There’s nothing quite like an ice cream sandwich—a frozen treat that combines creamy ice cream and soft, chewy cookies. Whether you want a classic ice cream sandwich or a creative homemade version, this guide will show you how to make ice cream sandwiches from scratch. Learn how to bake the perfect cookies, choose the best ice cream, and store homemade ice cream sandwiches for later enjoyment. This is a must-read for anyone who loves desserts and wants to master an easy, fun recipe at home.
1. What is an Ice Cream Sandwich?
An ice cream sandwich is a frozen dessert made by placing a scoop of ice cream between two soft cookies, brownies, or wafers. This nostalgic dessert is available in many variations, from classic ice cream sandwiches to more creative versions with chocolate chip cookies, brownie layers, or even cookie dough.
Did you know the first ice cream sandwich was sold in New York in 1899 for just 1 cent?
2. Why Make Homemade Ice Cream Sandwiches?
While store-bought ice cream sandwiches are convenient, homemade versions let you control the ingredients and flavors. When you make ice cream sandwiches at home, you can choose your favorite ice cream flavor, create chewy chocolate cookies, and experiment with different coatings like mini chocolate chips. Plus, they taste fresher and are free of preservatives.
3. The Best Cookies for Ice Cream Sandwiches
The cookies you choose can make or break your homemade ice cream sandwich. The key is finding cookies that are sturdy enough to hold the ice cream without falling apart but still soft enough to bite into.
- Chocolate chip cookies: These are a classic choice. The chewiness of the cookies pairs wonderfully with ice cream.
- Sugar cookies: For a lighter, sweeter sandwich, sugar cookies are a great choice.
- Brownie cookies: Combining the best of both worlds, brownie cookies offer a soft, fudgy base for ice cream sandwiches.
For the best texture, be sure to bake your cookies to the right level of doneness — slightly underbaked for a chewy bite.
4. Choosing the Right Ice Cream
To make the best ice cream sandwich, you need high-quality ice cream. Consider these factors:
- Softened ice cream spreads easily and helps create even layers.
- Creamy vanilla ice cream is a classic choice but feel free to use your favorite ice cream flavor.
- Store-bought ice cream works well, but using homemade ice cream adds an extra touch.
5. The Recipe
Homemade Ice Cream Sandwiches recipe
Ingredients
for the cookies
- 2 cups flour mixture
- ½ cup cocoa powder
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup softened butter
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups softened ice cream
Instructions
for the cookies
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk flour mixture, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer, cream butter and sugar with a paddle attachment.
- Add eggs and vanilla extract.
- Add the flour mixture gradually and mix until combined
- .Drop rounded dough onto a prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes and let cool completely.
- Spread the ice cream onto one cookie, then press another cookie on top.
- Freeze for a minimum of 2 hours.
- Wrap each sandwich in plastic wrap and return to the freezer.
Assemble the ice cream sandwiches
- Soften the ice cream: Let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes.
- Assemble: Place a scoop of ice cream on one cookie, spread it into an even layer, and top with another cookie.
- Freeze for at least 2 hours to set.
- Wrap each sandwich in plastic wrap and return to the freezer.
6. How to Soften Ice Cream for the Perfect Sandwich ?
The texture of your ice cream is crucial when making homemade sandwiches. If your ice cream is too hard, it will be difficult to spread evenly between the cookies, and it might break the cookies apart. To avoid this, you need to soften the ice cream before use.
Take the ice cream out of the freezer and let it sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes. This will make the ice cream more scoopable and spreadable. Be sure to soften the ice cream just enough to work with it, but not so much that it starts to melt.
7. How to Store Homemade Ice Cream Sandwiches
Once you’ve made your sandwiches, you’ll want to store them properly to keep them fresh and delicious. Store homemade ice cream sandwiches in the freezer for the best results.
- Wrap each sandwich individually in plastic wrap to keep them from sticking together.
- For longer storage, place the wrapped sandwiches in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- To ensure the best texture, let the sandwiches freeze for at least 2 hours before serving.
8. Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Sandwich Variation
For a twist, make chocolate chip ice cream sandwiches by:
- Using chocolate chip cookies.
- Filling them with chocolate chip ice cream.
- Rolling the edges in mini chocolate chips.
9. Brownie Ice Cream Sandwich Variation
If you love brownies, try a brownie ice cream sandwich:
- Bake brownies in a sheet of parchment paper.
- Cut them into rectangles using a cookie cutter.
- Spread into an even layer of ice cream between two brownie slices.
10. Tips for the Best Ice Cream Sandwich Experience
- Let cool before assembling to prevent melting.
- Use parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Freeze for at least 4 hours for firm sandwiches.
- Cut the ice cream sandwich with a sharp knife for clean edges.
- Serve immediately or wrap for later enjoyment.
11. Key Takeaways
- Ice cream sandwiches are a versatile and delicious treat that can be customized with different cookies and ice cream flavors.
- To make homemade ice cream sandwiches, start with a great cookie or brownie base and soften the ice cream to spread it easily.
- Brownies, chocolate chip cookies, and sugar cookies are great options for the sandwich base.
- Make sure to store homemade ice cream sandwiches in the freezer for the best texture and taste.
- Get creative with your fillings and try different ice cream flavors, toppings, and cookie recipes!
Enjoy making and indulging in these homemade ice cream sandwiches!
12. FAQ
The traditional dessert made of ice cream sandwiched between two cookies or brownies is simply called an ice cream sandwich. Variations exist with different bases like brownies, wafers, or cakes, but the classic version remains a favorite.
these sandwiches were once referred to as “ice cream between cookies” or even just “frozen sandwiches.” The term “ice cream sandwich” became popular over time as the dessert gained more recognition.
Yes, it’s perfectly fine to eat it! Like all treats, moderation is key. While ice cream sandwiches are a fun and delicious snack, it’s best to enjoy them as part of a balanced diet.
Homemade ice cream allows you to control the ingredients, ensuring fresher, higher-quality flavors without the preservatives found in store-bought options. Plus, you can customize it to suit your taste!
Making your own ice cream means you can use all-natural ingredients, avoid artificial flavors or additives, and experiment with exciting new flavors and textures. It’s also a fun activity to do with family or friends!
While it’s not entirely true that they don’t melt, the texture of the cookie or wafer surrounding the ice cream can help them hold together for longer. This makes them easier to eat without a mess.
Turkish ice cream, known as dondurma, has a unique texture due to the inclusion of salep (a flour made from orchids) and mastic (a resin). These ingredients give it a thick, chewy consistency that resists melting as quickly as regular ice cream.
Generally, melted ice cream is still safe to eat, provided it hasn’t been left out at room temperature for too long. However, once it melts, it may lose its texture and flavor, so it’s best enjoyed when freshly frozen!
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