How to Make an Ice Cream Sandwich

There's nothing quite like a delicious ice cream sandwich on a hot summer day. But store-bought ice cream sandwich options can be pricey and lack the customization of a homemade treat. The good news is that creating your own ice cream sandwiches is surprisingly simple! With just a few ingredients and some creativity, you can whip up a batch of frozen delights that are sure to impress - and be devoured in no time at all. 

Get Creative With Your Ingredients

The options to make ice cream sandwiches are nearly endless but the basic assembly is always the same. First, you'll need your favorite ice cream - go with vanilla if you want to keep your homemade ice cream sandwich close to the original ice cream truck version, or mix it up with bubble gum or mint chocolate chip for an extra special treat. Whether you go store-bought or homemade is completely up to you. 

Now, for the really good part. Obviously, that ice cream needs to be sandwiched between something extra tasty - and the options are about as endless as your ice cream. Try homemade Dutch chocolate cookie dough spread across a sheet pan and partially baked, then cooled in a refrigerator (and cut into rectangles) to resemble the O.G. ice cream sandwich or old-fashioned chocolate chip cookies (homemade or store-bought) to be more like a Chipwich (with the ice cream sides rolled in mini chocolate chips at the end). My ultimate indulgence? As a general preference, if I'm going to eat sweets, I prefer cake over cookies. A little ice cream spread between two halves of a chocolate cake donut works splendidly for this particular application. Trust me, it's freaking delicious!

How to Assemble Your Ice Cream Sandwich

1. Let your sandwich halves cool completely: If you're making your cookies (or donuts) from scratch, let them cool completely before assembling your ice cream sandwich; otherwise, you're bound to get a gooey, melty mess.

2. Soften the ice cream (optional): If your ice cream is rock-solid, let it sit on the counter for a few minutes to soften slightly. This will make scooping easier.

3. Assemble the sandwiches: Place a generous scoop of ice cream on a cooled cookie. Gently spread the ice cream to the edges, creating a flat surface. Top with another cookie. Pro tip: For a tighter seal, press the center of the sandwich gently to push the ice cream towards the edges. Don't overdo it, or you might break the cookies!

4. Add toppings (optional): Gently roll the edges of the sandwich in sprinkles, chopped nuts, or mini chocolate chips for extra pizazz.

Freezing and Storing Homemade Ice Cream Sandwiches

• Freeze immediately: Ice cream sandwiches are best enjoyed frozen solid. Wrap each sandwich individually in plastic wrap or parchment paper. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet or in an airtight container and freeze for at least a few hours, or overnight for a firmer texture.

• Enjoy within a week: While homemade ice cream sandwiches can last longer in the freezer, the quality of the cookies may deteriorate over time.

With a little planning and these simple steps, you can create delicious homemade ice cream sandwiches that are perfect for beating the summer heat and satisfying your sweet tooth!