Name: M&M Ice Cream Cookie Sandwiches Recipe
Prep time: 3 h
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 3 h 10 min
Yield: 15
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: For Ice cream:; 2 cups heavy cream; 14 oz Condensed Milk; 1 tsp pure vanilla extract; 1 cup mini or regular size M&M®s; For Cookies:; ¾ cup unsalted butter; 1 cup light brown sugar; ½ cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 1 large egg yolk; 2 tsp pure vanilla extract; 2 cups all purpose flour; 1 tsp cornstarch; ½ tsp Baking Soda; ½ tsp salt; 1 cup mini or regular size M&M®s

This delicious M&M Ice Cream Cookie Sandwich will tickle your taste buds and bring the delight of childhood back! A treat that combines creamy, homemade vanilla ice cream studded with colorful M&Ms and sandwiched between two homemade M&M cookies. It's the perfect dessert for a hot summer day, or any day if you are a true ice cream lover.

Photos of M&M Ice Cream Cookie Sandwiches Recipe

Most of the ingredients for this recipe are common kitchen staples, but you may need to pick up a few items. Make sure to check your pantry for heavy cream, condensed milk, and M&Ms, which are key for the ice cream. For the cookies, you may need to purchase light brown sugar if you don't usually use it in your baking. Don't forget to get mini or regular size M&Ms, as they add that extra crunch and sweetness to the cookies.

Ingredients for M&M Ice Cream Cookie Sandwiches

Heavy cream: This rich dairy product is the main base for the homemade ice cream.

Condensed milk: Adds sweetness and creaminess to the ice cream.

M&Ms: These chocolate candies will be mixed into both the ice cream and cookie dough for a fun, colorful crunch.

Unsalted butter: Used in the cookie dough for richness and flavor.

Light brown sugar: Adds sweetness and a slight molasses flavor to the cookies.

Granulated sugar: Helps sweeten the cookies.

Eggs: They are added to the cookie dough to bind the ingredients together and add moisture.

Vanilla extract: Enhances all other flavors in both the ice cream and the cookies.

All purpose flour: Provides structure to the cookies.

Cornstarch: Makes the cookies extra soft and thick.

Baking soda: A leavening agent that helps the cookies rise.

Salt: Balances the sweetness in the cookie dough.

One reader, Celestina Erwin says:

This m&m ice cream cookie sandwiches recipe is a game-changer! The homemade cookies are soft and chewy, and the ice cream is rich and creamy. The m&m's add a fun crunch and burst of flavor. It's a delightful treat that everyone will love!

Celestina Erwin

Techniques Required for Making M&M Ice Cream Cookie Sandwiches

Prepare ice cream mixture: Combine heavy cream, condensed milk, and vanilla extract, then beat until thick and smooth. Carefully fold in the m&m®s.

Chill cookie dough: After mixing the cookie dough, cover and chill for at least 2 hours or up to 5 days.

Bake cookies: Roll the dough into balls and bake at 350°F for 10 minutes until lightly browned on the sides. Allow the cookies to cool before using them for the ice cream sandwiches.

Assemble ice cream sandwiches: Take a large scoop of ice cream and sandwich it between two cookies. Optionally, roll the sides in crushed m&m®, chocolate chips, or sprinkles.

Freeze sandwiches: Once assembled, freeze the ice cream sandwiches until ready to eat.

How To Make M&M Ice Cream Cookie Sandwiches

This recipe for ice cream cookie sandwiches has a creamy homemade M&M ice cream sandwiched between two M&M cookies for the ultimate candy overload.

Preparation: 3 hours

Cooking: 10 minutes

Total: 3 hours 10 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

For Ice Cream:

2cupsheavy cream
14ozcondensed milk,sweetened
1tsppure vanilla extract
1cupmini or regular size M&M®s

For Cookies:

¾cupunsalted butter,softened to room temperature
1cuplight brown sugar,packed
½cupgranulated sugar
1largeegg,at room temperature
1largeegg yolk,at room temperature
2tsppure vanilla extract
2cupsall purpose flour,spoon & leveled
1tspcornstarch
½tspbaking soda
½tspsalt
1cupmini or regular size M&M®s

Instructions

Using a hand mixer or a stand mixer fitted with whisk attachment, beat the heavy cream, sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla together for about 4-5 minutes on high speed until thick and smooth. Carefully fold in the M&M®’s.
Spoon/pour the ice cream mixture into a freezer-safe container or bowl. Cover tightly and freeze overnight. Ice cream can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 weeks.
Using a hand mixer or a stand mixer fitted with paddle attachment, cream the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together on medium speed until smooth.
Add the egg and egg yolk and mix on high until combined. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl as needed. Add the vanilla and mix on high until combined. Set aside.
In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt together. Add to the wet ingredients and mix on low until combined. Fold in the M&M®’s. Cover the dough and chill for at least 2 hours and up to 5 days.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. Set aside. Roll balls of dough and place 2 inches apart on the baking sheets.
Bake for 10 minutes until very lightly browned on the sides. The centers will look very soft.
Remove from the oven and let cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Take a large scoop of ice cream and sandwich it between two cookies. Feel free to roll the sides in crushed M&M®, chocolate chips, sprinkles, anything!
Freeze the sandwiches until ready to eat.

Nutrition

Calories: 546.96kcal
Fat: 29.89g
Saturated Fat: 18.46g
Trans Fat: 0.42g
Monounsaturated Fat: 8.13g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.31g
Carbohydrates: 64.23g
Fiber: 1.23g
Sugar: 49.15g
Protein: 6.37g
Cholesterol: 105.45mg
Sodium: 191.77mg
Calcium: 141.68mg
Potassium: 235.00mg
Iron: 1.31mg
Vitamin A: 252.82µg
Vitamin C: 1.02mg

Expert Advice for Perfecting M&M Ice Cream Cookie Sandwiches

When making your m&m ice cream cookie sandwiches, it's crucial to chill the cookie dough before baking. This helps the cookies maintain their shape and texture during the baking process. If the dough is too warm, the cookies may spread too much and become thin and crispy, rather than soft and chewy. Additionally, when assembling the sandwiches, ensure the cookies have completely cooled. If they are still warm, they could melt the ice cream. Lastly, for an extra touch of indulgence, consider using homemade ice cream. It's creamier and richer in flavor compared to store-bought versions.

Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Ice Cream Cookie Sandwiches

Prep ahead: Make the cookie dough and ice cream in advance and store them in the freezer. This will save time on the day you plan to assemble the sandwiches.

Use store-bought: If you're short on time, consider using store-bought ice cream and cookies instead of making them from scratch.

Double batch: Make a double batch of cookies and freeze the extras. This way, you'll have cookies ready to use for future ice cream sandwiches.

Quick freeze: To speed up the freezing process, spread the ice cream in a thin, even layer on a baking sheet before transferring it to a container.

Substitute Ingredients For M&M Ice Cream Cookie Sandwiches Recipe

heavy cream - Substitute with coconut cream: Coconut cream can provide a similar richness and creaminess to the ice cream without the dairy component.
condensed milk - Substitute with coconut condensed milk: Coconut condensed milk can be used as a dairy-free alternative, providing a similar sweet and creamy texture to the ice cream.
unsalted butter - Substitute with vegan butter: Vegan butter can be used as a dairy-free alternative, providing a similar richness and flavor to the cookies.
light brown sugar - Substitute with coconut sugar: Coconut sugar can be used as a lower glycemic index alternative to brown sugar, providing a similar sweetness to the cookies.
granulated sugar - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup can be used as a natural sweetener alternative to granulated sugar, adding a unique flavor to the cookies.
all purpose flour - Substitute with gluten-free flour: Gluten-free flour can be used to make the cookies suitable for those with gluten sensitivities or allergies.
mini or regular size m&m®s - Substitute with chopped nuts or dried fruit: Chopped nuts or dried fruit can add a crunchy or chewy texture to the ice cream cookie sandwiches, replacing the m&m®s.

Creative Ways to Serve Ice Cream Cookie Sandwiches

Elevate the ice cream sandwich: Place the ice cream sandwich on a chilled dessert plate to keep it cool and prevent melting. This will also add a touch of elegance to the presentation.
Garnish with fresh berries: Arrange a few vibrant fresh berries such as raspberries, blueberries, or strawberries around the ice cream sandwich to add a pop of color and a refreshing element to the dish.
Drizzle with chocolate sauce: Create an artistic drizzle of chocolate sauce on the plate, using a squeeze bottle or a spoon, to add a decadent and visually appealing element to the presentation.
Sprinkle with edible flowers: Lightly sprinkle the plate with delicate and colorful edible flowers such as pansies or violas to add a touch of sophistication and a floral aroma to the dish.
Dust with powdered sugar: Use a fine-mesh sieve to delicately dust the plate with a light layer of powdered sugar for an added touch of sweetness and a beautiful finishing touch to the presentation.
Add a mint sprig: Place a small, fresh mint sprig on top of the ice cream sandwich for a burst of color and a hint of refreshing aroma, enhancing the overall visual appeal of the dish.

Essential Equipment for Making M&M Ice Cream Cookie Sandwiches

Hand mixer: Used for beating the heavy cream, sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla together to create a smooth ice cream mixture.
Stand mixer: Fitted with a whisk attachment, it is used to beat the heavy cream, sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla together for the ice cream mixture. It can also be fitted with a paddle attachment for creaming the butter and sugars for the cookie dough.
Freezer-safe container or bowl: Used to store and freeze the ice cream mixture.
Spoon or pour: Used to transfer the ice cream mixture into the freezer-safe container or bowl.
Hand mixer or stand mixer with paddle attachment: Used to cream the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together for the cookie dough.
Whisk: Used to whisk the flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt together for the cookie dough.
Large baking sheets: Used to bake the cookie dough.
Parchment paper or silicone baking mats: Lined on the baking sheets to prevent the cookies from sticking.
Wire rack: Used to cool the baked cookies.
Scoop: Used to portion the ice cream for sandwiching between the cookies.
Crushed m&m®, chocolate chips, sprinkles: Optional for rolling the sides of the ice cream sandwiches.

Storing and Freezing Homemade Ice Cream Cookie Sandwiches

Once the ice cream sandwiches are assembled, wrap each one individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn and to keep them fresh.
Place the wrapped ice cream sandwiches in a freezer-safe container or a resealable plastic bag, making sure to remove as much air as possible before sealing.
Label the container or bag with the date of preparation to keep track of how long they have been stored.
Ice cream sandwiches can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months.
When you're ready to enjoy your ice cream sandwich, remove it from the freezer and let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften slightly before unwrapping and indulging in the delightful combination of cookies and creamy ice cream.
If you have leftover cookies or ice cream, store them separately in airtight containers in the freezer. The cookies can be stored for up to 3 months, while the ice cream can be kept for up to 2 weeks.

Interesting Trivia About M&M Ice Cream Cookie Sandwiches

The M&M ice cream cookie sandwiches recipe is a delightful treat that combines the creamy texture of ice cream with the crunch of M&M candies and chewy cookies. This dessert is a perfect blend of sweet and creamy flavors, making it a hit with both kids and adults. It's a fun and customizable dessert that allows you to get creative with different M&M flavors and toppings. Plus, it's a great make-ahead option for parties or gatherings, as the ice cream can be prepared and stored in the freezer for up to two weeks. Enjoy this delicious treat any time of the year!

Is Making M&M Ice Cream Cookie Sandwiches at Home Cost-Effective?

The cost-effectiveness of this m&m ice cream cookie sandwiches recipe is quite high. The ingredients are commonly found in households, and the recipe makes a large batch, providing multiple servings. The use of heavy cream and condensed milk may be slightly more expensive, but the overall cost is reasonable. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $20. The overall verdict rating for this recipe would be 9 out of 10, considering the delightful combination of ice cream and cookies and the joy it brings to the entire family.

Are M&M Ice Cream Cookie Sandwiches Healthy or Unhealthy?

This m&m ice cream cookie sandwich recipe, while undeniably delicious, is not particularly healthy. The main concerns are:

High sugar content: The ice cream alone contains 14 oz of condensed milk, and the cookies have both brown and granulated sugar. Excessive sugar consumption can lead to obesity, diabetes, and other health issues.
High fat content: The recipe uses heavy cream and a significant amount of butter, which are high in saturated fats. Consuming too much saturated fat can increase the risk of heart disease and other health problems.
Refined flour: The cookies are made with all-purpose flour, which is a refined carbohydrate. Refined carbohydrates have been stripped of their fiber and nutrients, and can cause blood sugar spikes.

To make this recipe healthier, you could try the following modifications:

Reduce the amount of sugar in both the ice cream and cookies, or use a natural sweetener like stevia or monk fruit extract
Replace some of the heavy cream with low-fat milk or a plant-based alternative like almond milk
Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour to increase the fiber content
Decrease the amount of butter in the cookies and replace some of it with a healthier fat like coconut oil or mashed avocado
Add some chopped nuts to the cookies for a boost of healthy fats and protein

Editor's Opinion on the M&M Ice Cream Cookie Sandwiches Recipe

The combination of creamy homemade ice cream studded with colorful M&M's sandwiched between soft, chewy cookies is a delightful treat for all ages. The simplicity of the recipe allows for easy preparation, and the vibrant colors of the M&M's add a playful touch. The contrast of textures between the smooth ice cream and the slightly crisp cookies creates a satisfying indulgence. This recipe offers a perfect balance of sweetness and nostalgia, making it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.

Enhance Your M&M Ice Cream Cookie Sandwiches Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Grilled Pineapple with Honey Glaze: Grill the pineapple slices until they have beautiful grill marks, then drizzle with a honey glaze for a sweet and tangy side dish.

Roasted Sweet Potato Fries: Cut sweet potatoes into fry shapes, toss with olive oil and seasonings, then roast until crispy and golden brown for a delicious and healthy side dish.

Creamy Coleslaw with Apple and Raisins: Mix shredded cabbage and carrots with a creamy dressing, then add in diced apples and plump raisins for a sweet and crunchy coleslaw side dish.

Similar Dessert Recipes to Try

Grilled Vegetable Skewers: Marinate the vegetables in a zesty herb dressing before grilling for a delicious and healthy side dish.

Braised Beef Short Ribs: Slow cook the beef short ribs in a rich red wine sauce until tender and falling off the bone for a comforting and hearty meal.

Fresh Fruit Salad with Honey-Lime Dressing: Toss together a variety of fresh fruits and drizzle with a sweet and tangy honey-lime dressing for a refreshing and colorful dessert or snack.

Creamy Tomato Basil Soup: Simmer ripe tomatoes and fragrant basil in a creamy broth for a comforting and flavorful soup that pairs perfectly with a crusty bread.

Appetizers and Main Dishes to Serve with M&M Ice Cream Cookie Sandwiches

Appetizers:

Stuffed Mushrooms: Impress your guests with these savory and indulgent stuffed mushrooms. Filled with a rich and flavorful mixture, these bite-sized appetizers are sure to be a hit at any gathering.

Spinach and Artichoke Dip: Creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, this spinach and artichoke dip is the perfect appetizer to kick off any meal. Serve it with crispy bread or crunchy vegetables for a delicious start to your dining experience.

Main Courses:

Chicken Alfredo: Create a creamy and indulgent pasta dish featuring tender chicken and a rich, savory Alfredo sauce. Pair it with your favorite pasta for a comforting and satisfying meal.

Beef Stir Fry: Whip up a quick and flavorful stir fry with tender strips of beef and a colorful assortment of vegetables. Toss everything in a savory sauce and serve over steamed rice for a delicious and nutritious dinner option.

Why trust this M&M Ice Cream Cookie Sandwiches Recipe:

This recipe guarantees a delightful treat with its rich and creamy ice cream and soft, chewy cookie sandwiches. The combination of heavy cream, condensed milk, and vanilla extract ensures a luscious and smooth ice cream base, while the addition of m&m®s provides a burst of color and flavor. The cookies, made with unsalted butter, brown sugar, and vanilla extract, promise a perfect texture and taste. With meticulous instructions and quality ingredients like all purpose flour and mini m&m®s, this recipe is a trustworthy choice for a delightful dessert experience.

Have you tried making these delicious M&M Ice Cream Cookie Sandwiches? Share your experience and any tips you might have in the Baking and Desserts forum section!

FAQ:

Can I use different types of M&M's for this recipe?

Yes, you can use different types of M&M's for this recipe. You can use mini M&M's, regular size M&M's, or even a mix of both for added variety and flavor.

Can I make the ice cream and cookies ahead of time and assemble later?

Absolutely! You can make the ice cream and cookies ahead of time. The ice cream can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 weeks, and the cookie dough can be chilled for up to 5 days. This makes it convenient to assemble the ice cream cookie sandwiches whenever you're ready to enjoy them.

Can I substitute any ingredients for a healthier version?

You can make some substitutions to create a slightly healthier version of this recipe. For example, you can use low-fat or non-dairy alternatives for the heavy cream in the ice cream, and you can also use whole wheat flour or almond flour for the cookies. However, keep in mind that these substitutions may alter the texture and flavor slightly.

Can I customize the ice cream cookie sandwiches with different toppings?

Absolutely! You can customize the ice cream cookie sandwiches with different toppings to suit your preferences. You can roll the sides of the ice cream in crushed M&M's, chocolate chips, sprinkles, or any other toppings of your choice to add a fun and personalized touch to the sandwiches.

Can I use store-bought ice cream and cookies instead of making them from scratch?

Yes, you can use store-bought ice cream and cookies if you're short on time or prefer the convenience. However, making the ice cream and cookies from scratch allows you to customize the flavors and ensure that the ingredients meet your preferences and dietary restrictions.