HERE’S THE SCOOP

ice cream sandwich party

Every July we have an ice cream sandwich party to celebrate National Ice Cream Month. Why ice cream sandwiches instead of just plain ol’ ice cream? Because you know I can’t miss an opportunity to make cookies! And cookies plus ice cream is pretty much the best dessert ever. An ice cream sandwich party is the ultimate crowd-pleaser, and it’s such an easy way to entertain a group because you can bake the cookies in advance and then serve them with your favorite store-bought ice creams for everyone to make their own sandwiches. I also like putting out a selection of toppings to roll the sandwiches in, such as chopped nuts, mini chocolate chips, and even crushed pretzels. It’s perfect for birthdays, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, and any other warm-weather occasion that could use a few extra sprinkles. Just remember to have wet wipes available for the inevitable sticky faces and hands.

COOKIE AND ICE CREAM PAIRING IDEAS

Our Favorite Chocolate Chip Cookies (here) with vanilla, chocolate, Neapolitan, chocolate chip, mint chocolate chip, salted caramel, coffee, or chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream

Toasted Coconut, White Chocolate, and Macadamia Cookies (here) with vanilla or coconut ice cream

Triple-Chip Chocolate Cookies (here) with vanilla, chocolate, chocolate chip, rocky road, cookies ’n’ cream, mint chocolate chip, or strawberry ice cream

Biscoff Oatmeal Sandwich Cookies (here, without the filling) with vanilla, coffee, toffee, pecan praline, or cinnamon ice cream

Chocolate cookie-cakes (without the filling) from Chocolate-Mint Whoopie Pies (here) with mint chocolate chip, raspberry, strawberry, vanilla, chocolate, pistachio, or peanut butter ice cream

TOPPINGS

Sprinkles

Chopped nuts

Mini chocolate chips

Toffee bits

Crushed pretzels

Toasted coconut

Chopped candy (Butterfingers, Snickers, M&M’s, Kit Kats, etc.)

Granola

Crumbled Oreos

1 Choose at least two or three different cookies along with several ice cream flavors. If you have a big crowd or want to save yourself some work, ask guests to bring their favorite type of cookie and/or ice cream. Have the cookies baked and cooled before the party starts.

2 Keep the ice cream in the freezer until ready to serve. Prepare buckets full of ice for keeping the ice cream cold during the party. I also recommend choosing a shady location for the party, or putting the spread indoors. Remember the ice cream scoops!

3 Make an assembly line: Put cookies first, then ice cream, and toppings last. Arrange the toppings in shallow dishes and bowls so people can easily roll their sandwiches in them.

4 To assemble the sandwiches: While you want to encourage everyone to make their own, feel free to do a demonstration! Place a scoop of ice cream on the inside of one cookie. Top with another cookie (it doesn’t necessarily have to match the first cookie!) and gently press together. Roll the ice cream edge of the sandwich in the toppings, carefully pressing the toppings into the ice cream so they stick.

5 To make ice cream sandwiches in advance: If you want to simply hand out pre-made treats, assemble the sandwiches as described above, tightly wrap in plastic wrap, and store in the freezer until party time. Make different flavor and cookie combinations so your guests can sample them all—and definitely don’t forget to hide a few extras in the back of the fridge for a late-night treat…