Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The Ultimate Cookie Dough Ice Cream Sandwich is the ultimate dessert that combines everything you love in one bite: soft chocolate chip cookies, creamy homemade ice cream, and chewy cookie dough chunks. This ice cream sandwich is not just a treat—it’s an experience! The best part? You can prepare it in advance and indulge whenever the craving strikes. With a delicious homemade ice cream base and fresh cookie dough, this dessert is sure to become your new favorite.

Ingredients

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

For the Cookie Dough:

1 stick unsalted butter, softened
2 tbsp granulated sugar
⅓ cup brown sugar, packed
2 tbsp whole milk
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 ¼ cups flour
¼ teaspoon kosher salt
1 ⅓ cups semisweet chocolate chips or disks (divided)

For the Ice Cream Base:

4 cups half-and-half
1 can sweetened condensed milk (14 ounces)
2 tablespoons vanilla extract

For the Cookie Sandwiches:

36 chocolate chip cookies (store-bought or homemade)

Directions

Cookie Dough Preparation

Cream the Butter and Sugars:
In a bowl, using a stand mixer or electric hand mixer, cream the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until they become noticeably lighter in color and fluffy. This should take about 2 minutes.
Add Milk and Vanilla:
Add the whole milk and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture, mixing briefly to combine.
Mix in the Dry Ingredients:
Add the flour and kosher salt, and mix until fully incorporated.
Prepare the Cookie Dough for Ice Cream:
Take about one-third of the dough and transfer it to a large microwave-safe bowl. Stir ⅓ cup of chocolate chips into the remaining dough. Freeze the cookie dough (without the chocolate chips) on a sheet. Once frozen, cut the dough into small squares that will be added to the ice cream.

Ice Cream Base

Melt the Cookie Dough:
Melt the portion of cookie dough (without chocolate chips) in the microwave at half power for about 1 minute until it’s soft and melty.
Mix the Ice Cream Base:
In a large bowl, combine the melted cookie dough, half-and-half, sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla extract. Stir the mixture together until mostly combined. It’s fine if some of the cookie dough doesn’t completely break down.
Freeze the Ice Cream:
Pour the ice cream base into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Add Cookie Dough Chunks:
About 1 minute before the ice cream is finished churning, add the chunks of the eggless cookie dough and the remaining ½ cup of chocolate chips. Stir them in, allowing the machine to incorporate the dough pieces.
Freeze the Ice Cream:
Transfer the ice cream to a pan and top it with the remaining cookie dough and chocolate chips. Freeze for 4-6 hours or overnight to ensure the ice cream firms up.

Assembling the Sandwiches

Assemble the Ice Cream Sandwiches:
Once the ice cream is ready, scoop about ⅓ cup of ice cream and place it between two chocolate chip cookies. Press gently to seal the sandwich.
Freeze the Sandwiches:
Freeze the assembled sandwiches for 1-2 hours to ensure they hold together and the ice cream stays firm.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 18 sandwiches
Prep time: 6 hours (includes freezing time)
Cook time: 0 minutes
Total time: 6 hours (including freezing time)

Variations

Different Cookie Flavors: Switch up the classic chocolate chip cookies with peanut butter, oatmeal, or snickerdoodle cookies for a unique twist.
Add Extra Toppings: Roll the sides of the ice cream sandwiches in mini chocolate chips, sprinkles, or crushed nuts for added texture and flavor.
Fudge Swirl: Add a swirl of chocolate fudge into the ice cream mixture for an even more decadent treat.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Keep the ice cream sandwiches in an airtight container or wrap them individually in plastic wrap and store them in the freezer for up to 2 weeks.
Reheating: These sandwiches are best served frozen and do not require reheating.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought cookie dough for this recipe?

Yes, you can use store-bought eggless cookie dough if you’re short on time. Just ensure it’s safe to eat raw or bake it before adding it to the ice cream.

How do I keep the cookie dough pieces from getting too hard in the ice cream?

Since the dough is eggless and has a high sugar content, it will remain soft and chewy in the ice cream, making it a perfect addition.

Can I make the ice cream ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the ice cream and store it in the freezer before assembling the sandwiches. The ice cream will stay fresh for up to 2 weeks.

Can I make this dessert without an ice cream maker?

If you don’t have an ice cream maker, you can freeze the ice cream base in a shallow dish, stirring every 30 minutes to break up the ice crystals until it reaches the desired consistency.

How can I make the sandwiches smaller?

You can use smaller cookies and scoop less ice cream for bite-sized ice cream sandwiches that are easier to serve at parties.

How long should I freeze the sandwiches before serving?

Freeze the assembled sandwiches for at least 1-2 hours before serving, so the ice cream stays firm and the sandwich is easy to eat.

Can I add more flavors to the ice cream?

Yes, feel free to add other mix-ins like crushed candy bars, caramel swirls, or fruit purees to customize the flavor of the ice cream.

Conclusion

The Ultimate Cookie Dough Ice Cream Sandwich is the perfect indulgence for any dessert lover. With its soft, chewy cookies, creamy ice cream, and chewy cookie dough pieces, this treat is bound to be a hit at any gathering. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just craving something sweet, these ice cream sandwiches are sure to deliver a satisfying and delicious experience!