24 Irresistible Mini Ice Cream Sandwiches You Need Now

Who doesn’t love the joy of biting into a cold, creamy mini ice cream sandwich? These little guys are the ultimate party trick – simple to make but always stealing the show. I still remember my mom letting me assemble them as a kid, my hands getting sticky as I pressed the cookies together with way too much enthusiasm (and ice cream). The best part? You don’t need any fancy equipment or baking skills – just cookies, ice cream, and about 10 minutes of playtime before they set up in the freezer. They’re the perfect no-fuss dessert that makes everyone feel like a kid again.

Why You’ll Love These Mini Ice Cream Sandwiches

Trust me, these little treats are absolute game-changers. Here’s why they’re always a hit:

• No-bake magic: Skip the oven—just assemble, freeze, and enjoy. Perfect for hot summer days when baking feels impossible.
• Endless combos: Chocolate cookies with vanilla? Peanut butter with strawberry? The flavor possibilities are as fun as you want them to be.
• Kid-approved (and kid-friendly to make!): Tiny hands love helping with this one—just be prepared for a little mess (and a lot of giggles).
• Party-perfect: Bite-sized means no plates or utensils needed, and they look adorable on any dessert table.

Seriously, it’s happiness in two cookies and a scoop of ice cream.

Ingredients for Mini Ice Cream Sandwiches

You’ll need just two main ingredients for these sweet little bites – but I’m picky about getting them just right:

• 24 small cookies (2-inch diameter): Crisp ones hold their shape best (think Oreos or shortbread), but soft chocolate chip work too if you freeze them first!
• 1 pint (16 oz) ice cream: Full-fat varieties like vanilla bean or mint chip spread easiest when slightly softened. Pro tip: Avoid “light” versions – they get icy when frozen.

That’s it! Well… plus your favorite sprinkles or melted chocolate if you’re feeling fancy.

How to Make Mini Ice Cream Sandwiches

Okay, let’s get to the fun part – assembling these little bites of joy! I’ve made hundreds (maybe thousands?) of these over the years, so I’ve got this process down to a science. The secret? Work quickly but gently, and don’t skip that freezer time!

Step 1: Prepare the Cookies

First, line a baking sheet with parchment paper – trust me, this saves so much mess later. Arrange half your cookies upside down (the flat side up), spacing them about an inch apart. This gives you the perfect little platforms for your ice cream pillows.

Step 2: Add the Ice Cream

Here’s where my favorite kitchen tool comes in – a small cookie scoop! Scoop about 1 tablespoon of slightly softened ice cream onto each cookie base. Resist the urge to overfill! You want enough to sandwich but not so much that it oozes everywhere when you press the top cookie on.

Step 3: Assemble and Freeze

Now the delicate part – gently place the remaining cookies on top and press just until the ice cream reaches the edges. Don’t squash them! Pop the tray in the freezer for at least an hour – this lets the ice cream firm up properly so they don’t fall apart when you bite into them.

Tips for Perfect Mini Ice Cream Sandwiches

After making these little guys more times than I can count, I’ve learned a few tricks to make them absolutely foolproof:

• Chill your cookies first: Cold cookies won’t get soggy as fast when the ice cream hits them – 15 minutes in the freezer makes all the difference!
• Work fast but stay calm: Ice cream melts quickly, so have everything ready before you start scooping. But don’t rush too much – messy sandwiches still taste amazing.
• The spoon trick: Run your scoop or spoon under hot water and dry it between scoops. The warmth helps make perfect rounds without sticking.
• Freeze between steps: If your kitchen is warm, pop the tray in the freezer for 5 minutes after adding the ice cream before topping with cookies.

Remember – even if they’re not perfect, they’ll still disappear fast!

Mini Ice Cream Sandwich Variations

Oh, this is where the real fun begins! Once you master the basics, try these favorite combos from my kitchen:

• Classic Twist: Chocolate chip cookies with mint chocolate chip ice cream – the cold mint makes it extra refreshing!
• PB&J Style: Peanut butter cookies with strawberry ice cream – tastes just like the sandwich but way better.
• Gluten-Free: Use your favorite GF cookies (almond flour ones work great) with dairy-free ice cream for allergy-friendly treats.
• Fancy Party: Shortbread cookies with lavender honey ice cream – sounds fancy but so easy!

The rule? If you love the flavors together, they’ll be amazing sandwiched!

Storing and Serving Mini Ice Cream Sandwiches

Here’s the best part – you can make these little guys way ahead of time! Just layer them in an airtight container with parchment between layers (so they don’t stick together), and they’ll keep happily in your freezer for up to 2 weeks. When it’s party time, serve them on a chilled platter – I like to pop my serving dish in the freezer for 10 minutes first so they stay picture-perfect longer. Pro tip: Let them sit at room temperature for just a minute before serving – that sweet spot when the cookies soften slightly but the ice cream stays firm is pure magic!

Mini Ice Cream Sandwiches FAQ

Got questions? I’ve got answers from years of ice cream sandwich adventures (and mishaps!):

Can I use homemade cookies?
Absolutely! Just make sure they’re completely cooled and about 2 inches wide. Pro tip: Bake them a little crispier than usual since they’ll soften in the freezer.

How do I prevent melting while assembling?
Work fast in a cool kitchen and chill your cookies first. If disaster strikes, just smoosh everything into an “ice cream sandwich bowl” – it’ll taste just as good!

Can I make these ahead?
Yes! They actually get better after a day in the freezer. Just store in an airtight container with parchment between layers.

Nutritional Information

These are estimates per mini sandwich (your exact numbers will vary based on cookie and ice cream choices): about 120 calories, 6g fat, and 15g carbs. But let’s be real – nobody eats just one! Now go make a batch and tell me your favorite flavor combo in the comments – I’m always looking for new ideas to try!

Print