If you have a soft spot for nostalgic flavors and indulgent treats, you are in for a real delight with The Ultimate Cookie Dough Ice Cream Sandwich Recipe. This heavenly creation blends the chewy richness of chocolate chip cookies with creamy, dreamy homemade cookie dough ice cream that’s studded with luscious chunks of dough and melty chocolate chips. Every bite feels like pure joy, combining textures and flavors that bring your favorite childhood dessert and ice cream parlor fantasy into one glorious sandwich. Whether you’re entertaining friends, treating the kids, or just craving something extraordinary, this recipe is exactly what you need.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for simple, everyday ingredients, but each one plays a crucial role in creating layers of flavor and perfect texture. From the buttery cookie dough to the creamy ice cream base, these essentials are the backbone of The Ultimate Cookie Dough Ice Cream Sandwich Recipe.
- Unsalted butter (1 stick, softened): Provides richness and moisture for the cookie dough.
- Granulated sugar (2 tbsp): Adds the perfect touch of sweetness and helps with texture.
- Brown sugar (â…“ cup, packed): Brings a deep caramel flavor and chewy softness to the dough.
- Whole milk (2 tbsp): Moistens the dough and balances the dry ingredients.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp + 2 tbsp): Infuses warmth and enhances all the other flavors.
- Flour (1 ¼ cups): Forms the structure of the cookie dough.
- Kosher salt (¼ tsp): Elevates sweetness and balances the flavors.
- Semisweet chocolate chips or disks (1 ⅓ cups, divided): Add chocolatey bursts—some mixed in dough, others folded into the ice cream.
- Half-and-half (4 cups): Creates the creamy base for the ice cream.
- Sweetened condensed milk (1 can, 14 oz): Adds sweetness and helps achieve that silky ice cream texture.
- Chocolate chip cookies (36, store-bought or homemade): The perfect vessel, sturdy and delicious, to sandwich the ice cream.
How to Make The Ultimate Cookie Dough Ice Cream Sandwich Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Dough
Start by creaming the softened butter with granulated and brown sugars until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial because it incorporates air into the dough, giving it that soft, tender crumb. Then pour in the milk and vanilla extract for moisture and flavor. Finally, stir in the flour and kosher salt until you have a smooth, cohesive dough. This combination forms the foundation of your homemade cookie dough ice cream.
Step 2: Freeze the Dough Chunks
Divide your dough carefully. Take one-third of it and freeze it plain—no chocolate chips here. The remaining two-thirds gets stirred with a third cup of chocolate chips before freezing. Freezing these dough portions separately helps maintain their distinct texture and ensures those soft cookie dough chunks stay perfectly tender when folded into the ice cream later. Once frozen, cut the plain dough into small squares and set aside for adding to the ice cream mix.
Step 3: Mix the Ice Cream Base
Next, melt the frozen plain dough in the microwave until it’s just softened, then combine it with half-and-half, sweetened condensed milk, and two tablespoons of vanilla extract in a large bowl. This mixture forms the luscious, creamy ice cream base, infused with cookie dough flavor in every spoonful. Whisk everything together until smooth, then transfer the mixture to your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Step 4: Add Cookie Dough Chunks & Chocolate Chips
Just before the churning finishes—about one minute to go—add both those frozen cookie dough squares and the remaining chocolate chips. This timing keeps the dough chunks from melting completely so you get delightful pockets of chewy cookie dough throughout the creamy ice cream, along with chocolate chips that add crunch and sweetness.
Step 5: Set and Chill
Transfer your churned cookie dough ice cream to a pan and generously sprinkle the top with extra cookie dough pieces and chocolate chips. Cover and freeze for at least four to six hours, or overnight, to fully set the ice cream for easy scooping and optimal flavor melding.
Step 6: Assemble Your Sandwiches
Scoop about one-third cup of your perfectly frozen cookie dough ice cream onto the bottom of a chocolate chip cookie. Top with a second cookie and press gently until the ice cream spreads evenly to the edges. This method keeps the sandwich intact without squishing out the creamy filling.
Step 7: Final Freeze
Pop your assembled ice cream sandwiches back into the freezer for one to two hours. This step is key to firming the ice cream so that it holds its shape and melts slowly when you dig in, giving you the ideal balance of cookie crunch and creamy coolness.
How to Serve The Ultimate Cookie Dough Ice Cream Sandwich Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate your presentation by rolling the edges of the sandwiches in mini chocolate chips, sprinkles, or crushed nuts before the final freeze. These little touches add bursts of flavor, texture, and visual appeal, turning a simple treat into a showstopper.
Side Dishes
For an extra special dessert experience, serve these sandwiches with a drizzle of warm caramel or chocolate sauce. A side of fresh berries or a bowl of whipped cream pairs beautifully by cutting through the richness with bright, fresh flavors and a lighter texture.
Creative Ways to Present
Try offering a DIY ice cream sandwich bar by setting out bowls of your cookie dough ice cream, assorted cookies, and fun toppings like chopped candies, toffee bits, or shredded coconut. Invite guests to build their own custom creations—it’s a fantastic interactive dessert idea that everyone loves.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover assembled ice cream sandwiches wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container to prevent freezer burn and preserve their fresh-baked flavor and creamy texture.
Freezing
Both the ice cream and assembled sandwiches freeze exceptionally well. For the best results, freeze sandwiches on a tray initially to keep their shape, then transfer to an airtight container once firm. This method keeps them fresh for up to two weeks without sacrificing taste or texture.
Reheating
Since these are ice cream sandwiches, reheating is not recommended. Instead, let frozen sandwiches sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before serving to enjoy a perfect, scoopable texture without melting away too fast.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought cookie dough for the ice cream?
While homemade cookie dough offers the freshest flavor and texture, you can substitute store-bought dough if you’re short on time. Just make sure it’s safe to eat raw and free of eggs or heat-treat it to avoid any health risks.
What type of cookies work best for the sandwiches?
Chocolate chip cookies are classic, but you can experiment with chewy or cakey cookies depending on your preference. Just opt for sturdier cookies that won’t crumble or crack easily when pressed together with ice cream.
Do I need an ice cream maker for this recipe?
Using an ice cream maker is highly recommended for the best texture and creaminess, but if you don’t have one, you can try freezing the mixture in a shallow pan, stirring every 30 minutes until firm—though it will be less smooth.
Can I make the ice cream in advance and assemble later?
Absolutely! The ice cream can be frozen for several days ahead. Just assemble the sandwiches close to when you plan to serve for the freshest results and firmest texture.
Is this recipe dairy-free or vegan friendly?
This classic recipe uses dairy ingredients for that creamy richness. However, you can try substituting coconut milk or almond milk and vegan butter alternatives, but results may vary. Also, ensure cookie dough ingredients align with your dietary needs.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about The Ultimate Cookie Dough Ice Cream Sandwich Recipe—it’s a dessert that feels like a warm hug wrapped in sweet, creamy joy. Once you make these at home, you’ll be hooked on the perfect marriage of chewy cookie dough, rich vanilla ice cream, and chocolate chips nestled between cookies. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and share the love with friends and family; it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will make any day a little sweeter and a lot more fun.
Print
The Ultimate Cookie Dough Ice Cream Sandwich Recipe
- Prep Time: 6 hours
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 6 hours
- Yield: 18 sandwiches
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
Indulge in the Ultimate Cookie Dough Ice Cream Sandwich, a decadent treat combining rich cookie dough-infused ice cream with classic chocolate chip cookies. This recipe features homemade cookie dough chunks mixed into creamy, sweet ice cream, all sandwiched between chewy chocolate chip cookies for the perfect crunchy and creamy bite. Ideal for warm days or dessert cravings, this no-bake recipe involves some chilling and freezing time but yields 18 delightful sandwiches that impress.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 stick unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- â…“ cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tbsp whole milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 ¼ cups flour
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 â…“ cups semisweet chocolate chips or disks (divided)
Ice Cream
- 4 cups half-and-half
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk (14 ounces)
- 2 tablespoons vanilla extract
- Cookie dough chunks (from above cookie dough)
Assembly
- 36 chocolate chip cookies (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions
- Prepare the cookie dough: Cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy. Then add the whole milk and vanilla extract, mixing well. Gradually incorporate the flour and kosher salt until you have a cohesive dough.
- Divide and freeze dough: Separate one-third of the dough and freeze it without adding chocolate chips. To the remaining dough, fold in one-third cup of semisweet chocolate chips. Freeze the cookie dough portion without chocolate chips on a sheet until solid, then cut into small squares and set aside for later use.
- Make the ice cream base: Melt the frozen cookie dough portion without chocolate chips in the microwave until smooth. In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted cookie dough with half-and-half, sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla extract. Mix thoroughly to blend all ingredients well.
- Churn the ice cream: Pour the mixture into your ice cream maker and start churning according to the manufacturer’s instructions. One minute before churning is complete, add the frozen cookie dough chunks and the remaining chocolate chips so they incorporate evenly.
- Freeze the ice cream: Transfer the churned ice cream to a pan. For added texture and flavor, top with extra cookie dough chunks and chocolate chips. Cover and freeze the ice cream for 4-6 hours or preferably overnight to solidify.
- Assemble the sandwiches: Scoop about â…“ cup of the frozen cookie dough ice cream onto one chocolate chip cookie. Gently press another cookie on top to make a sandwich, ensuring the ice cream is evenly spread and held together.
- Final freezing: Place the assembled ice cream sandwiches into the freezer and chill for 1-2 hours to firm up the ice cream and help the sandwich maintain its shape until ready to serve.
Notes
- Use half-and-half for a creamy texture; whole milk can be substituted if needed but may reduce creaminess.
- If you don’t have an ice cream maker, freeze the mixture in a shallow container and stir vigorously every 30 minutes until firm.
- Store assembled sandwiches in an airtight container to prevent freezer burn.
- For best results, freeze the cookie dough chunks solid before adding to the ice cream to maintain texture.
- Feel free to use homemade chocolate chip cookies for more flavor control or store-bought for convenience.
