Do Share Recipe

I still remember the first time I made this Vanilla Bean Ice Cream Sandwiches Recipe at home, thinking they might be complicated—but they turned out surprisingly simple. When I took my first bite, the creamy vanilla ice cream paired with soft, chewy cookies felt better than anything store-bought. I love how homemade ice cream sandwiches let me control the flavors and sweetness.

Every time I make them, they disappear fast from the freezer. This recipe has now become my go-to dessert for summer gatherings and family treats. You can also enjoy similar homemade treats like Vanilla Cupcakes with Chocolate Frosting Recipe or even a Cherry Pie with Flaky Crust Recipe for variety.

Ingredients Section

Below are the ingredients you’ll need, along with why they matter and how to get the best results.

All-purpose flour – 2 cups: Provides structure to the cookies; spoon and level it for accurate measurement.
Baking soda – ½ teaspoon: Helps the cookies rise slightly and stay soft instead of dense.
Salt – ¼ teaspoon: Balances sweetness and enhances the vanilla flavor.
Unsalted butter (softened) – ¾ cup: Using softened butter creates tender, chewy cookies; avoid melted butter.
Granulated sugar – ¾ cup: Gives sweetness and helps cookies spread evenly.
Brown sugar – ½ cup: Adds moisture and a light caramel flavor, keeping cookies soft.
Egg – 1 large: Binds the dough and gives cookies a smooth texture.
Vanilla extract – 1 teaspoon: Boosts overall flavor and supports the vanilla bean notes.
Vanilla bean ice cream – 1½ quarts: Choose high-quality vanilla bean ice cream with visible specks for the best taste and aroma.

Note: This ingredient quantity makes approximately 6 to 8 servings, depending on sandwich size.

Variations

This recipe is easy to customize based on taste or dietary needs.

Dairy-free option: Use plant-based vanilla ice cream and dairy-free butter for the cookies.
Sugar-free version: Replace sugar with a baking-friendly sugar substitute and use sugar-free ice cream.
Chocolate lovers: Add mini chocolate chips to the cookie dough for extra texture.
Flavor boost: Roll the ice cream edges in crushed nuts, sprinkles, or mini chocolate chips.
Cookie swap: Use chocolate, oatmeal, or peanut butter cookies instead of vanilla cookies.

Cooking Time

Here’s a quick breakdown to help you plan:

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 32 minutes (plus chilling and freezing)

Equipment You Need

Mixing bowls – for combining dry and wet ingredients smoothly
Hand mixer or whisk – to cream butter and sugar evenly
Baking sheet – for baking cookies evenly
Parchment paper – prevents cookies from sticking
Ice cream scoop – helps portion ice cream neatly

How to Make Vanilla Bean Ice Cream Sandwiches Recipe?

This recipe comes together in simple steps that anyone can follow.

Prepare the Cookie Dough

Start by mixing the flour, baking soda, and salt in a bowl. In another bowl, I cream the butter with both sugars until light and fluffy. Then I mix in the egg and vanilla extract until everything looks smooth and well combined.

Bake the Cookies

I scoop small portions of dough onto a lined baking sheet, spacing them evenly. The cookies bake until the edges are lightly golden but the centers remain soft. Once baked, I let them cool completely so the ice cream won’t melt later.

Assemble the Ice Cream Sandwiches

I place a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream on the flat side of one cookie. Then I gently press another cookie on top, forming a sandwich. I wrap each sandwich tightly and freeze until firm.

Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better

After making these many times, I’ve learned a few tricks that really help.

I always chill the cookies before assembling; it keeps the ice cream from melting too fast.
Using slightly underbaked cookies gives the best soft texture once frozen.
I prefer premium vanilla bean ice cream because the flavor truly shines through.
Wrapping sandwiches individually keeps them fresh and prevents freezer burn.

How to Serve Vanilla Bean Ice Cream Sandwiches Recipe?

These ice cream sandwiches are perfect straight from the freezer on hot days. I like serving them on a chilled platter to keep them firm longer. For a fun presentation, I drizzle melted chocolate over the top or dust lightly with powdered sugar. They also pair beautifully with fresh berries or a glass of cold milk.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a general idea of the nutritional value per serving:

Calories: Provides a satisfying dessert portion
Protein: Comes mainly from milk and eggs
Carbohydrates: Mostly from cookies and ice cream
Fat: From butter and cream, adding richness

Make Ahead and Storage

Make Ahead

You can prepare the cookies a day in advance and store them in an airtight container. I often do this when planning for parties. The ice cream sandwiches can also be assembled ahead of time and frozen.

Storage

Wrap each sandwich tightly in plastic wrap or parchment paper. Store them in an airtight container in the freezer to maintain texture and flavor. They stay fresh for up to two weeks.

Reheating or Softening

These sandwiches don’t need reheating. I usually let them sit at room temperature for 2 to 3 minutes before serving so the cookies soften slightly.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

This recipe has so many reasons to become a favorite in your kitchen.

It’s simple and beginner-friendly, even if you’ve never made ice cream sandwiches before.
You can customize flavors easily to match your taste or dietary needs.
The homemade texture is softer and fresher than store-bought versions.
It’s perfect for make-ahead desserts, parties, or family treats.

With its creamy center and soft cookies, this vanilla bean ice cream sandwiches recipe is a dessert I truly enjoy making and sharing again and again.

Ben Carraoli