These soft batch vegan Chocolate Ice Cream Sandwich Cookies makes any ice cream extra special! Egg free and dairy free, simply delicious! Vegan. Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Rodelle. All opinions are my own.
Recipe Inspiration
This week just keeps getting better. My mosquito bite issue is under control and after flashing my heart filled eyes over vegan Bourbon Soaked Cherry Vanilla Bean Ice Cream, I knew I wanted to take this recipe to the next level.
Can there even be another level?
This Ice Cream Sandwich Cookies recipe take me back to ice cream man days… You know, the truck with the annoying music playing, which, as a kid, was the most beautiful music one could hear. I can hear my brother screamin’ now…
…..I C E C R E A M Maaaaaaannnn……. feverishly looking for someone to give him quick cash as the obnoxious truck rounded the corner on those hot, Texas Summer days.
A New Take on Ice Cream Sandwiches
Thing is, these Ice Cream Sandwich Cookies aren’t the stick-to-your-fingers of yesterday’s ice cream sandwich. They are pillow soft without the sticky, yet firm enough to hold up to slightly softened ice cream. No one will ever know these are vegan ice cream sandwich cookies.
How to Make Chocolate Ice Cream Sandwich Cookies
Planning ahead is key to creating these vegan Ice Cream Sandwich Cookies so that when ready to share, they come together with ease.
- First, soften the ice cream by holding it at room temperature then spread it into a small baking pan. Freeze.
- Second, in a stand mixer, mix the brown sugar, coconut oil, and extract. Next mix in the apple sauce and the sifted flour, cocoa powder and salt.
- Third, allow the dough to rest in the refrigerator for at least an hour.
- Fourth, roll out the dough and cut into cookies. Chill briefly then bake.
- Last, assemble the ice cream sandwiches.
Share shortly after assembly for a soft cookie and creamy ice cream set.
Elevate Your Cookies
For this recipe, I tried Rodelle Kitchen’s Chocolate Extract for the first time. Previously, I made these cookies with Vanilla Extract.
I was skeptical. I mean, how could a rich vegan chocolate ice cream cooke cookie tease out any more chocolate flavor and why bother with another extract taking up precious real estate in my pantry?
Now I know. Rodelle’s Chocolate Extract adds an in-depth chocolate richness and takes these cookies from delicious to over the top decadent. But, vanilla is always a good choice if chocolate extract is unavailable!
A Few Recipe Notes
- The ice cream can be prepared and cookies made at least two days in advance. Hold these two separately however and assemble just before serving. Keeping the assembled sandwiches in the freezer will freeze the cookies and it will be difficult to eat the sandwich without a bunch of squeeze-out!
- Your favorite ice cream can be used for these ice cream sandwich cookies. I love these vegan homemade ice creams: Bourbon Soaked Cherry Ice Cream, Dark Chocolate Cocoa Nib Ice Cream.
- To cut the cookies I use a round 3″ biscuit cutter. A floured large rim glass jar works too!
- Vanilla extract can be subbed for the chocolate extract.
More Ice Cream Treats to Love
- Easy Bluebarb Ice Cream Pie Parfaits
- No Churn Strawberry Chocolate Chip Nice Cream
- No Churn Mexican Chocolate Almond Nice Cream
Chocolate Ice Cream Sandwich Cookies
Ingredients
For the Ice Cream:
- 1 Recipe of Bourbon Soaked Cherry Vanilla Bean Ice Cream or at least 1 1/2 pints *approximate* of your favorite ice cream. 680g
For the Cookies:
- 1 1/3 C All Purpose Flour 190g
- 1/4 C Unsweetened Cocoa Powder 30g, I use Rodelle
- 1 1/4 tsp Baking Powder
- 1/8 tsp Sea Salt
- 1/3 C Coconut Oil Unrefined, Cold-Pressed, melted and warm to the touch
- 3/4 C Light Brown Sugar 138g
- 2 Tbs Chocolate Extract * or Vanilla Extract, I use Rodelle
- 1/2 C Unsweetened Apple Sauce 113g
- 1 Tbs Water
Instructions
To Prep the Ice Cream:
- Allow the ice cream to set on the counter until it becomes soft enough to spread. Line a 9 1/2" X 12" (24cm X 30cm) baking or sheet pan with parchment paper, clipping the sides of the parchment to the pan so as to hold it in place. Evenly spread the ice cream to about 1/2" thick. Place a sheet of parchment directly on top of the ice cream, smoothing it out and making sure the top is completely covered as to prevent freezer burn. Place back in the freezer for at least an hour.
For the Cookies:
- In a medium bowl, sift flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In order for the coconut oil to stay in a liquid state, be sure it is warm to the touch. In a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, mix the coconut oil and brown sugar for about 1 minute or until the ingredients are throughly incorporated. Add the chocolate extract and apple sauce. Mix on medium low until the apple sauce is incorporated, about 30 seconds. Scrape down the bowl.
- To the oil/sugar mixture, add the flour mixture. Mix on medium low for about 20 seconds. Scrape down the bowl, add the water and mix again just until there are no longer any dry ingredients visible. About 10 seconds. The dough will be very soft and sticky.
- Lightly dust work-surface with flour, and dump dough onto it. Sprinkle a pinch more flour on top of the dough and work it into about a 1/2" disk. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least an hour (it can rest overnight if needed). It will become firm enough to roll out.
- Line two sheet pans with parchment paper. Set aside. Lightly dust work surface, dough and rolling pin with flour. Roll dough out to between 1/8"-1/4". Cut out cookies with a 3" (7.6 cm) round cookie cutter. Prick top of cookies with tines of fork or chocolate chipper. Transfer cut cookies to a parchment lined baking sheet. Gather the scraps, work the dough, dusting with flour as needed, and reroll dough, cutting the remaining cookies. Place cut cookies in the refrigerator for 20 minutes. This will prevent the cookies from spreading.
- Preheat oven to 350F (177C) with baking rack placed in the center.
- Bake cookies for 11-12 minutes. They will still feel soft when done. Transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely. Using a pastry brush, brush off any excess flour. Assemble ice cream sandwiches or store in a lidded container at room temperature for up to two days, until ready to use.
To Assemble:
- Line a sheet pan with parchment paper. Remove the ice cream from the freezer. Remove the parchment from the top. Lift the ice cream out of the pan using the parchment as handles and place it on a work surface.
- Using a 3" (7.6cm) cookie cutter, firmly press into the ice cream and twist the cutter several times. Use a small offset spatula to scrape underneath the disk, scraping the parchment, and lift the disk of ice cream out. Place the ice cream disk on another parchment lined pan and place it in the freezer. Working quickly, cut out 9 more discs, placing them on the pan in the freezer.
- Enjoy the leftover ice cream or store it in the freezer in a lidded container for up to a week. If holding the disks for a few hours, before serving, place a piece of parchment over the disks as to prevent freezer burn. If holding for longer, store individual disks between parchment and place in a freezer bag or lidded container for up to a week.
- When ready to serve, sandwich an ice cream disk in between two cookies. Serve immediately. Keeping the assembled sandwiches in the freezer will freeze the cookie and it will be difficult to eat the sandwich without a bunch of squeeze-out!
Will these keep in the freezer? I want to make some but then freeze some for later. Have you tried this?
Hi Angelina – I did try freezing the entire sandwich. The last step under -” To Assemble: When ready to serve, sandwich an ice cream disk in between two cookies. Serve immediately. Keeping the assembled sandwiches in the freezer will freeze the cookie and it will be difficult to eat the sandwich without a bunch of squeeze-out!” You could store them in the freezer for a short period, but I wouldn’t go over 30 minutes or so. I hope this helps and you enjoy the recipe!
Tracy I saw a post where some one asked about apple sauce. I did not have applesauce so I made apricot purée Fromm canned apricots. First I drained them, then puréed them. I measured out the amount for recipe
Apricot puree sounds lovely! Thank you for your note, Shelly!
Hello! These look so amazing! I’m really looking forward to trying these out this summer!
Question, can I omit the chocolate altogether and keep them vanilla cookies? Will the texture be the same? I want to make these for my sisters birthday party :)
Thanks for the recipe!
Hi Yvonne! Thank you for your note and kind words! So happy you’re considering the recipe. Unfortunately I don’t have a straight answer for you, but found a bit of information on the subject on Food52 about this topic. It looks like the cookies would require less moisture and more flour if omitting the cocoa. Too, without the cocoa, they’ll likely be sweeter – maybe too sweet.
But because I’ve not tested a vanilla version, I’m unable to say specifically how to alter the recipe. You could play with the recipe a bit – there’s some time before the party! I hope this helps.
HI Traci, these look delicious! Cant wait to try them : ) I live in India and applesauce is not easily available, can I substitute it with something? Or how can we make applesauce at home?
Hi there, Mansi. For a substitute, you could try an equal amount of banana (although I’ve not tried this) or use homemade applesauce: http://www.foolproofliving.com/slow-cooker-unsweetened-applesauce/ Please let us know how you do!
These sandwiches look AMAZING!!! I would like to try them but have someone with a coconut allergy. Can you use butter instead of the coconut oil? If so how much? THANKS!
Hi Kirsten! Thank you for your note. I’ve not made this with butter, but I would feel good about subbing 1/3 C melted butter in this recipe. Butter does have a bit of water in it while coconut oil does not. This would be my only concern. If you give it a go, please let us know how it works for you!
These look amazing! Can’t wait to try them!!
Oh my… Michelle! You’ve reminded me that it’s time to make these again! I hope you enjoy the cookies! :D
OK, these little ice cream sandwiches make me want to lick my computer screen because HOLY COW, woman. What a tough job you had photographing these and having to eat some of them because they were melting. ;) The things we do for our food photos… Haha.
Great recipe! Can’t wait to try this out in my own kitchen!
Oh I know, right? It takes me longer to photograph that it does to make things! I hope you enjoy these, Erin! :D
I’m about to start a diet, so my oven will get turned on this summer, but only to bake non-desserts like chicken. :/
Best to you, Annette! Perhaps Fall will be time to start baking again! :D
These look delicious! I love baking anytime.
Oh yes I will be baking this summer.
Beautiful as usual Traci! :)
Thank you! ;)
cake is my favorite dessert but it’s sooooo hot in north carolina, so i’ve been doing a lot of naked cakes that i stack, fill, freeze, and eat right out of the freezer!
Oh now that sounds fabulous in the Summertime… Naked Cakes! Delicious! :D
I think I would go through some kind of withdrawal if I did not bake over the summer, but it will be limited to rainy and cooler days.
Oh me too! Rainy, cooler days are the best for baking. Agreed! :D
I will definitely be baking this summer but in batches…if I turn on the oven I need to make at least two dishes…today it was oatmeal patties and granola…I will definitely put these cookie sandwiches on the list for my oven time this weekend thanks for sharing…btw the way I never tried chocolate extract didn’t even know it existed…will have to try it.
Oh yes… I attempt to strategize, but it sounds like you’ve got it down to a system, Kelly! I’m intrigued with your oatmeal patties. I hope you’ll try the chocolate extract. It really makes a delicious difference!
Oh yes, I remember that ice cream truck! That was the best part of summer as a kid. :)
But I would rather have your ice cream sandwiches any day! These look amazing, Traci! The photography is stunning (per usual) and that ice cream sounds to-die-for. Like you said, hard to take to another level but you did!
Oh yes, that truck was the best! But I remember there were times where I didn’t have any money and it mad me sad… I cried because I wanted ice cream soooo bad! :( But if I had these, I would have been happy!! :D
Oh absolutely STUNNING Traci! Your photography is just amazing!! Are you setting up your prep shots on a timer, or is Rob helping you out? I need to take some tips from you :)
Oh Sarah! Hehe! :D Thank you! Rob occasionally helps, but only as a prop. I use my timer, a lot and shoot lots and lots of photos.
Omg this looks awesome!!! It’s exactly what I need after a hot summer day!
Ohhhh yesss! Everyone should have an ice cream sandwich on a hot summer day! :D
These look perfect, Traci!! I could live on ice cream sandwiches in the summer! I think Eric would actually approve of me making these all the time too! Haha, I’m imagining you taking the photos and eating ice cream sandwiches at the same time :) Happy first day of summer! I hope you had a great weekend :)
Hahaaa!! I was worried I’d end up eating them ALL before I could shoot them! I kept popping them back in the freezer, back and fourth, over and over! HA!! Then decided I’d finally had enough and just started eating them! I’m certain Eric would like these because Rob loved them! :D
Oh Traci, everything about this recipe is just stunning, from the flavors to the photos to the simplicity of it. I find simple, classic, honest recipes like these to be the most enticing and this gives me just one more reason to try your delicious ice cream!
Thaaaank you, my dear! Simple, yes, almost a shortbreadish yet soft just to receive the ice cream and so there’s no squeeze out! I think you’ll love that ice cream, Nora! :D
ive been waiting for an ice cream sandwich from you because I knew you would make something that would just blow me away and boy did you ever!! I am dying over this ice cream. I feel like I could live in it. And I agree with you on the chocolate extract. It’s the best!
Awh… Why, thank you, Amanda! Oh yes… the ice cream is sooo delicious! I’ll be hoarding the cherries at the market to freeze them for later when there’s no more fresh… just to make this ice cream (and a pie or two!). High Fives on the Chocolate Extract! :D
Definitely will be doing a lot of baking all summer – I live in the SF Bay Area where the summers are cool and the summer fruits are abundant and delicious, so this is prime pie baking season for me!
I couldn’t agree more, Karen! Fruits and berries are at their freshest this time of year and inspiration is constant! I can only imagine what you’re baking up! :D
Oh my goodness, these are just GORGEOUS, TRACI!! I love them! I’ve never tried chocolate extract either but you’ve convinced me : ) – these are a perfect summer treat.
Thaaank you, Alison! Oh yes, you need to try that chocolate extract – you’ll love it! :D
Oh, I’ll definitely be baking this summer! If just to make cookies like these :)
Yay for summer baking, June! :D
Love these ice cream sandwiches, Traci! They look absolutely incredible! Ice cream is my favorite treat and I can’t seem to get enough lately so I can’t wait to make these! Chocolate extract? Oh my gosh – must check that out too. The cookies are so nice and soft and sound perfect with the cherry ice cream.
Thank you, Kelly! Oh meee too! I love ice cream any time of year! You gotta try the chocolate extract… it’s really fabulous! :D
Awesome shots Traci! You’ve got me craving a bite of one of these little ice cream sandwiches right now… shame it’s Winter here in Australia though!
Hey Thalia, thaaank you! Ohhh yes, cold weather for you… it won’t be long and you’ll be warm again.
I love to bake and do it year round, plus we have plenty of summer birthdays and that means CAKE!
Right on, Jeffrey! And you’re the baker? So fun! :D
Yes! I love making pies with the freshest peaches, berries, and fruits – the lattice rhubarb, too. Also unbaked pies but I still make the baked pie crust. I also like to make my own flatbreads, crackers, breads, and more!
This is fabulous, Rosie! You’re quite a baker! Fabulous too because Summertime is the best time for pies and fresh fruit! :D
of course!
I’m absolutely falling in love with everything about this recipe! So many amazing things happening on here. Those cookies!! Can’t wait to try this one!
Thank you heather! I’m learning more about using Coconut Oil in baked goods, although I’ve not given up on butter! I hope you enjoy the recipe! :D
Yes – tonight I made brownies, love the cake like recipe
Woot for Summer Brownies! :D
Yum! I’ve always loved those soft cookies and now I can recreate them! Pinning :)
Right on, Medha! Thank you for your pin. I hope you enjoy them! :D
Mmmm what a perfect summer treat! Ice cream sandwiches were my favourite when I was a kid. But now as I’m getting older, I find that a lot of my childhood favourites are really kind of unsatisfying. I mean they’re all made with such cheap ingredients and they don’t have that richness that I crave in a treat. But made with a batch of homemade ice cream, I think these sandwiches would be amaaaaaazing!
Right, right… I hear you Chelsea. I wouldn’t go near a Starcrunch now! LOL You know it, homemade is the beeeest! :D
These look amazing! Yes, even though i am in arizona and it is above 100 each day I love baking so I do turn on the oven a lot :)
Thank you, Alexandra! Yay for baking in the Summer! :D
Love these! Not only are they super adorable, they sound delicious! That ice cream sounds amazing!
Thank you, Brittaney! :D
Even though I live in AZ, I will definitely be baking! I am just starting as a stay-at-home mom for the first time and plan to get MUCH more comfy in the kitchen:)
Woot for baking in AZ! Congratulations on your staying at home, and your new affinity to the kitchen! It’s a great place to be! :D I hope you enjoy these Stacey!
That looks delicious. Can’t wait to try this!
Thank you Faz! I hope you enjoy them! :D
Ohhhh myyy!!! Well, you know the key to my heart Traci…ice cream sandwiches!! Seriously, I was your brother when the ice cream man would roll around. This post brought up fond memories of me urging my mom or dad to quickly give me a couple dollars to snag my favorite ice cream sandwich from the truck swinging around the corner. I can hear the music in my head as I type this post! :)
These ice cream sandwiches look 10x more amazing than the ones I ate as a child. I mean…look at those pillowy soft chocolate cookies!!! Funny, at the end of your post I saw you wrote a little note that vanilla extract could be substituted for the chocolate extract, but I immediately thought Nooo! I want the chocolate extract!!! hahaha I need some of that stuff…I didn’t even know it existed! I seriously want to grab one of these sandwiches right out of my screen right now…they look SO perfect, Traci…seriously. Please please please come make me some!! :D Oh to be Rob or your neighbors….le sigh <3
I’d love to share these with you, Beeta! LOL on the ice cream man… as a kid, hearing that truck roll closer without a dime in one’s pocket brought a sense of urgency like no other, didn’t it? LOL! Awhhh the music. Yes, I too can still hear it!
I know…. I’m so happy Rodelle introduced the chocolate extract to me. It really is fabulous! So lets exchange sweets, ice cream sandwich for your apple tarte tatin!! Yes, please!
These ice cream sandwiches scream summer, Traci! There the perfect combo of cherry and chocolate (and a little bourbon too!). Just love all the photos. It’s going to be in the 90s today and I wish I had one of these right now!
Oh yesss.. I couldn’t agree more Geraldine! hehe… just a hint of bourbon will do, please. 90s is sooo hot! Stay cool my friend!
No problem for me turning on the oven in summer. It cools down enough here in the mountains at night that no matter how warm the kitchen might get, we start out fresh every morning! Bake away I say.
High five for turning on that oven Letty! Lovely living in a cooler climate for sure! Yes, yes! Bake away!
When the ice cream man drove threw our neighborhood it was the BEST! Me and my sister would frantically start searching the couch for loose change. Don’t see too many ice cream men anymore. Traci, these ice cream sandwiches are incredible! And I bet they taste even better. And how have I never heard of chocolate extract? I am going to need to pick some up right away : )
I love hearing about you and your sister, Natalie! There are so many fond memories of Summertime and ice cream! Oh yes, the taste! Oh my! Go get some chocolate extract, Natalie! You’ll love it!
Yup. I don’t let a little blazing heat stop me. It can’t make the house any hotter, anyway.
You made me LOL Christina!! “cant make the house any hotter” Oh my! I hope you have a strong fan and a sturdy ice maker!! But I’m with ya! The oven must go on!!
Oh my gosh the photos are making me drool. I will be making these this summer for certain. I will happily turn on the oven in the heat for results like this.
Happy to help in the drool department, Brenda, hehe! Three cheers for turning on the oven in the summer! :D
Traci these look so delish! I can imagine how hard it was to get through the photo shoot being tempted by these beauties! I have never tried baking with chocolate extract. I will definitely need to try! Have a great weekend!
Ohhh, I ate too many.. but am ready for another round for summertime celebration! Yes, yes, Mary Ann, try that extract! I know you’ll appreciate it! :D
Well I have very strong, happy feelings about this. Cherries and ice cream and cookies – oh my! These are gorgeous, Traci. Would love to hang out with you on a summers day and treat ourselves to these!
I’d looove that Liz! Thank you my dear! D:
Yum!! I’ve been slowly trying all their extracts and chocolate is on the top of my list for the next one I get! I’m so excited to try this out! Always wanted to know how to make the sand which cookie part on ice cream sandwiches ! :)
Awesome Alyssa! Rodelle makes the most flavorful extracts. I am smitten! I hope you enjoy the recipe! :D
Chocolate extract sounds like the bomb!
Yesssss! :D
I can’t get over how beautiful these sandwich cookies are! They pair so nicely with your cherry vanilla bean ice cream from the other day :)
Thank you, Liz! Love the combination of flavors… But I can imagine how many other ice creams would be so good between these soft cookies! :D
I love the action shots! Looks like you were baking your heart out! Delish!
Bake, bake, bake!!! Thank you, Deb! :D
Wow these look delicious! I’ve never heard of chocolate extract before, sounds like something I must try :)
Oh that Chocolate Extract is just fantastic! So happy to have Rodelle introduce it to me! :D
Traci – these look beyond amazing!! I’m s/b going to bed right now and instead I want one of those cookies!! lol GREAT job! It all looks delicious! :) <3
Thank you, Laura! LOL – I hope you find or make some delicious ice cream sandwiches! Comfort food!