Ice cream sandwiches are a nostalgic treat that takes many of us back to summer afternoons and sweet indulgences. This carnivore-inspired version swaps traditional cookies for a unique take, ensuring you enjoy all the flavors without straying from your diet goals.
Perfect for meal prepping or enjoying as a one-time treat, these ice cream sandwiches are a balance of creativity and simplicity. Plus, they’re freezer-friendly, making them a convenient dessert option whenever the craving strikes.
How to Make Ice Cream Sandwiches at Home
- Yield: 6 servings
- Prep Time: 25 minutes, plus time to chill dough (not including time to make ice cream)
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- ¼ cup (½ stick) salted butter, softened
- 4 large egg yolks
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ¼ cup collagen powder
- 1 ¼ cups (115 grams) pork panko
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
For the Filling:
- Double batch Vanilla Ice Cream (store-bought or homemade; see note for tips)
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, beat the softened butter, egg yolks, whole eggs, and vanilla extract with an electric hand mixer on medium speed until fully blended. It’s okay if there are small pieces of butter left—they’ll incorporate later.
- Mix in the collagen powder until fully combined. Add the pork panko and ground cinnamon, stirring until the dough comes together.
- Place the dough in the freezer for about 15 minutes, allowing it to firm up enough to shape.
- While the dough is chilling, preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Once firm, divide the dough into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball and place it on the baking sheet. Flatten each ball into a thin round cookie about ¼ inch thick and 3 inches wide. Repeat for all pieces.
- Bake the cookies for 15 minutes or until the edges are lightly browned. Remove from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes on the tray before transferring them to a wire rack. This allows the butter released during baking to reabsorb.
- Once the cookies are fully cool, prepare the ice cream. If the ice cream is frozen solid, allow it to soften at room temperature until spreadable.
- Take one cookie and spread about ½ cup of ice cream over it, reaching the edges. Top it with another cookie to form a sandwich. Repeat with the remaining cookies.
- Wrap each assembled sandwich in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for at least 2 hours to allow the ice cream to set.
- Before serving, let the ice cream sandwiches sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften slightly. Enjoy immediately!
Tips for the Perfect Ice Cream Sandwiches
- Prep in Advance: For an easier assembly, have your ice cream ready beforehand. If you’re making it fresh, churn it while the dough chills to save time.
- Softening Ice Cream: Allow the ice cream to soften on the counter while the cookies cool. Spreadable ice cream ensures a smooth, even layer in your sandwiches.
- Storage: These sandwiches can be stored in the freezer for up to a month. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container to prevent freezer burn.
- Customization: Add a sprinkle of your favorite spices or extracts to the dough for unique flavors.
Why This Recipe Works
This carnivore dessert recipe reimagines a childhood favorite with a high-protein twist. The cookies are tender yet sturdy enough to hold the ice cream, while the pork panko adds a hint of savory contrast.
Whether you’re enjoying these on a warm day or as a late-night snack, this recipe brings indulgence without compromise. Try it out for your next family gathering or as a fun project for yourself—you won’t be disappointed!
So, what are you waiting for? Whip up these ice cream sandwiches today and savor the delightful blend of flavors and textures that make this recipe a standout!
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Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.