Cookie ice cream sandwiches are the ultimate frozen dessert combo—soft baked cookies hugging a creamy scoop of ice cream. This easy dessert is nostalgic, customizable, and perfect for summer celebrations or anytime indulgence. Whether you go classic with vanilla and chocolate chip or roll yours in crushed Oreos or sprinkles, the flavor possibilities are endless. In this article, I’ll walk you through my favorite homemade version of cookie ice cream sandwiches that’s just the right balance of chewy, cold, and sweet. If you’re looking for a fun dessert that pleases both kids and adults, this is the one to bookmark.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Homemade Cookie Ice Cream Sandwiches From My Kitchen to Yours
A childhood favorite turned freezer staple
Hi there, and welcome to Frosty Recipes! I’m Emily Frost, a busy mom of two, passionate home cook, and the heart behind this cozy food blog where flavor meets family. Cookie ice cream sandwiches have a special place in our house. They take me right back to lazy July afternoons growing up—barefoot in the backyard, racing my brothers to finish before the sun melted everything into sticky, delicious chaos.
Making them at home now is a whole different kind of joy. I get to play with cookie flavors, pick our favorite ice creams, and create the perfect texture balance. If you’ve only ever had the store-bought kind, you’re in for a treat. With browned butter chocolate chip cookies and creamy vanilla scoops pressed between, these cookie ice cream sandwiches are everything you remember—but even better.
Once you start customizing—rolling them in mini chips or sprinkles—they become not just dessert, but a creative family activity. In fact, we’ve made them alongside our favorite 5-ingredient chocolate chip cookies and served them right next to our berry melon fruit salad at birthday parties.
Why this recipe works every time
What sets this version apart is the use of browned butter. It gives the cookie layers an irresistibly nutty depth that plays perfectly against the sweet chill of the ice cream. Unlike crunchy cookies that break on first bite, these are soft and slightly chewy, making them ideal for sandwiching without squeezing all the filling out.
By the time they’re rolled in crushed Oreos or rainbow sprinkles, you’ve got a treat that looks bakery-level but was made right in your kitchen. Bonus? You can make a batch, wrap them individually, and stash them in the freezer for a grab-and-go dessert that’s way better than anything boxed.
If you’re already a fan of chilled treats like our classic ambrosia fruit salad, you’re going to love how easy it is to upgrade your summer dessert game with these.
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Cookie Ice Cream Sandwiches Recipe You’ll Crave All Summer
Soft, chewy brown butter cookies paired with creamy ice cream and rolled in your favorite toppings make the ultimate cookie ice cream sandwiches.
- Total Time: 4 hours (including freeze)
- Yield: 10 sandwiches 1x
Ingredients
Cookies
12 Tbsp. unsalted butter
1 cup all-purpose flour
3/4 cup cake flour
3/4 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup dark brown sugar, packed
1 large egg
1 large egg yolk
1 Tbsp. vanilla extract
1 cup mini chocolate chips
Cookie Sandwiches
1 1/2 quarts vanilla ice cream (or your favorite flavor)
Toppings: sprinkles, mini chocolate chips, crushed Oreos, chopped nuts
Instructions
1. Brown the butter and let it cool completely.
2. Preheat oven to 325°F and line baking sheets with parchment.
3. Whisk together flours, baking soda, and salt.
4. Beat sugar, egg, yolk, and vanilla until thick.
5. Mix in browned butter and brown sugar.
6. Stir in dry ingredients and chocolate chips.
7. Scoop 2-Tbsp. balls onto sheets and bake 10 minutes.
8. Let cool completely; freeze if needed for firm texture.
9. Scoop ice cream onto one cookie and top with another.
10. Roll edges in toppings and wrap in plastic.
11. Freeze 4–6 hours or overnight before serving.
Notes
For best results, use mini chips so cookies don’t break apart when bitten. Rotate flavors seasonally or create a DIY ice cream sandwich bar for events.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Method: Bake & Freeze
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 26g
- Sodium: 140mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
How to Make Cookie Ice Cream Sandwiches at Home
Key ingredients for perfect texture and flavor
The secret to unforgettable cookie ice cream sandwiches lies in the cookie base—and this one’s made from browned butter for a rich, toasty flavor you won’t forget. You’ll need a mix of all-purpose and cake flour for that soft-yet-chewy bite that doesn’t harden in the freezer. The combination of a whole egg and a single yolk helps create the perfect structure, while mini chocolate chips give each bite a pop of sweetness without overpowering the ice cream.
As for the filling, vanilla ice cream is a classic, but feel free to get creative. Cookie dough, mint chip, or strawberry ice cream all taste great. What makes cookie ice cream sandwiches so fun is how flexible they are—once you have the cookie foundation, you can swap in your favorite frozen flavors with zero stress.
Smart prep: baking and freezing tips
To begin, brown your butter in advance so it can cool. Whisk your sugars and eggs until thick, then combine everything gently to avoid overmixing. Place mounds of dough of uniform size on baking sheets and bake until the edges are brown. Let them cool completely—and don’t skip this step—or your ice cream will melt before the sandwich even comes together.
To assemble, gently squeeze around half a cup of ice cream between two cookies. Then roll the edges in sprinkles, nuts, or crushed cookies if you’d like that extra crunch. We love pairing these with our ambrosia fruit salad for a colorful, summery plate.
Once you’ve wrapped them in plastic wrap, freeze your cookie ice cream sandwiches for at least 4 hours. This ensures firm structure and easy handling, making them perfect for summer events or everyday indulgence.
Creative Flavor Combos for Cookie Ice Cream Sandwiches
Unexpected cookie and ice cream pairings
Once you’ve got the basic method down, making cookie ice cream sandwiches gets really fun. The best part? You’re not stuck with just chocolate chip and vanilla. Think outside the box with cookie flavors like snickerdoodle, peanut butter, red velvet, or even brownie cookies. Each one brings its own texture and sweetness, giving you new ways to enjoy every batch.
Pair a rich chocolate cookie with mint chip for a cool twist, or go for oatmeal cookies with strawberry ice cream for a fruity balance. Want something indulgent? Use fudge cookies with espresso ice cream—it’s like dessert and your coffee fix all in one. These ideas work great when you want to recreate the playful vibe of our cake pop dessert treats, but with a frozen edge.
Rotating different combinations keeps your freezer stocked with variety, and guests will always be surprised by the new flavors you serve up. It’s like having a gourmet dessert bar at home.
Upgrade with bold toppings and textures
Don’t stop at just cookie and ice cream. The edge of your cookie ice cream sandwiches is prime real estate for creativity. Roll the sides in crushed pretzels for a salty crunch, or dip them in white chocolate and roll in freeze-dried raspberries for a tart, colorful finish.
Kids love the sprinkle-covered versions, but grown-ups go wild for toasted coconut or chopped pistachios. For a serious flavor punch, press the edges into crushed peanut butter cups or cereal bits—like Fruity Pebbles or Cinnamon Toast Crunch.
These toppings not only add taste and texture, but they also make your cookie ice cream sandwiches look like something from a boutique bakery. It’s the same joy you get from putting together our brie and fig jam crostini—simple elements, beautifully combined.
Tips for Serving, Storing, and Sharing Cookie Ice Cream Sandwiches
Make-ahead storage for stress-free desserts
One of the best things about cookie ice cream sandwiches is how well they hold up in the freezer. Once assembled and rolled in toppings, wrap each sandwich tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in an airtight container to prevent freezer burn. This keeps them fresh for up to two weeks—though they rarely last that long in our house.
To serve, pull them out of the freezer and let them sit for 3 to 5 minutes before eating. This softens the cookie just enough for the perfect bite without any melting mess. If you’re planning ahead for a gathering or backyard BBQ, this is a huge time-saver. Prep a day early, freeze overnight, and you’re ready to go.
Turn dessert into a DIY ice cream sandwich bar
Hosting a birthday party or summer get-together? Skip store-bought options and set up a DIY sandwich bar. Lay out different cookies, a few tubs of ice cream, and bowls of toppings like crushed Oreos, sprinkles, and chopped nuts. Let guests build their own cookie ice cream sandwiches—it’s interactive, fun, and always a hit with kids and adults alike.
You can pre-bake the cookies the night before and store them in airtight containers. Offer gluten-free or allergy-friendly cookie options to make sure everyone can join in.
This setup pairs well with lighter sides like blueberry cottage cheese breakfast bake if you’re turning dessert into brunch or doing a sweet treat buffet. With these easy serving tips, you can keep your cookie ice cream sandwiches party-ready anytime, without any last-minute hassle.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a cookie ice cream sandwich called?
A cookie ice cream sandwich is simply called… exactly that! But you might also hear it referred to as an “ice cream cookie sandwich” or a “frozen cookie sandwich.” No matter the name, it’s a dessert made by placing a scoop of ice cream between two cookies. Homemade versions, like our cookie ice cream sandwiches, let you mix and match flavors for your perfect bite.
Where can I buy a Cookie Time ice cream sandwich?
Cookie Time ice cream sandwiches are a popular New Zealand treat, often found in convenience stores and supermarkets across the country. If you’re not local, it can be hard to find them—making this homemade version the next best thing. With rich, chewy cookies and your favorite ice cream, it’s easy to recreate that experience at home.
How to jazz up an ice cream sandwich?
Add toppings! Roll your assembled cookie ice cream sandwiches in sprinkles, chopped nuts, crushed cereal, or mini candies for flavor and texture. You can also drizzle them with melted chocolate or dip the edges in ganache before freezing for a bakery-style finish. Creative flavor pairings like peanut butter cookies with chocolate chip ice cream also take it to the next level.
What cookies pair well with ice cream?
Soft, chewy cookies are the best choice for ice cream sandwiches. Chocolate chip, peanut butter, brownie, snickerdoodle, and even oatmeal raisin work great. The key is a cookie that won’t crack when frozen and will still be tender enough to bite through once chilled.
Conclusion
Whether you’re stocking your freezer for summer snacks or planning a crowd-pleasing dessert bar, cookie ice cream sandwiches are the kind of recipe you’ll make again and again. With endless ways to customize—from cookie type to toppings—they’re perfect for all ages and occasions. Want more make-ahead dessert ideas? Try our cottage cheese mousse variations next. Now go ahead—make a batch, freeze them up, and treat yourself!
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