Make Your Own Ice Cream Sandwiches

August is National Smile Week, but in the 100 degree weather, even the simple act of smiling can make you sweat.  So, it’s about time we gave you something to smile – or scream – about and that’s ice cream!  But instead of your typical ice cream sundae, try something a little bit different this time.  Here is everything you need to know about having an Ice Cream Sandwich Party, in a candy-coated nutshell with sprinkles on top.

Step one – Decide on an ice cream sandwich recipe.  One of the many bonuses of making your own ice cream sandwiches is that you can mix and match, pick and choose, and substitute any of the ice cream flavors.  Be creative here!  Don’t feel like Rocky Road?  Then try Chunky Monkey, Mint Chocolate Chip or Cookie Dough!  By the way, there is no such thing as ice cream police, so if you want to slap a few different flavors all on one sandwich, no one will judge you!

Step two – Toppings.  Just like you would a cheeseburger or a ham sandwich, the ice cream sandwich requires a topping or two to add a little flavor.  And just like ketchup or mayo, you can squirt the top of your ice cream with the said condiment before you enclose the sandwich between the cookies, or you can add some of the toppings after you freeze the entire sandwich.  The choice is yours.  Some popular ice cream sandwich toppings include: chocolate, fudge, sprinkles, fruit, graham crackers, pieces of candy, and of course, whip cream.

Step three – The cookie.  Arguably as important as step one and two, choosing the right cookie to sandwich your ice cream is just as difficult a step as there are so many good ice cream sandwich cookies to choose from.  Again, mixing and matching might not be a bad idea.  Who says you can’t go one side Chips Ahoy and the other vanilla Oreo?  Not us!  Another wise idea might be to substitute the cookie for cake.  Sure, it’s a little more difficult to hold together, but if you stick it in the freezer before eating it, the ice cream sandwich turns into your own personal ice cream cake.  Better yet, throw your favorite ice cream flavors into a graham cracker pie crust, and you’ve got yourself an ice cream sandwich pie!

Step four – Freezer time.  Sure, you can skip this step altogether if you can’t seem to wait long enough to eat your ice cream sandwich, but if you really want it to hold together, you should stick it in the freezer for at least 15-20 minutes.  That way you won’t need a spoon, and you can eat the ice cream sandwich the way it was meant to be eaten.  With your hands!