These homemade chocolate chip cookie ice cream sandwiches feature irresistibly soft, chewy cookies filled with creamy ice cream and rolled in sprinkles, mini chocolate chips, or chopped nuts. They freeze beautifully without becoming hard, making them the perfect make-ahead summer dessert.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe creates soft, bakery-style chocolate chip cookies that stay tender even after freezing, thanks to the perfect balance of sugars. Paired with your favorite ice cream, these sandwiches bring together cold creaminess and chewy cookie bliss in every bite. They’re customizable, kid-friendly, freezer-friendly, and ideal for parties or last-minute dessert cravings.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup white sugar
1 1/4 cups packed light brown sugar
2 large eggs, cold
2 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1 1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
3 quarts ice cream flavor of choice
Assorted sprinkles, mini chocolate chips, or chopped nuts

Directions

Preheat the oven to 375°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
In a stand mixer, cream together the butter, white sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
Add the cold eggs one at a time, mixing after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Add the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Mix just until combined, then fold in the chocolate chips.
Scoop 2-tablespoon portions of dough onto the baking sheets, spacing them at least 2 inches apart.
Bake for 9 to 12 minutes, rotating the sheets halfway through, until edges are lightly crisp and centers are barely set.
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, then move them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Once cooled, turn half of the cookies upside down. Add a scoop of softened ice cream to each and top with another cookie, gently pressing to spread the ice cream.
Roll the exposed ice cream edges in sprinkles, mini chips, or nuts.
Wrap each sandwich tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for at least 4 hours, or until firm.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 12 ice cream sandwiches
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Freezing Time: 4 hours
Total Time: About 4 hours 30 minutes

Variations

M&M Version: Replace the chocolate chip cookies with soft M&M cookies for a colorful twist.
Flavor Swaps: Use chocolate, coffee, caramel, or strawberry ice cream for fun combinations.
Nutty Crunch: Roll the edges in chopped pecans, almonds, or pistachios.
Double Chocolate: Add 1/4 cup cocoa powder to the cookie dough for chocolate-chocolate ice cream sandwiches.

Storage/Reheating

Store the wrapped ice cream sandwiches in an airtight container or freezer bag to prevent freezer burn. They will keep well for up to 3 months. No reheating is required—just thaw for a minute or two at room temperature if they’re too firm to bite into.

FAQs

How do I keep the cookies soft when frozen?

A higher ratio of brown sugar helps retain moisture, ensuring the cookies stay soft even when frozen solid.

Can I use store-bought cookies?

Yes, but homemade cookies provide the best soft texture for freezing.

How soft should the ice cream be for assembling?

Let the ice cream sit at room temperature for 5–10 minutes until spreadable but not melted.

Can I make the cookies ahead of time?

Yes. Bake the cookies up to 2 days ahead and store them in an airtight container until ready to assemble.

Can I use different cookie sizes?

Absolutely. Just match your ice cream portion to the cookie size.

What’s the best way to prevent freezer burn?

Wrap each sandwich tightly in plastic wrap and store them in a sealed container.

Can I assemble these with kids?

Yes—kids enjoy rolling the sandwiches in sprinkles and helping with assembly.

How do I stop the cookies from breaking during assembly?

Ensure the cookies are fully cooled and avoid pressing too hard when applying ice cream.

Can I use a cookie cutter for uniform ice cream shapes?

Yes. Spread softened ice cream in a pan, freeze, then cut rounds using a cutter.

Do these work for parties?

They’re perfect. Make them ahead, store in the freezer, and serve straight from storage.

Conclusion

Chocolate Chip Cookie Ice Cream Sandwiches are the ultimate frozen treat—soft, chewy cookies filled with cold, creamy ice cream and customizable with your favorite coatings. They’re easy to prepare, freeze beautifully, and deliver a nostalgic yet elevated dessert experience. Whether for summer gatherings or everyday indulgence, these ice cream sandwiches are a guaranteed hit.