Pin it
If you crave a dessert that pairs chewy cookies with creamy ice cream, these ice cream cookie sandwiches are your next go to treat. They combine rich, nutty peanut butter oatmeal cookies and your favorite ice cream for a nostalgic treat that is crowd pleasing and customizable.
I started baking these one summer for a pool party and now my family insists I keep a stash in the freezer for quick desserts and last minute celebrations.
Ingredients
- Unsalted butter: provides the cookies with a soft bite and rich flavor Look for a quality stick of butter that is pale yellow and fresh smelling
- Light brown sugar: brings moisture and subtle caramel notes Make sure it feels soft and clump free in the bag
- White sugar: adds classic sweetness and balances the brown sugar’s depth Use pure cane sugar for the best crystal texture
- Eggs: act as a binder and help the cookies rise Choose large eggs that are bright and uncracked for the best result
- Baking soda: ensures the cookies are light with the perfect spread Check that your baking soda is still active by adding a pinch to vinegar to see if it fizzes
- Vanilla extract: adds warmth and boosts all the other flavors Opt for pure vanilla for the biggest flavor impact
- Maple syrup or pancake syrup: gives the cookie a balanced sweetness Try to pick a pure maple syrup if possible for richer flavor
- Creamy peanut butter: supplies nutty flavor and the signature chewy texture Choose a brand with minimal added sugar or oil for the tastiest cookie
- Quick one minute oats: give the cookies body while keeping them soft Steer away from steel cut or old fashioned for the right texture
- Semi sweet chocolate chips: add melty little pockets of chocolate Pick chocolate chips that look glossy and are well sealed for freshness
Step-by-step Instructions
- Cream the Butter and Sugars:
- Use a stand or hand mixer to combine the butter with both brown and white sugar on medium speed Beat until the mixture is fluffy and pale about 3 minutes This step traps air for a lighter texture
- Add Eggs and Flavorings:
- Mix in the eggs vanilla baking soda and your chosen syrup Scrape down the sides of the bowl to make sure everything is blended The batter may look a bit curdled and that is normal
- Add Peanut Butter and Oats:
- Beat in the peanut butter until the dough looks cohesive and smooth Then add the quick oats by stirring gently with a spatula until fully incorporated
- Mix in Chocolate Chips:
- Sprinkle in the chocolate chips and fold them through the dough Try not to over mix to keep the cookies tender
- Shape the Cookies:
- Scoop mounds of dough with a large cookie scoop or two spoons Roll each mound gently between your hands to create a smooth ball Even spacing on lined baking sheets will help the cookies bake evenly
- Bake the Cookies:
- Slide the baking sheet into the oven and bake for about twelve minutes Watch closely The edges should look just golden while the tops still have a slight sheen This ensures soft chewy cookies
- Cool the Cookies:
- Let the cookies rest on the sheet for one minute before transferring them to a wire rack to finish cooling completely Do not rush this step or warm cookies could fall apart
- Assemble the Sandwiches:
- Once the cookies are cool scoop a generous portion about a third cup of your favorite ice cream onto a cookie Place a second cookie on top and press gently until the ice cream spreads evenly
- Freeze Until Firm:
- Lay finished sandwiches on a tray and place in the freezer for at least three hours so the ice cream sets and the cookies hold together
Pin it
Storage Tips
Layer the assembled sandwiches between parchment in an airtight container and stash them in the coldest part of your freezer This keeps them from sticking together or picking up freezer smells If you want to make them ahead for a party or just to have on hand this method works beautifully
Ingredient Substitutions
If peanut allergies are a concern swap in almond or sunflower seed butter easily Chocolate chips can be replaced with peanut butter chips or butterscotch chunks Old fashioned oats will work if you pulse them a few times in a food processor Gluten free quick oats also create a great result if needed
Pin it
Serving Suggestions
Roll the edges of your sandwiches in mini chocolate chips sprinkles or chopped nuts to make them even more festive You can use any flavor of ice cream although vanilla and chocolate offer classic simplicity For summer parties serve these on a platter over a bed of ice cubes to keep them cool outside
Cultural Notes
Ice cream cookie sandwiches feel all American but their roots are international Many cultures pair baked goods with ice cream for celebrations and family gatherings In our family nothing says summer like a homemade ice cream sandwich straight from the freezer on a busy afternoon
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What type of oats is best?
Quick 1-minute oats are recommended for their texture and quick baking, lending chewiness to each bite.
- → Can different nut butters be used?
Yes, substitute with almond or cashew butters if preferred, though peanut butter provides classic flavor.
- → What ice cream flavors pair well?
Vanilla, chocolate, or peanut butter ice cream works wonderfully, but feel free to experiment with favorites.
- → How do you prevent cookies from becoming too hard when frozen?
Bake just until barely browned; this ensures cookies remain soft and easy to bite even after freezing.
- → Can cookies be baked ahead of time?
Absolutely. Bake and cool the cookies, then store in an airtight container until ready to assemble sandwiches.