolate chips: Add crunch and cocoa notes around the edges
- Rainbow sprinkles: These bring a pop of color and fun that kids love
- Chopped nuts: Peanuts or pecans give a rich, salty balance to the sweetness
- Tip: Select nuts that are roasted but unsalted so you get pure flavor without overwhelming salt
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Make the Cookies:
- If you are baking cookies from scratch let them cool completely before attempting assembly. Warm cookies will melt the ice cream instantly
- Prepare Your Work Surface:
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat to keep sandwiches from sticking and to make moving them to the freezer simple
- Build the Sandwich Bases:
- Arrange half your cookies upside down flat side up spaced a finger-width apart to make room for the ice cream
- Scoop and Fill:
- Scoop a heaping quarter cup of softened vanilla ice cream onto each cookie base. Try to keep the scoops even for consistent sandwiches
- Seal the Sandwiches:
- Press another cookie flat side down over the ice cream and gently squeeze until the filling reaches the edges without breaking the cookies
- Add the Toppings:
- Roll the ice cream edges in your chosen mini chocolate chips sprinkles or chopped nuts. Press lightly so toppings stick to the ice cream
- Freeze Firm:
- Set the finished sandwiches back on the baking sheet and place in the freezer for at least one hour. This firms up the ice cream and helps everything hold together
- Serve or Store:
- Enjoy sandwiches right from the freezer or wrap each in parchment paper for storage. They keep well for a month but rarely last that long in my house
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My personal favorite part is rolling the soft edges in chocolate chips. It was always the task my mom gave me as a kid and I now pass that job to my littlest kitchen helper at home.
Storage tips
Wrap each sandwich individually in parchment or plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn and help them hold their shape Arrange in a covered container to avoid absorbing any freezer odors Sandwiches are best the first two weeks but stay tasty for up to a month
Ingredient substitutions
Any soft cookie works wonderfully here try oatmeal peanut butter or double chocolate instead of classic chocolate chip Switch up the ice cream with fruit flavors chocolate or cookie dough for fun twists For dairy free use non dairy cookies and ice creams just be sure they have a dense creamy texture to hold up
Serving suggestions
Cut sandwiches in half or quarters and dip in melted chocolate for party platters Stack and secure with a toothpick for a dramatic dessert tower Pair with a cold glass of milk or a shot of espresso for grown up treats
Cultural and historical context
The ice cream sandwich is a century old American invention famously sold by street vendors at Coney Island and amusement parks Originally made with thin wafers now reinvented with endless bakery and ice cream mashups Every summer I remember chasing the ice cream truck for one of these classic treats
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Common Questions
- → Can I use store-bought cookies?
Yes, store-bought or homemade cookies both work well. Just ensure they're completely cooled before assembling.
- → How long should I freeze the sandwiches?
Freeze the assembled sandwiches for at least 1 hour, or until firm enough to handle and enjoy.
- → What ice cream flavors can I use?
Vanilla is classic, but chocolate, strawberry, mint chip, or other favorites can be used for a twist.
- → How can I prevent the ice cream from melting during assembly?
Let the ice cream soften just enough for scooping, and work quickly. Refreeze sandwiches promptly after assembling.
- → Are there nut-free topping options?
Yes, you can use mini chocolate chips, rainbow sprinkles, or other allergy-friendly alternatives.
- → How do I store leftovers?
Wrap each sandwich in parchment or plastic wrap and store them in the freezer for up to a month.