Homemade Ice Cream Sandwiches
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My Ice Cream Sandwich Dessert is one of those desserts that feel instantly nostalgic. The kind you’d chase down from the ice cream truck, only these are softer, creamier, and completely customizable. You start with your favorite cookies, add a scoop of your favorite ice cream, and press everything together into a perfectly messy, perfectly cold treat. They’re easy to make ahead, fun for kids and adults, and endlessly adaptable.
In summer, there is nothing better than a frozen dessert. My guys love my Frozen Bananas and my Frozen Lemonade Pie.
Why this Ice Cream Sandwich Dessert Recipe is a Keeper
You get a dessert that feels special without any fuss, freezes beautifully, and can be customized for every taste or occasion. It’s the kind of simple, crowd‑pleasing treat you’ll find yourself making all summer long.
- No Baking Required: Everything here is assembly, so there’s no oven time at all.
- Fully Customizable: Choose any cookie, ice cream flavor, and topping combination your family likes.
- Great for a Crowd: Roll a big batch in different toppings so everyone gets their favorite.
- Makes Great Leftovers: These keep well in the freezer for weeks, so dessert is always ready.
Can I Substitute Different Candies or Toppings for the Ice Cream Sandwich Cakes?
Yes, almost any candy or topping works well here. Try Reese’s Pieces, mini peanut butter cups, or junior mints in place of the classic options. Just pick whatever pairs well with your cookie and ice cream flavors. There’s really no wrong combination for these delicious ice cream sandwiches.
What Reader’s Are Saying…
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“These were heavenly! We had them instead of cake at our family birthday dinner. Instead of nuts, I chopped M&Ms for the sides. These were a definite win and loved by young and old alike.
Thank you!”
~ Jade
Ingredient Notes for this Easy Dessert
I usually make 12 ice cream sandwiches and place them in the freezer when we want a quick no-bake dessert. These are so much better than a classic ice cream sandwich.
This is an overview of key ingredients. Get the full printable recipe with specific measurements and directions in the recipe card below.
- Cookies: Choose a firmer, crispy cookie rather than a soft one, since it holds up better once frozen. Make your own or buy your favorite. I listed a bunch of my favorites below.
- Ice Cream: Vanilla is the classic choice, but chocolate or mint chocolate chip both work beautifully.
- Toppings: Mini chocolate chips, m&m’s, coconut flakes, chopped peanut butter cups, whipped cream or whipped topping, sliced almonds, and sprinkles all press easily into the ice cream edge.
Variations and Substitutions to Love this Recipe
There are so many ways to make these sandwiches your own. You can use cake instead of cookies and make ice cream sandwich cake recipe. Stack layers of ice cream sandwiches on a platter in place of the ice cream cake. Which make the perfect birthday cake.
➡️ Swap the Cookie: Try sugar cookies, snickerdoodles, or peanut butter cookies instead of a classic chocolate chip cookie.
➡️ Add Cereal: Roll the edges in crushed Fruity Pebbles or Cinnamon Toast Crunch for a fun crunch.
➡️ Use Flavored Chips: Butterscotch or peanut butter chips make a great change from classic chocolate chips.
➡️ Toppings of Chocolate and Caramel: Drizzle caramel or hot fudge topping on top of the ice cream. Add a layer of crushed Oreos for a cookies and cream vibe, Butterfingers, or other treats.
➡️ Go Dairy-Free: Use a dairy-free ice cream and cool whip to make this work for more dietary needs.
➡️Finish: Place the sandwich on a plate and add a layer of whipped topping, chocolate syrup and a cherry on top like a special ice cream sundae.
Kitchen Tools To Make My Easy Ice Cream Sandwiches
Equipment can have a big impact on how a recipe turns out. This summer dessert is easy to make with the right tools.
- Rimmed Baking Sheet or Baking Dish: Gives you a flat surface to freeze the assembled sandwiches on before wrapping them.
- Parchment Paper: Keeps the sandwiches from sticking to the pan or to each other while they firm up.
- Ice Cream Scoop: A good quality scoop makes this job easier.
How to Make Ice Cream Cookie Sandwiches
Homemade vanilla ice cream sandwiches made with soft, chewy cookies and your favorite ice cream. Easy to assemble, freezer‑friendly, and perfect for summer.
These are just highlights. Get the full printable recipe with specific measurements and directions in the recipe card below.
- Set up your toppings. Add each topping to its own small bowl for easy rolling.
- Assemble the sandwich. Scoop ice cream between two cookies and press gently together.
- Roll in toppings. Roll the ice cream edge in your topping of choice.
- Freeze to set. Pop it in the freezer until firm, about 10 to 20 minutes.
- Wrap and store. Wrap each sandwich individually for the freezer.
Prep Ahead and Short Cut Tips to Make an Ice Cream Sandwich
Prep‑ahead and shortcut tips make these homemade ice cream sandwiches even easier to pull off. From freezing components in advance to using simple make‑ahead tricks that streamline assembly, these ideas help you work smarter, keep the mess down, and get perfect sandwiches every time.
➡️ Freeze the Cookies First: Pop your cookies in the freezer ahead of time so they don’t soften as quickly during assembly.
➡️ Prep Toppings in Bowls Early: Set out all of your topping bowls before you start scooping, so you can move quickly. Have separate bowls of caramel sauce or hot fudge sauce and crushed candy bars.
➡️ Make a Big Batch at Once: Assemble a full batch in one sitting and freeze them all, so dessert is ready anytime.
How Do I Keep My No-Bake Dessert from Getting Too Hard in the Freezer?
Use a softer ice cream (not the super‑premium, low‑air brands) and let the sandwiches freeze only until firm. Wrap the ice cream sandwich dessert well to prevent icy edges.
Store and Use Leftover Ice Cream Desserts
- Storing: Wrap each sandwich individually and store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to six weeks.
- Using Leftover Ice Cream Sandwich Dessert: Crumble any extra cookies or toppings over a bowl of ice cream for a quick sundae. If you love a fun frozen treat, my Pina Colada Poke Cake is another easy make-ahead dessert worth trying next.
Expert Tips for Making a No-Bake Frozen Dessert
The expert tips below help you get consistently great results for my ice cream sandwich dessert whether you’re making them for a party or stocking the freezer. These are the small, smart adjustments that make assembly easier, keep the cookies soft, prevent icy edges, and give you neatly layered sandwiches every time.
➡️Keep Everything Cold: I work fast and keep my ice cream in the freezer until the moment I need it, since it softens quickly.
➡️ Press Toppings On by Hand: I use my hand to press toppings into the ice cream if rolling alone doesn’t make them stick.
➡️ Use a Firm Cookie: I always reach for a firmer, crispier cookie, since soft cookies get mushy once frozen.
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Ice Cream Sandwich Dessert
Ingredients
- 1 half gallon Vanilla ice cream
- 16 Cookies, store-bought or homemade
- Mini chocolate chips, for rolling
- Coconut flakes, for rolling
- Sliced almonds, for rolling
- Walnut pieces, for rolling
- Sprinkles, for rolling
Instructions
- Turn a cookie upside down. Scoop a portion of ice cream onto the cookie.
- Place a second cookie on top, right side up, and press gently together. Use a knife or icing spatula to even out any ice cream that pushes out past the edges.
- Roll the ice cream edge in the topping of your choice. Press the topping on by hand with your fingers if it doesn't stick on its own.
- Place the finished sandwich on a rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Freeze the sandwiches for 10 to 20 minutes, until firm.
- Wrap each sandwich individually in parchment paper. Store the wrapped sandwiches in a freezer bag for up to six weeks.
- Let a sandwich sit at room temperature for a few minutes before eating, since the cookies will be hard straight from the freezer.
Christina’s Notes
- Choose a Firm Cookie: Soft cookies turn mushy once frozen, so stick with a firmer, crispier variety.
- Work Quickly: Ice cream softens fast at room temperature, so assemble each sandwich as quickly as you can.
- Freeze Long Enough: Give the sandwiches the full 10 to 20 minutes in the freezer so they hold together when you unwrap them.
- Wrap Individually: Wrapping each sandwich on its own keeps them from sticking together in the freezer.
- Storage Tip: Store wrapped sandwiches in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to six weeks.
For more helpful information about this recipe, such as variations, substitutions and other pro-tips, scroll up on the page.
