Nothing says summer quite like a homemade ice cream sandwich, especially when it starts with a soft, chewy cookie and your favorite scoop of ice cream. While the classic frozen treat may bring back childhood memories, the best ice cream sandwiches are all about the perfect combination of flavors, textures, and high-quality ingredients.

Whether you're hosting a backyard BBQ, planning a summer picnic, or simply looking for a fun weekend dessert, these cookie and ice cream pairings will help you create the ultimate homemade ice cream sandwich with no ice cream shop required.

Why PNW Cookie Co. Cookies Make the Perfect Ice Cream Sandwich

The secret to an unforgettable homemade ice cream sandwich starts with the cookie. While many gluten-free cookies can become dry, crumbly, or lose their texture when frozen, PNW Cookie Co. cookies actually thrive in the cold. Plus, their soft, chewy texture and rich flavor make them the perfect foundation for a delicious DIY ice cream sandwich.  

Did you know that freezing our cookies is one of the best ways to keep them fresh? Because we never use preservatives, we recommend storing your extra cookies in the freezer to help maintain their flavor, texture, and bakery-fresh quality for longer. 

Another important (and often overlooked!) factor when making ice cream sandwiches? The cookie needs to be sturdy enough to hold up to a generous scoop of ice cream without cracking or falling apart. After testing recipes in our kitchen, we know that the perfect ice cream sandwich cookie needs the right balance of softness, chewiness, and structure, and our cookies deliver all three.

At PNW Cookie Co., every cookie is 100% gluten-free, certified vegan, and soy-free, making it easier for everyone to enjoy a delicious frozen dessert without compromising on flavor or quality ingredients. Each cookie is handmade in small batches at our bakery in Chehalis, Washington, with the same care and attention you'd expect from a homemade treat. Learn more about the team behind PNW Cookie Co.

This sets the stage for a homemade vegan ice cream sandwich that tastes like it came straight from a bakery, made right from your own freezer. 

Best Cookie & Ice Cream Pairings

Chocolate Chip + Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

This is a classic flavor combination that never disappoints! Creamy vanilla lets the rich chocolate chips shine while creating the nostalgic ice cream sandwich everyone remembers from childhood.

Our Chocolate Chip Cookie is also delicious with:

• Salted caramel
• Cookies & cream
• Coffee ice cream

Double Chocolate + Raspberry Sorbet

Rich chocolate and bright raspberry are a match made in dessert heaven.

The tartness of raspberry cuts through the decadent chocolate, creating an ice cream sandwich that's surprisingly refreshing on hot summer days.

Other flavors we love pairing with our Double Chocolate Cookie include:

• Raspberry sorbet
• Cherry sorbet
• Chocolate ice cream (for the serious chocolate lovers out there!)

Peanut Butter + Chocolate Ice Cream

If you love peanut butter cups, then consider this a must-try ice cream sandwich combination. The nutty richness of our Peanut Butter Cookie paired with creamy chocolate ice cream creates one seriously indulgent dessert. 

Our Peanut Butter Cookie is also amazing with:

• Banana ice cream
• Vanilla bean
• Chocolate peanut butter swirl

Oatmeal Raisin + Cinnamon Swirl Ice Cream

Think warm apple crisp...But frozen. The comforting spices and rolled oats in our Oatmeal Raisin Cookie pair beautifully with cinnamon or vanilla ice cream for a dessert that tastes like summer and fall collided. 

Other great ice creams to pair with our Oatmeal Raisin Cookie include:

• Vanilla bean
• Maple ice cream
• Caramel swirl

Snickerdoodle + Horchata or Vanilla Ice Cream

Cinnamon sugar lovers, this one is for you! The soft Snickerdoodle Cookie wrapped around creamy vanilla or horchata-inspired ice cream tastes like a frozen churro. 

The Snickerdoodle Cookie also pairs well with:

• Cinnamon ice cream
• Vanilla bean
• Dulce de leche

Limited Edition Summer Pairings

These seasonal favorites won't be around forever, making them even more fun for summer entertaining.

Lemon Meringue Pie + Raspberry Sorbet

This pairing is bright, citrusy, and incredibly refreshing on a hot day.

The tart lemon flavor in our Lemon Meringue Pie Cookie balances perfectly with sweet raspberry sorbet for an ice cream sandwich that feels light enough for even the hottest afternoons.

We also recommend pairing our Lemon Meringue Pie Cookie with:

• Lemon sorbet
• Coconut ice cream
• Vanilla bean

Birthday Cake + Strawberry Ice Cream

This is a cookie and ice cream combination where every bite tastes like a celebration. 

Colorful sprinkles, buttery cake flavor, and creamy strawberry ice cream create a dessert that's perfect for birthdays, summer parties, or simply treating yourself.

The Birthday Cake Cookie is also delicious with:

• Vanilla
• Cotton candy
• Birthday cake ice cream

Trailblazer + Coconut Ice Cream

The Trailblazer Cookie is packed with adventurous flavor (dried strawberries and a hint of banana), making it one of the most unique cookies for homemade ice cream sandwiches.

Its fruity notes pair beautifully with creamy coconut ice cream for a tropical-inspired dessert that's anything but ordinary.

We also love pairing the Trailblazer Cookie with:

• Banana ice cream
• Mango sorbet
• Pineapple sorbet

How to Make the Perfect Ice Cream Sandwich

Making your own ice cream sandwiches at home is easier than you think! With your favorite PNW Cookie Co. cookies, a scoop of vegan ice cream or sorbet, and a few simple steps, you can create a bakery-quality frozen treat in your own kitchen.

Ingredients you'll need:

• 2 PNW Cookie Co. cookies (grab a Double Cookie Pack)
• Your favorite vegan ice cream, dairy-free ice cream, or sorbet
• Optional toppings:
• Mini chocolate chips
• Rainbow sprinkles
• Freeze-dried fruit 
• Shredded toasted coconut
• Chopped nuts 

Tools you'll need:

• Ice cream scoop
• Baking sheet or freezer-safe tray
• Butter knife or spatula
• Airtight freezer container or storage bags
• Parchment paper or plastic wrap

Instructions

1. Let your ice cream slightly soften. Remove the ice cream from the freezer and let it sit at room temperature for about 5-15 minutes. You want it to be soft enough to scoop and spread easily, but not melted. 
2. Add ice cream to one cookie. Place one cookie flat-side up and add a generous scoop of ice cream to the center. Add additional scoops of ice cream until you’ve reached your desired thickness. 
3. Spread the ice cream. Use a butter knife or spatula to evenly spread the ice cream to the edges of the cookie. 
4. Top with a second cookie. Gently press the second cookie on top. Avoid pressing down too hard to prevent the cookie from breaking.
5. Optional: Add your favorite toppings. For an extra fun summer treat, roll the edges of your ice cream sandwich in toppings like sprinkles, mini chocolate chips, or crushed peanuts. 
6. Freeze until firm. Place your assembled ice cream sandwiches on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze for at least 30 minutes before serving. This helps the ice cream firm up and makes the sandwiches easier to enjoy.
7. Store for later. To make ice cream sandwiches ahead of time, wrap each one individually in parchment paper or plastic wrap and store them in an airtight freezer container. They’ll be ready whenever your next sweet craving hits!

Pro Tips for the Best Homemade Ice Cream Sandwiches

• Warm your ice cream scoop or spatula for easier spreading: Run your ice cream scoop or spatula under warm water for a few seconds before assembling your sandwiches. The slightly warmed utensil will glide through the ice cream more easily, making it easier to create an even layer without crushing your cookies.
• Use frozen cookies for easier assembly: Slightly chilled cookies are easier to handle and less likely to soften too quickly.
• Don't over-soften your ice cream: Melted ice cream can make your cookies soggy and messy.
• Freeze before serving: A short freeze after assembly helps create the perfect bite — firm ice cream, soft cookie, and less mess.
• Make an ice cream sandwich bar: Set out different PNW Cookie Co. cookie flavors, ice cream flavors, and toppings so everyone can create their own custom combination.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you freeze PNW Cookie Co. cookies?

Yes! They freeze beautifully, making them perfect for preparing homemade ice cream sandwiches ahead of time. Because we don’t use any preservatives in our cookies, we recommend storing your extra cookies in the freezer to maintain their freshness. 

Are PNW Cookie Co. cookies vegan?

Yes. Every cookie is certified vegan, with no dairy or eggs.

Are PNW Cookie Co. cookies gluten-free?

Absolutely. Every cookie is gluten-free, making them a delicious option for those avoiding gluten. To ensure every batch meets our high standards, we test our cookie dough for gluten before it's baked so you can enjoy every bite with confidence.

Are PNW Cookie Co. cookies soy-free?

Yes! All of our cookies are completely soy-free.

What vegan ice cream brands pair well with PNW Cookie Co. cookies?

There are plenty of delicious dairy-free options available in grocery stores today. Some popular brands include:

• Oatly
• So Delicious
• Ben & Jerry's Non-Dairy
• NadaMoo!
• Cosmic Bliss
• Cado

Or keep things extra refreshing with your favorite fruit sorbet. 

Create Your Own Summer Favorite

The best part about homemade ice cream sandwiches is that there are no rules.

Love chocolate? Double up with Double Chocolate + Chocolate Ice Cream.

Prefer fruity desserts? Try Lemon Meringue Pie + Raspberry Sorbet.

Want something nostalgic? You can't go wrong with Chocolate Chip + Vanilla Bean.

No matter which combination you choose, you'll end up with a dessert that's every bit as delicious as it is memorable.

So grab your favorite PNW Cookie Co. cookies, pick up a pint (or two) of your favorite ice cream, and start building the ultimate summer treat. Your perfect ice cream sandwich is only two cookies away!