Peppermint Ice Cream Sandwiches are a festive frozen dessert featuring creamy peppermint ice cream nestled between two rich chocolate cookies, rolled in crushed candy canes for a holiday-perfect finish. Easy to assemble and freezer-friendly, they’re a delightful way to cool off or cap off a winter meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Festive and Fun: Peppermint and chocolate is a classic holiday flavor combo.
- No Baking Required (with store-bought cookies): Assemble in minutes for a quick dessert.
- Great for Gifting or Parties: Easy to make ahead and serve to a crowd.
- Customizable: Choose your favorite cookie and ice cream variations.
- Kid-Friendly: A fun recipe for kids to help make—and eat!
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 12 large chocolate cookies (store-bought or homemade)
- 3 cups peppermint ice cream (slightly softened)
- 6 peppermint candy canes, crushed
Directions
- Crush the Candy Canes: Place unwrapped candy canes in a zip-top bag and crush with a rolling pin until finely broken.
- Scoop and Sandwich: Place a scoop of peppermint ice cream onto the flat side of 6 cookies. Top with remaining cookies and gently press to form sandwiches.
- Roll the Edges: Roll the edges of each sandwich in the crushed peppermint candy to coat the exposed ice cream.
- Freeze: Arrange sandwiches on a baking sheet and freeze for at least 1 hour, or until firm.
- Serve: Remove from freezer a few minutes before serving for easier eating.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6 sandwiches
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Freeze Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Variations
- Use Different Cookies: Try gingerbread, sugar cookies, or chocolate chip for different textures and flavors.
- Different Ice Cream: Swap peppermint ice cream for vanilla, chocolate, or even mint chip.
- Decorative Coatings: Roll edges in sprinkles, mini chocolate chips, or crushed Oreos.
- Mini Sandwiches: Use smaller cookies for bite-sized treats—great for parties.
Storage/Reheating
- Freezer: Wrap individually in parchment or plastic wrap, then place in an airtight container. Store for up to 2 weeks.
- Serving Tip: Let sit at room temperature for 3–5 minutes to slightly soften before serving.
- Reheating: Not applicable—serve frozen.
FAQs
Can I use homemade cookies?
Yes, just make sure they’re completely cooled before assembling to prevent melting the ice cream.
What’s the best way to keep the ice cream from melting while assembling?
Work quickly and chill your cookies in the freezer before starting. You can also return each sandwich to the freezer as it’s made.
Can I use other candies besides candy canes?
Absolutely! Crushed peppermints, sprinkles, or mini chocolate chips work well.
How long do these last in the freezer?
They’re best enjoyed within 2 weeks for optimal flavor and texture.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, just use gluten-free cookies and ensure your ice cream is gluten-free.
Is there a dairy-free version?
You can use dairy-free cookies and non-dairy peppermint ice cream to make them completely dairy-free.
Can I use other ice cream flavors?
Yes, vanilla, mocha, or even cookies and cream are great alternatives to peppermint.
Do I have to roll the sides in candy?
Not at all! You can skip that step or use a different garnish.
How do I keep sandwiches from sticking together?
Wrap each sandwich individually in parchment or plastic wrap before storing in a container.
Can I dip them in chocolate?
Yes! Dip half of each sandwich in melted chocolate and let it set on parchment before freezing.
Conclusion
Peppermint Ice Cream Sandwiches are a simple yet showstopping dessert that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. With endless customization options and make-ahead convenience, they’re a perfect addition to your holiday dessert lineup—or a refreshing treat any time you crave that cool minty-chocolate combo.
PrintPeppermint Ice Cream Sandwiches
Peppermint Ice Cream Sandwiches are festive frozen treats made with soft chocolate cookies and peppermint ice cream, rolled in crushed candy canes—perfect for holiday parties or a cool dessert anytime.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes (includes chilling)
- Yield: 10 sandwiches 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking and Freezing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 pint peppermint ice cream (or vanilla with crushed peppermint mixed in)
- 1/2 cup crushed candy canes or peppermint candies
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate large bowl, beat butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until creamy. Add egg and vanilla extract, and beat until combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Scoop dough by tablespoonfuls and roll into balls. Place on prepared baking sheet and flatten slightly.
- Bake for 8–10 minutes, then cool completely on a wire rack.
- Once cookies are cool, scoop about 2–3 tablespoons of peppermint ice cream onto the flat side of one cookie. Top with another cookie to form a sandwich.
- Roll edges in crushed candy canes and place on a tray. Repeat with remaining cookies and ice cream.
- Freeze sandwiches for at least 1 hour before serving.
Notes
- Use parchment paper to prevent sticking when freezing the sandwiches.
- You can make and store these in the freezer for up to 2 weeks.
- For a shortcut, use store-bought chocolate cookies.
- Try dipping half the sandwich in melted chocolate for a decadent twist.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 26g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 45mg