Making a dairy free ice cream sandwich at home lets you enjoy a classic frozen treat without any dairy ingredients. Whether you’re lactose intolerant, vegan, or simply looking for a lighter alternative, this guide will help you craft delicious, creamy ice cream sandwiches that rival any store-bought version. You’ll learn how to pick the right dairy free ice cream, bake or select suitable cookies, and assemble your sandwiches so they’re firm, flavorful, and satisfying. Let’s get started!
What You’ll Need
- Dairy free ice cream: Store-bought or homemade, any flavor
- Cookies: Homemade or store-bought, ensure they’re dairy free (chocolate chip, sugar, or brownie cookies work well)
- Baking sheets & parchment paper: For cooling and assembly
- Ice cream scoop or large spoon
- Offset spatula or butter knife (optional, for smoothing ice cream)
- Plastic wrap or airtight container: To store assembled sandwiches
- Mix-ins (optional): Dairy free chocolate chips, sprinkles, crushed nuts, or coconut flakes for the edges
Step-by-Step
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Choose or Bake Your Cookies:
- Pick dairy free cookies that are soft but sturdy. Homemade cookies allow you to control size and ingredients, but many stores offer vegan or dairy free options. Chocolate chip, sugar, and brownie cookies are classic choices. Let cookies cool completely before assembling.
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Soften the Dairy Free Ice Cream:
- Remove ice cream from the freezer and let it soften at room temperature for 5-10 minutes. It should be scoopable but not melted. This makes it easier to spread evenly.
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Prepare Your Work Surface:
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent sticking and make cleanup easy. Lay out half your cookies, flat side up.
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Assemble the Sandwiches:
- Using an ice cream scoop or large spoon, place a generous scoop of softened dairy free ice cream onto each cookie base. Aim for about 1/3 to 1/2 cup per sandwich, depending on cookie size.
- Place a second cookie on top of each scoop, flat side down. Press gently to spread the ice cream to the edges. If needed, use an offset spatula or butter knife to smooth the sides.
- If desired, roll the edges of each sandwich in dairy free chocolate chips, sprinkles, or nuts for extra flavor and texture.
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Freeze to Set:
- Place the assembled sandwiches on the baking sheet. Freeze for at least 1-2 hours, or until the ice cream is firm and the sandwiches hold together well.
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Store and Serve:
- Once set, wrap each sandwich individually in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container in the freezer. They’ll keep for up to 2 weeks. Allow to soften for 2-3 minutes at room temperature before serving for best texture.
Common Mistakes
- Using hard cookies: Cookies that are too crisp can crack when pressed or frozen. Use soft-baked cookies for best results.
- Over-softening the ice cream: Letting the ice cream melt too much before assembly can cause it to run and make a mess. It should be just soft enough to spread.
- Not freezing long enough: Skipping the final freeze can lead to sandwiches that fall apart or have runny ice cream. Always allow time for the ice cream to firm up after assembling.
- Not checking ingredients: Some store-bought cookies or ice creams may contain hidden dairy. Always read labels if you require strictly dairy free products.
- Using thin cookies: Very thin cookies can become soggy or break under the weight of the ice cream. Thicker cookies hold up better.
Tips
- Flavor pairings: Match cookie and ice cream flavors for a gourmet touch. Try vanilla ice cream with chocolate cookies, or coconut ice cream with oatmeal cookies.
- Make ahead: You can assemble sandwiches days in advance and keep them wrapped in the freezer for a quick treat.
- Shape your sandwiches: Use a round cookie cutter to trim cookies and ice cream for perfectly uniform sandwiches.
- Prevent freezer burn: Wrapping each sandwich tightly in plastic wrap and storing in a sealed container keeps them tasting fresh.
- Homemade ice cream: If making your own, coconut, cashew, or oat milk ice creams are especially creamy and freeze well.
- Gluten free option: Use gluten free cookies to make this treat suitable for gluten intolerances as well.
Troubleshooting
- Ice cream is too soft or melting during assembly: Pop both the ice cream and cookies in the freezer for a few minutes before assembling, especially if your kitchen is warm. Work in batches, keeping unused ingredients cold.
- Sandwiches are too hard to bite after freezing: Let them sit at room temperature for 2-5 minutes before eating. Dairy free ice creams can freeze harder than dairy versions.
- Cookies are soggy: This usually happens if there’s excess moisture in the ice cream or if the cookies are very thin. Use thicker cookies, and make sure the ice cream is just soft, not liquid, when assembling.
- Sandwiches falling apart: Ensure you freeze long enough after assembly. If the cookies are too crumbly, try a different recipe or brand.
- Ice cream oozes out the sides: Don’t overfill, and apply gentle, even pressure when pressing cookies together. Smooth the edges with a spatula for a neater finish.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the best dairy free ice cream brands to use?
- Popular options include So Delicious, Ben & Jerry’s Non-Dairy, Oatly, and Coconut Bliss. Look for flavors and textures you enjoy most.
- Can I use any type of cookie for ice cream sandwiches?
- Most soft, sturdy cookies work well. Avoid very thin or crisp cookies, as they can break or get soggy. Always check for dairy in store-bought cookies if required.
- How can I make my own dairy free ice cream?
- You can blend frozen bananas with a splash of non-dairy milk for a quick version, or make churned ice cream with coconut, cashew, or oat milk bases.
- How long do homemade dairy free ice cream sandwiches last?
- When stored properly in the freezer, they keep well for up to two weeks. For best taste and texture, eat within that time frame.
- Are these sandwiches suitable for people with nut allergies?
- They can be! Choose nut free ice creams (like oat or soy based) and cookies made without nuts or nut flours.
- Can I add mix-ins to the ice cream before assembling?
- Yes, you can fold in dairy free chocolate chips, fruit, or cookie crumbs into softened ice cream before scooping onto the cookies.
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