If you’re craving a decadent treat with a playful twist, these Red Velvet Ice Cream Sandwiches are pure happiness in dessert form! Imagine tender, star-shaped red velvet cookies hugging creamy vanilla ice cream (cheesecake, if you’re feeling fancy), all crowned with colorful sprinkles. They’re fun to make, so easy to share, and guaranteed to bring smiles to the table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Playful & Pretty: Each sandwich is a showstopper, thanks to those red velvet stars and a sprinkle garnish that turns dessert into a celebration.
- Ultimate Texture: Chewy cookies and cold, creamy ice cream come together for every bite—so satisfying and fun!
- Make-Ahead Magic: Prep these Red Velvet Ice Cream Sandwiches ahead of time and stash them in your freezer for instant, ready-to-serve treats.
- Fuss-Free & Customizable: It’s as easy as assembling and freezing—plus, you can switch up ice cream flavors or go wild with decorations!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Just a handful of baking and freezer staples are all it takes to create the magic of Red Velvet Ice Cream Sandwiches. Each ingredient has a special role, from flavor and color to that all-important creamy-crunchy contrast!
- 24 red velvet cookies, shaped into stars: These are the classic base—rich, cocoa-kissed, and delightfully soft, ready to sandwich the ice cream. If you shape them into stars, they look extra special!
- 2 pints vanilla or cheesecake flavored ice cream: The cool, creamy filling that contrasts beautifully against the bold red cookies. Use high-quality ice cream for best flavor and easier assembly!
- Sprinkles, if desired: Totally optional, but they add a fun crunch and a pop of color (especially cute for parties or birthdays).
Variations
Red Velvet Ice Cream Sandwiches are just the beginning—the sky’s the limit on flavor combos and fun. Don’t be afraid to customize based on your pantry, dietary needs, or taste cravings!
- Chocolate Lovers: Swap the vanilla or cheesecake ice cream for rich chocolate or chocolate chip for a fudgy twist.
- Gluten-Free: Use your favorite gluten-free red velvet cookie recipe or store-bought cookies to make this treat allergy-friendly.
- Mix-Up the Shapes: Use hearts, circles, or any festive cookie cutter for holidays and special occasions—make them fit your celebration!
- Different Sprinkles & Mix-ins: Try crushed freeze-dried raspberries, mini chocolate chips, or pastel confetti for endless color and crunch.
How to Make Red Velvet Ice Cream Sandwiches
Step 1: Soften and Prep Your Ice Cream
Let your ice cream sit at room temperature just until it’s soft enough to spread—don’t let it get soupy! Line a large rimmed baking sheet or another flat pan with parchment or plastic wrap. Spread the softened ice cream out evenly, about the thickness of your cookies. Cover the top with more plastic wrap, gently pressing it against the surface, and pop it in the freezer to firm up. You’ll want it solid (at least 2 hours, but overnight works too) for perfect sandwich assembly.
Step 2: Cut Out Your Ice Cream Centers
Once the ice cream is nice and firm, lift the whole sheet out using the parchment or wrap edges. Peel back the covering and use the same cookie cutter you used for your red velvet cookies to punch out star-shaped ice cream rounds. If the ice cream gets soft or sticky while you’re working, pop it back in the freezer for a few minutes.
Step 3: Build the Sandwiches
Take two cookies and gently sandwich a cut-out ice cream round between them, pressing lightly until they hold together (but don’t squish out the filling!). Place each finished sandwich on a chilled rimmed tray, and keep the tray in the freezer as you work—this keeps everything cold and crisp.
Step 4: Finish and Freeze
When all your Red Velvet Ice Cream Sandwiches are assembled, go wild with sprinkles! Roll the exposed ice cream edges in your favorite sprinkles or decorations for extra color and crunch. Freeze all the sandwiches at least an hour more, or until completely firm. If not serving right away, individually wrap your sandwiches for the freshest results.
Pro Tips for Making Red Velvet Ice Cream Sandwiches
- Chill Your Tools: For fuss-free assembly, freeze your cookie cutter and rimmed tray before cutting and sandwiching the ice cream—nothing sticks and every round holds its shape!
- Cookie Texture Matters: Bake your red velvet cookies just until set so they’re tender but not too crisp—soft cookies make the best sandwiches that don’t break apart.
- Quick Hands, Big Batch: Work in small batches and keep any unused ice cream in the freezer while you assemble. If things start to melt, don’t hesitate to re-freeze for a few minutes.
- Make-Ahead Freezer Magic: Individually wrap finished sandwiches in plastic for grab-and-go desserts all week long—they’ll stay fresh and delicious!
How to Serve Red Velvet Ice Cream Sandwiches
Garnishes
Nothing says festive quite like a pop of color! Roll the edges of your Red Velvet Ice Cream Sandwiches in assorted sprinkles, mini chocolate chips, or even crushed nuts for extra flavor and a little crunch. You can also drizzle with white or dark chocolate if you want a dessert that doubles as a party centerpiece.
Side Dishes
These sandwiches are stars on their own but pair beautifully with mugs of hot coffee for grown-ups, or frosty lemonade for the kids. Serve alongside a bowl of juicy berries or even a scoop of fresh whipped cream for an ultra-decadent sundae twist.
Creative Ways to Present
Red Velvet Ice Cream Sandwiches look stunning stacked on a cake stand at birthday parties or wrapped individually in wax paper for special-occasion goodie bags. Arrange them in a rainbow of sprinkle coatings, or tie each one with a ribbon for a homemade gift that no one will forget. For a crowd, build a “sandwich bar” with assorted toppings and let everyone customize their own!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers? Lucky you! Keep any extras tightly wrapped in plastic or airtight containers in your freezer. This keeps the cookies from getting icy, and the ice cream scoops and creamy texture last for days without freezer burn.
Freezing
For best results, freeze each Red Velvet Ice Cream Sandwich individually in plastic wrap, then pop them all into a zip-top freezer bag. They’ll taste fresh for up to a week, making them the perfect make-ahead party treat or instant dessert whenever a craving strikes!
Reheating
Red Velvet Ice Cream Sandwiches are meant to be enjoyed cold. Just pull them from the freezer and let them rest at room temperature for 5–10 minutes—the cookies will soften up slightly, and the ice cream will be that perfect biteable texture.
FAQs
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Do I need homemade cookies, or can I use store-bought?
You can absolutely use store-bought red velvet cookies to make these sandwiches super quick! For an extra special touch, bake your own and shape them with your favorite cookie cutters for a custom look and taste.
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What’s the best way to get clean ice cream shapes for the sandwich?
Let your ice cream freeze very firm before cutting, and dip your cookie cutter in warm water then dry it before each cut. Work quickly, and if the ice cream starts getting too soft, chill everything for a few minutes and resume.
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Can I make Red Velvet Ice Cream Sandwiches ahead of time for a party?
Absolutely! These sandwiches are designed for make-ahead magic—assemble and freeze them up to a week in advance, and just pull out as many as you need when party time rolls around.
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Which ice cream flavors taste best in these sandwiches?
Classic vanilla and cheesecake are delicious with red velvet, but feel free to experiment! Chocolate, cookies & cream, strawberry, or even salted caramel—all make delicious, custom Red Velvet Ice Cream Sandwiches.
Final Thoughts
Give these Red Velvet Ice Cream Sandwiches a try and watch your dessert table come to life! They’re a joyful blend of nostalgic red velvet and creamy indulgence, easy enough for a weekday treat but elegant enough for celebrations. I can’t wait for you (and your favorite people) to fall in love with every bite!
Print
Red Velvet Ice Cream Sandwiches Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 ice cream sandwiches 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Freezing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Red Velvet Ice Cream Sandwiches are a delightful treat that combines the rich flavors of red velvet cookies with creamy vanilla or cheesecake ice cream. Perfect for a fun and festive dessert!
Ingredients
Red Velvet Cookies:
- 24 red velvet cookies
Ice Cream Filling:
- 2 pints vanilla or cheesecake flavored ice cream
Additional:
- Sprinkles, if desired
Instructions
- Soften Ice Cream: Allow the ice cream to sit at room temperature until softened.
- Prepare Ice Cream Sheet: Line a large baking pan with parchment paper or plastic wrap. Spread softened ice cream evenly over the lined pan. Cover with plastic wrap pressed against the surface and freeze until firm, about 2 hours to 3 days.
- Shape Ice Cream: Remove the ice cream sheet from the freezer. Use a cookie cutter to cut out shapes of ice cream and sandwich each between two cookies.
- Freeze: Place the assembled sandwiches on a tray and freeze until firm, at least 1 hour.
- Storage: Individually wrap sandwiches in plastic and store in the freezer for up to 1 week. Let sit at room temperature for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ice cream sandwich
- Calories: Approximately 250 kcal
- Sugar: Varies based on ice cream and cookie brands
- Sodium: Varies based on ice cream and cookie brands
- Fat: Varies based on ice cream and cookie brands
- Saturated Fat: Varies based on ice cream and cookie brands
- Unsaturated Fat: Varies based on ice cream and cookie brands
- Trans Fat: Varies based on ice cream and cookie brands
- Carbohydrates: Varies based on ice cream and cookie brands
- Fiber: Varies based on ice cream and cookie brands
- Protein: Varies based on ice cream and cookie brands
- Cholesterol: Varies based on ice cream and cookie brands
