Description
Delight in these homemade M&M Cookie Ice Cream Sandwiches that combine soft, chewy M&M-studded cookies with creamy vanilla ice cream for a perfect frozen treat. Baked to golden perfection and assembled with icy discs of ice cream, these sandwiches are an irresistible dessert ideal for warm days or anytime you crave a sweet, fun indulgence.
Ingredients
Scale
Ice Cream
- 3–4 cups vanilla ice cream
Cookie Dough
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp espresso powder
- 1/4 tsp almond extract
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 2/3 cup all purpose flour
- 1 Tbsp cornstarch
- 1 + 1/4 cup M&Ms, divided (I used red, white and blue, but any variety works)
- Sea salt, optional, for sprinkling
Instructions
- Prepare the Cookies: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a mixing bowl using a hand or stand mixer, beat the room temperature butter until it becomes light and fluffy. Add the granulated and brown sugars, then continue to beat until the mixture is well combined and fluffy.
- Add Egg and Flavorings: Beat in the egg until fully incorporated. Then add baking soda, espresso powder, salt, vanilla extract, and almond extract; mix thoroughly to combine all flavors.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the sifted all-purpose flour and cornstarch to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined to retain cookie tenderness.
- Mix in M&Ms: Fold in 1 cup of the M&Ms evenly into the dough to distribute the candy pieces throughout.
- Scoop and Bake Cookies: Using a large cookie scoop (1 1/2 to 2 tablespoons), place dough balls evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 12-15 minutes until barely golden on top to ensure a soft and chewy texture.
- Decorate and Cool: Remove cookies from oven and immediately press the remaining 1/4 cup of M&Ms onto the tops. Optionally sprinkle a pinch of sea salt over each cookie. Let cookies cool completely on the baking sheet so they firm up for assembly.
- Prepare Ice Cream Discs: Line a 1/2 cup circular measuring cup or similar mold with plastic wrap. Scoop enough vanilla ice cream to fill the mold, pressing down to form a flat disc. Cover tightly with plastic wrap, remove from mold, and freeze for at least one hour. Repeat until you have 6 ice cream discs.
- Assemble Sandwiches: Place 6 cooled cookies bottom side up on parchment-lined tray. Unwrap one ice cream disc and place on each cookie base. Top with another cookie to form a sandwich. If the ice cream softens during assembly, freeze sandwiches for 15-20 minutes to refreeze.
- Serve and Store: Serve immediately for a soft-serve style or return the sandwiches to the freezer for a firmer texture. Keep stored in the freezer until ready to enjoy.
Notes
- Ensure cookies are only barely golden to keep centers soft and chewy.
- Espresso powder enhances chocolate flavor but can be omitted if desired.
- Use any variety of M&Ms depending on your color or flavor preference.
- Plastic wrap liners help shape perfect ice cream discs and prevent sticking.
- For firmer sandwiches, assemble the ice cream sandwiches in advance and freeze before serving.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: M&M cookie ice cream sandwiches, ice cream sandwiches, M&M cookies, homemade cookie sandwiches, vanilla ice cream dessert
