Looking for a playful, colorful dessert that’s as fun to make as it is to eat? These Sprinkles Cookie and Vanilla Ice Cream Sandwiches combine soft, chewy sugar cookies loaded with rainbow sprinkles and creamy vanilla ice cream for a nostalgic twist on a childhood favorite. Perfect for birthday parties, summer BBQs, or a sweet treat any day of the week.
This no-fuss frozen dessert can be made ahead, customized with your favorite ice cream flavors, and even stored in the freezer for grab-and-go indulgence.
Ingredients
Makes 8 ice cream sandwiches
For the Sprinkle Cookies:
- 170g (¾ cup) unsalted butter, softened
- 150g (¾ cup) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 220g (1¾ cups) all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 80g (½ cup) rainbow sprinkles (jimmies work best)
For the Filling:
- 1 pint (475ml) premium vanilla ice cream, slightly softened
Prep and Chill Time
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Chill dough: 30 minutes
- Bake time: 10–12 minutes
- Assembly + freezing: 30 minutes
- Total time: Approximately 1.5–2 hours (including chill and set)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Make the Cookie Dough
- In a mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).
- Add the egg and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until just combined.
- Gently fold in the sprinkles with a spatula.
Step 2: Chill the Dough
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This helps prevent spreading and creates thicker cookies.
Step 3: Bake the Cookies
- Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll dough into 16 evenly sized balls and place 5 cm apart on the baking sheet.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Allow cookies to cool on the baking tray for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 4: Assemble the Ice Cream Sandwiches
- Once cookies are cool, scoop about ⅓ cup of softened vanilla ice cream onto the flat side of one cookie.
- Top with another cookie, flat side down, and gently press to spread the ice cream evenly.
- Roll edges in additional sprinkles, crushed cookies, or mini chocolate chips for extra flair.
- Place sandwiches on a baking tray and freeze for 30 minutes to firm up.
Step 5: Serve or Store
- Serve immediately for a soft sandwich or freeze longer for a firmer texture.
- Wrap each sandwich in parchment and store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 weeks.
Nutritional Highlights
| Nutrient | Per Sandwich (Approximate) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 360 |
| Total Fat | 18g |
| Saturated Fat | 11g |
| Cholesterol | 60mg |
| Sodium | 120mg |
| Carbohydrates | 46g |
| Sugars | 28g |
| Protein | 4g |
| Calcium | 8% DV |
| Fiber | 0.5g |
Note: Using low-fat or dairy-free ice cream can reduce saturated fat and cholesterol levels. You can also substitute gluten-free flour for an allergy-friendly variation.
Flavor Variations
- Chocolate Lover’s Version: Use double chocolate chip cookies and chocolate ice cream
- Berry Swirl: Swap vanilla for strawberry or raspberry ripple ice cream
- Nutty Delight: Add chopped peanuts or almonds to the ice cream edges
- Holiday Edition: Use red and green sprinkles for Christmas, pastels for Easter, or themed sprinkles for birthdays
Pro Tips for Perfect Ice Cream Sandwiches
- Let the cookies cool completely before assembling to prevent melting.
- Use a cookie scoop for even dough portions.
- Wrap each sandwich individually for easy freezing and portioning.
- Slightly underbake cookies for a softer bite that doesn’t crack when frozen.
These Sprinkles Cookie and Vanilla Ice Cream Sandwiches are a joyful, colorful treat that combines homemade charm with freezer-friendly convenience. Whether you’re entertaining guests or treating yourself, this dessert delivers both flavor and fun in every bite.