Ice Cream Sandwiches: A Realistic Plan

Ice cream sandwiches scales up nicely for a party with a little planning. The method is forgiving, so small changes are fine. Let's look at what makes ice cream sandwiches work, and what you can skip.

Planning quantities

It helps to remember that wrap each sandwich individually in plastic wrap or parchment, then store them together in a freezer bag or container. They need at least two hours to firm up after assembly and keep well for about two weeks. If they are very hard, letting them rest at room temperature for five minutes before serving lets the cookie soften again.

Making it in batches

In practice, homemade ice cream sandwiches are an easy way to serve frozen dessert to a group without scooping all afternoon. They can be assembled days ahead, stored in the freezer and handed out straight from the tray, which makes them a natural fit for backyard gatherings and birthday parties.

Ripe, in-season fruit does most of the work for you.

Freezer space

Worth keeping in mind: the cookies matter most. Crisp cookies become hard and challenging to bite once frozen, while soft, chewy cookies stay tender. Chocolate chip, oatmeal, snickerdoodle and soft chocolate cookies all work well. Baking them slightly underdone and keeping them about the same size ensures the sandwiches look tidy and freeze evenly.

Serving ideas

More often than not, slightly softened ice cream spreads more easily than ice cream straight from the freezer. Let it sit on the counter for five to ten minutes until it can be scooped without cracking the cookie. Another approach is to spread the softened ice cream into a parchment-lined pan, refreeze it until firm and then cut it into rounds or squares to match the cookies.

None of this needs to be exact; small changes in fruit or sugar are part of the fun.

Keeping it cold

It helps to remember that assemble the sandwiches quickly and return each one to the freezer as soon as it is made. Working in small batches keeps the ice cream from melting. Rolling the exposed edges in sprinkles, mini chocolate chips or chopped nuts adds color and texture, and it is a job guests or children often enjoy helping with.

The practical takeaway is to taste the mixture before it goes in the freezer, since cold dulls sweetness.

Practical tips

Some practical points to keep in mind:

• Keep the freezer door closed as much as possible while things set.
• Taste the mixture before freezing; it will taste less sweet once frozen.
• Run molds under warm water for a few seconds to release them.
• Leave a little space at the top of molds for expansion.

The bottom line

The best recipe is the one you will make again. Take it one batch at a time. Every attempt teaches you something about your own freezer and oven.