I absolutely love how fun and indulgent these Cinnamon Roll Ice Cream Sandwiches Recipe turns out every single time! There’s something magical about the combination of soft, warm cinnamon rolls hugging creamy, cold vanilla ice cream — it’s like dessert and breakfast had the best possible baby. Whether you’re serving these up for a special weekend treat or a crowd-pleasing summer party dessert, they bring a wow factor with minimal fuss.
When I first tried making Cinnamon Roll Ice Cream Sandwiches Recipe, I was amazed at how simple it was to transform ordinary store-bought cinnamon rolls into something extraordinary. You’ll find that whoever you share these with goes crazy for the gooey, sweet, and creamy bites. Plus, it’s a perfect recipe when you want to impress but still keep things relaxed and easy in the kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy & Quick: You just need three ingredients and less than an hour for a dessert that looks gourmet.
- Fun Texture Combo: Soft cinnamon rolls with cold, creamy ice cream is a delightful flavor and texture duo.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: From birthday parties to casual get-togethers, this recipe steals the show.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prep the cinnamon rolls early and assemble last-minute for maximum freshness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Cinnamon Roll Ice Cream Sandwiches Recipe is all about simplicity and convenience. Using store-bought cinnamon rolls saves you time, and good quality vanilla ice cream really makes the flavor shine.
- Store-bought cinnamon rolls: I usually go with the classic ones that come with icing included — Pillsbury Grands! are my go-to because they bake up so fluffy and soft.
- Vanilla ice cream: A rich, creamy vanilla complements the cinnamon perfectly; try to pick one with good vanilla bean or natural flavor for the best taste.
- Icing packet from cinnamon rolls: The ready-made icing adds the perfect finishing touch — no extra frosting required!
Variations
I love switching things up with this Cinnamon Roll Ice Cream Sandwiches Recipe depending on the season or who I’m serving. It’s a flexible treat that welcomes your creativity, so don’t hesitate to experiment!
- Use flavored ice cream: Adding caramel swirl or cinnamon ice cream amps up the flavor; I did this once for a holiday brunch and it was a hit.
- Gluten-free option: You can try gluten-free cinnamon rolls if you want to cater to dietary needs — just make sure they’re sturdy enough to hold the ice cream.
- Vegan swap: Substitute with vegan cinnamon rolls and dairy-free ice cream for a cruelty-free indulgence that still satisfies.
- Add toppings: Sprinkle chopped nuts or drizzle warm chocolate sauce for an extra special touch.
How to Make Cinnamon Roll Ice Cream Sandwiches Recipe
Step 1: Bake the Cinnamon Rolls Until Puffy and Gorgeous
First, arrange a rack right in the center of your oven and preheat it to 375°F. Place your cinnamon rolls on a baking sheet — I like using parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easier cleanup. Bake for about 20 minutes or until they’re cooked through and golden on top. Don’t rush this part; well-baked cinnamon rolls give you that perfect softness that hugs the ice cream later. Once baked, let them cool completely — I usually put them on a wire rack to avoid sogginess.
Step 2: Slice and Freeze the Cinnamon Roll Halves
After the rolls are fully cooled, slice each one in half horizontally like a little bun. This way you get two pieces, a bottom and a top, for sandwiching the ice cream. Lay them out flat on a clean baking sheet and pop them in the freezer for about 15-20 minutes. This chills the rolls so they hold up nicely when you add the ice cream — I learned this trick after the first batch got too soft and melted too fast.
Step 3: Prep Icing and Ice Cream
While the cinnamon roll halves freeze, allow the icing packet to come to room temperature so it’s easier to drizzle later on. Also, set the vanilla ice cream out for about five minutes before scooping to soften slightly — this helps you spread it smoothly without it melting into a puddle.
Step 4: Assemble Your Cinnamon Roll Ice Cream Sandwiches
Scoop about half a cup of the vanilla ice cream onto the bottom half of each cinnamon roll. Using a spoon or an offset spatula, spread the ice cream evenly, but be gentle — you want the sandwich to hold together. Place the top half on and finish by drizzling the icing over each sandwich. I love this moment because the icing slowly melts into the warm rolls for a dreamy, glossy finish!
Pro Tips for Making Cinnamon Roll Ice Cream Sandwiches Recipe
- Don’t skip chilling the rolls: Freezing cut cinnamon rolls helps them stay firm enough to hold the ice cream without turning soggy.
- Work quickly with ice cream: Softened but not melted ice cream spreads smoothly and prevents your sandwich from collapsing.
- Use an offset spatula: It’s a simple tool that makes spreading ice cream a breeze without tearing your delicate cinnamon rolls.
- Cool rolls completely before slicing: Hot or warm rolls can cause the ice cream to melt too fast and make assembly messy.
How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Ice Cream Sandwiches Recipe
Garnishes
I love drizzling some extra cinnamon sugar or sprinkling chopped pecans on top of the icing for crunch and extra flavor. A light dusting of powdered sugar also adds a nice, elegant touch when serving at a brunch or party.
Side Dishes
These sandwiches really shine on their own, but if you want to add a side, a fresh fruit salad or a cup of hot coffee complements the sweetness perfectly. For summertime, fresh berries or sliced peaches balance the richness nicely.
Creative Ways to Present
For birthdays or celebrations, I like to serve these sandwiches on a pretty tiered dessert stand with colorful paper liners under each one. Wrapping each sandwich in parchment paper tied with twine can make them an adorable grab-and-go treat for guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover sandwiches are best stored wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or an airtight container in the freezer. I like to separate layers with parchment paper so they don’t stick together. They keep well for up to a week.
Freezing
Freezing works great for this recipe since both cinnamon rolls and ice cream handle cold storage well. Just assemble the sandwiches and freeze them solid before serving. I recommend letting them thaw for 5-10 minutes before eating for that perfect soft and creamy bite.
Reheating
If you want your cinnamon rolls a little warmer before assembling, you can reheat the cooled, uncut rolls in the oven for a few minutes. I don’t recommend reheating after the ice cream is added — it melts too fast! Instead, warm them up beforehand for that fresh-baked feel.
FAQs
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Can I use homemade cinnamon rolls for this recipe?
Absolutely! Homemade cinnamon rolls work wonderfully and can add an extra personal touch. Just make sure they’re fully cooled before slicing and assembling to keep the ice cream from melting too quickly.
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What’s the best ice cream flavor to use?
Classic vanilla is my favorite because it balances the sweetness and spice perfectly, but you can experiment with caramel, cinnamon, or even a coffee flavor for a unique twist.
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How long can I store these sandwiches in the freezer?
When wrapped properly, cinnamon roll ice cream sandwiches stay delicious for up to one week in the freezer. Just thaw a few minutes before enjoying.
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Can I make these ahead for a party?
Yes! You can bake and slice the cinnamon rolls a day ahead, keep them frozen, and assemble the sandwiches a couple of hours before serving for the best texture.
Final Thoughts
This Cinnamon Roll Ice Cream Sandwiches Recipe has quickly become a family favorite and one I happily share with friends. Its ease, delightful flavors, and versatile nature make it a dessert you’ll want to keep coming back to. I promise once you try this combo of warm cinnamon rolls and cold, creamy ice cream, you’ll be just as hooked as I am. So grab those rolls, scoop that ice cream, and enjoy this little slice of heaven—you deserve it!
PrintCinnamon Roll Ice Cream Sandwiches Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Total Time: 45 mins
- Yield: 10 sandwiches
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Indulge in the delightful fusion of warm, freshly baked cinnamon rolls and creamy vanilla ice cream with these Cinnamon Roll Ice Cream Sandwiches. Perfectly baked cinnamon rolls are sliced and frozen briefly to hold their shape, then generously filled with smooth vanilla ice cream and finished with a drizzle of sweet icing for a decadent treat that’s both comforting and refreshing.
Ingredients
Cinnamon Rolls
- 10 large store-bought unbaked cinnamon rolls with icing packet (such as Pillsbury Grands!)
Ice Cream
- 1 1/2 gallons vanilla ice cream
Instructions
- Prepare Oven and Bake Rolls: Arrange a rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 375°F (190°C). Place the unbaked cinnamon rolls on a baking sheet, spacing them evenly. Bake for about 20 minutes or until fully cooked and golden brown. Remove from oven and allow the rolls to cool completely.
- Slice and Freeze Rolls: Once cooled, slice each cinnamon roll horizontally through the middle (equator), creating two halves. Arrange the bottom and top halves separately on a clean baking sheet, then place in the freezer for 15 to 20 minutes to firm up and prevent melting during assembly.
- Prepare Icing and Ice Cream: Let the icing packet sit at room temperature to soften. Remove the vanilla ice cream from the freezer and let stand at room temperature for about 5 minutes to soften for easier scooping.
- Assemble Sandwiches: Scoop about 1/2 cup of softened vanilla ice cream onto the bottom half of each cinnamon roll. Using a spoon or an offset spatula, spread the ice cream evenly. Top each with the top half of the cinnamon roll to form a sandwich. Drizzle the softened icing over the top of each sandwich for added sweetness and decoration.
Notes
- For best results, use high-quality store-bought cinnamon rolls with icing included.
- Letting the ice cream soften slightly before scooping ensures a smooth, even layer in the sandwiches.
- Freeze the assembled sandwiches briefly before serving if you prefer a firmer texture.
- These sandwiches are best enjoyed fresh but can be wrapped and frozen for up to 2 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 55mg