If you’re looking for the ultimate summer dessert, look no further than The Ultimate Cookie Dough Ice Cream Sandwich. This dreamy treat layers thick, soft, edible cookie dough around creamy vanilla ice cream, creating a no-bake, nostalgic dessert that’s perfect for cooling down on a hot day or impressing friends at your next backyard BBQ. With its delightful contrast of textures and decadent flavors, it’s a playful twist on two classic favorites—cookie dough and ice cream—coming together in one unforgettable bite.

The Ultimate Cookie Dough Ice Cream Sandwich Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every single ingredient in The Ultimate Cookie Dough Ice Cream Sandwich plays a starring role, from giving the cookie dough its signature chew to ensuring the ice cream stays perfectly creamy. Here’s what you’ll need, plus a quick tip on why each is so important.

Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): The creamy backbone of the dough, it makes every bite rich and melt-in-your-mouth soft.
Brown sugar (3/4 cup): Adds deep caramel flavor and keeps the dough moist and chewy.
Granulated sugar (1/4 cup): Brings a touch of sweetness and helps with that classic cookie texture.
Milk (2 tablespoons): Loosens the dough just enough for easy mixing and a supple bite.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Rounds out the flavors with a warm, comforting aroma.
All-purpose flour, heat-treated (1 1/2 cups): Safe-to-eat flour gives structure—don’t skip the heat-treating step!
Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and makes the chocolate chips pop.
Mini chocolate chips (1 cup): The best way to guarantee gooey chocolate in every bite.
Vanilla ice cream, softened (1 1/2 quarts): Silky, classic vanilla is the perfect creamy contrast to the dough.
Mini chocolate chips or sprinkles for edges (1/2 cup, optional): For an extra festive finish and a little added crunch.

How to Make The Ultimate Cookie Dough Ice Cream Sandwich

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan

Start by lining an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, making sure there’s enough overhang on the sides for easy lifting later. This little trick ensures you can pop out your finished ice cream sandwiches with zero sticking or mess—trust me, you’ll thank yourself when it’s time to slice!

Step 2: Mix the Cookie Dough

Grab a large mixing bowl and beat together the softened unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is creamy and fluffy. You want those sugars to dissolve nicely into the butter for the smoothest dough possible. Then, stir in the milk and vanilla extract, giving your dough that classic cookie flavor base.

Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients

Now it’s time for the magic: add your heat-treated flour and a pinch of salt to the wet mixture. Stir everything together until a smooth, slightly sticky dough forms. Heat-treating the flour is key here—this step makes the dough totally safe to eat raw, so don’t skip it! Once you’ve got your dough, gently fold in those mini chocolate chips for the best distribution.

Step 4: Layer and Chill

Divide the dough in half. Press one half evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan, smoothing it out all the way to the edges. Pop the pan into the freezer for 15–20 minutes—this firms up the dough and helps keep the layers distinct when you add the ice cream.

Step 5: Add the Ice Cream Layer

Once the bottom layer is chilled, spread your softened vanilla ice cream evenly over the cookie dough. Work quickly so the ice cream stays thick and luscious! Smooth the top with a spatula for an even finish. The Ultimate Cookie Dough Ice Cream Sandwich is all about those neat, Instagram-worthy layers.

Step 6: Top and Freeze

Gently press the remaining cookie dough over the ice cream, covering it completely. This top layer brings everything together and makes each square sandwich perfectly portable. Return the entire pan to the freezer and let it set for at least 3 hours, or until everything is firm and sliceable.

Step 7: Slice and Decorate

Once fully frozen, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the slab out of the pan. Cut into 9 generous squares. For a playful finish, roll the sides of each sandwich in extra mini chocolate chips or colorful sprinkles—they’ll stick beautifully to the soft ice cream and add a festive crunch!

How to Serve The Ultimate Cookie Dough Ice Cream Sandwich

Garnishes

Dress up your ice cream sandwiches by rolling the edges in anything you love—mini chocolate chips, rainbow sprinkles, crushed graham crackers, or even chopped toasted nuts. A quick drizzle of melted chocolate over the top turns them into a downright showstopper for parties or movie nights.

Side Dishes

Pair The Ultimate Cookie Dough Ice Cream Sandwich with a tall glass of cold milk for classic comfort, or go bold with a shot of espresso for a grown-up twist. If you’re feeling extra, a scoop of fresh berries on the side adds a pop of color and tartness that balances the rich sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

These sandwiches are fantastic on a platter, but for a fun crowd-pleaser, try wrapping each one in parchment and tying with a bit of twine for a picnic-ready treat. You can also cut them into smaller rectangles or triangles for a bite-sized dessert board. Don’t be afraid to experiment—The Ultimate Cookie Dough Ice Cream Sandwich is a blank canvas for your creativity!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover sandwiches in an airtight container in the freezer. They’ll stay fresh for up to two weeks, so you can always have a sweet treat ready to go whenever the craving hits. Just make sure to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Freezing

Once assembled and sliced, freezing your sandwiches ensures they stay perfectly firm. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze solid, then transfer to a container or freezer bag. This method also helps keep the layers looking sharp.

Reheating

Since The Ultimate Cookie Dough Ice Cream Sandwich is a no-bake, frozen dessert, there’s no reheating needed. If they’re too firm straight from the freezer, let them sit at room temperature for 2–3 minutes before enjoying for the best texture.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought cookie dough instead of homemade?

You can, but making the dough from scratch really gives The Ultimate Cookie Dough Ice Cream Sandwich its signature soft and chewy texture. Store-bought doughs are often firmer and may not layer as well, but if you’re in a pinch, just make sure it’s safe to eat raw.

How do I heat-treat flour safely?

Simply microwave the flour in a microwave-safe bowl for about 1 minute and 15 seconds, stirring every 15 seconds, or bake it at 350°F for 5–7 minutes. This step eliminates any potential bacteria, making your cookie dough entirely safe to eat.

Can I use different flavors of ice cream?

Absolutely! While classic vanilla is a crowd-pleaser, feel free to swap in chocolate chip, cookie dough, or even something fruity for a fun twist. The Ultimate Cookie Dough Ice Cream Sandwich is endlessly customizable to suit your favorite flavors.

What’s the best way to cut the sandwiches cleanly?

Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry between cuts. This helps slice through the dough and ice cream smoothly, giving you those perfect, bakery-style squares every time.

Can I make these gluten free or vegan?

Yes, you can adapt the recipe! Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour and your favorite plant-based butter, milk, and ice cream for a delicious vegan or gluten-free version that keeps the spirit of The Ultimate Cookie Dough Ice Cream Sandwich alive.

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to take your first bite of The Ultimate Cookie Dough Ice Cream Sandwich—it’s seriously the best of both worlds in every bite. Whether you’re sharing with friends or sneaking one straight from the freezer for a midnight treat, this no-bake dessert is bound to become a new favorite. Give it a try, and let your inner cookie dough lover shine!

The Ultimate Cookie Dough Ice Cream Sandwich Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 16 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 3 hours 25 minutes
Yield: 9 sandwiches 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the ultimate treat with The Ultimate Cookie Dough Ice Cream Sandwich, a no-bake dessert combining creamy vanilla ice cream sandwiched between layers of sweet, buttery cookie dough studded with chocolate chips. Perfect for summer or any time you crave a cool, delicious dessert that’s easy to make and sure to impress.

Ingredients

Scale

Cookie Dough

1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
3/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (heat-treated)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup mini chocolate chips

Ice Cream Layer

1 1/2 quarts vanilla ice cream (softened)

Optional Toppings

1/2 cup mini chocolate chips or sprinkles for edges

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Instructions

Prepare the Pan: Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal later.
Make the Cookie Dough: In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and creamy. Mix in the milk and vanilla extract until well combined.
Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually stir in the heat-treated flour and salt until the dough is smooth and holds together.
Incorporate Chocolate Chips: Fold in 1 cup of mini chocolate chips evenly throughout the dough.
Form Bottom Layer: Divide the dough in half. Press one half evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to create the bottom cookie dough layer. Freeze this layer for 15–20 minutes until firm.
Add Ice Cream Layer: Spread the softened vanilla ice cream evenly over the chilled cookie dough layer, smoothing the surface with a spatula.
Add Top Cookie Dough Layer: Gently place the remaining cookie dough on top of the ice cream layer, pressing it evenly to cover the ice cream completely.
Freeze Sandwich: Freeze the entire assembled pan for at least 3 hours, or until firmly frozen through.
Cut and Decorate: Once frozen, use the parchment overhang to lift out the ice cream sandwich block. Cut into 9 equal squares and roll the edges in mini chocolate chips or sprinkles, if desired.
Serve or Store: Serve immediately for a soft-serve texture or store wrapped tightly in the freezer for later enjoyment.

Notes

To heat-treat flour, microwave it in a bowl for 1 minute 15 seconds, stirring every 15 seconds, or bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes to eliminate bacteria.
You can swap vanilla ice cream with chocolate chip, cookie dough, or any favorite flavor for variety.
For firmer cookie dough, refrigerate it before pressing into the pan if your kitchen is warm.
Use parchment paper with an overhang for easy removal of the ice cream sandwich block.

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: No-Bake
Cuisine: American