Patriotic Ice Cream Sandwiches – A Cool, Fun Treat for 4th of July
Celebrate the 4th of July with these fun, festive Patriotic Ice Cream Sandwiches!
The perfect combination of creamy ice cream, a sweet cookie base, and vibrant red, white, and blue sprinkles creates an explosively colorful dessert that’s sure to be the highlight of your summer gathering.
These easy-to-make ice cream sandwiches are as fun to make as they are to eat, with each bite offering a perfect balance of crispy cookies and cool, creamy ice cream.
Whether you’re hosting a BBQ, a picnic, or a pool party, these Patriotic Ice Cream Sandwiches will be the hit of your Independence Day celebrations!
Why You’ll Love These Patriotic Ice Cream Sandwiches
- Festive and Fun: These red, white, and blue ice cream sandwiches are the perfect 4th of July dessert, bringing a pop of color and flavor to your celebration.
- Customizable Flavors: You can fill these sandwiches with any of your favorite ice cream flavors—try vanilla, strawberry, or even blueberry ice cream for a perfect patriotic treat!
- Easy to Make: With only a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, these ice cream sandwiches are quick to assemble and even more fun to eat.
- No-Bake Dessert: Perfect for hot summer days, these sandwiches require no baking—just assemble and freeze!
- Fun for Everyone: Kids will love helping decorate the sandwiches, and adults will appreciate the cool, refreshing treat.
Ingredients:
For the Cookies:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup milk
For the Filling:
- 2 cups vanilla ice cream (or any flavor you prefer)
- Red and blue sprinkles (for decoration)
- 1 tablespoon mini chocolate chips (optional, for decoration)
Step-By-Step Instructions:
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Freeze Time: 1 hour (or until firm)
Servings: 6-8 sandwiches
1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Cookie Dough:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, and stir until just combined.
2. Shape the Cookies:
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, about 2 inches apart.
Gently flatten the dough balls with your fingers or the bottom of a glass to form round cookie shapes.
3. Bake the Cookies:
Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes, or until they are firm around the edges. The centers should still be soft.
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
4. Assemble the Ice Cream Sandwiches:
Once the cookies have cooled, place a scoop of vanilla ice cream (or your preferred flavor) on the flat side of one cookie.
Top with another cookie, pressing gently to form a sandwich.
Roll the edges of the sandwich in red and blue sprinkles and mini chocolate chips (if using) for a fun, festive touch.
5. Freeze and Serve:
Place the assembled ice cream sandwiches on a baking sheet and freeze for at least 1 hour, or until the ice cream is firm and the sandwiches hold their shape.
Serve the sandwiches cold and enjoy the delicious, refreshing treat!
Variations of This Recipe:
- Chocolate Chip Cookies: Use store-bought or homemade chocolate chip cookies for a twist on the classic ice cream sandwich.
- Different Ice Cream Flavors: Try strawberry, blueberry, or mint chocolate chip for a fun flavor variation.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour in place of regular flour for a gluten-free version of these ice cream sandwiches.
Expert Tips About This Recipe:
- Chill the Cookies: If you prefer a firmer cookie, you can chill the dough in the fridge for 30 minutes before baking for a thicker, chewier texture.
- Decorate Creatively: Get creative with sprinkles and decorations. You can also use crushed candy or nuts on the edges for added texture and flavor.
- Let the Ice Cream Soften: If the ice cream is too hard to scoop, let it soften slightly at room temperature for a few minutes before using it.
FAQs
Q: Can I use store-bought cookies for this recipe?
A: Yes! You can use store-bought chocolate chip cookies or any of your favorite cookies as the base for these ice cream sandwiches.
Q: Can I make the ice cream sandwiches ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can make these ice cream sandwiches and freeze them for up to 3 days before serving. Just be sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container.
Q: How do I store leftover ice cream sandwiches?
A: Store any leftover ice cream sandwiches in the freezer in an airtight container for up to 1 week. Just make sure they’re wrapped well to prevent freezer burn.
Patriotic Ice Cream Sandwiches
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup milk
For the Filling:
- 2 cups vanilla ice cream or any flavor you prefer
- Red white, and blue sprinkles (for decoration)
- 1 tablespoon mini chocolate chips optional, for decoration
- Lollipop sticks or wooden skewers optional, for dipping
Instructions
Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Make the Cookie Dough:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, and stir until combined.
Shape the Cookies:
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, about 2 inches apart.
- Gently flatten the dough balls with your fingers or the bottom of a glass to form round cookie shapes.
Bake the Cookies:
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are firm. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Assemble the Ice Cream Sandwiches:
- Once the cookies are cool, place a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the flat side of one cookie.
- Top with another cookie, pressing gently to form a sandwich.
- Roll the edges in red, white, and blue sprinkles and mini chocolate chips (if using) for extra fun.
Freeze and Serve:
- Place the assembled ice cream sandwiches on a baking sheet and freeze for at least 1 hour, or until the ice cream is firm and the sandwiches hold their shape.
- Serve chilled and enjoy!