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Red Velvet Ice Cream Sandwiches are festive handheld desserts that steal the show at any summer celebration. These combine homemade red velvet cookies with smooth vanilla ice cream all dressed up with sprinkles for a playful and patriotic twist. Every bite balances creamy and chewy and these sandwiches are meant to be shared at picnics barbeques or family parties
I created this recipe for our Fourth of July picnic and it was an instant hit My cousins now ask me to bring these sandwiches to every summer birthday
Ingredients
- Red velvet cookies: Shaped into stars offer a signature look and that mild cocoa flavor Look for a recipe that gives cookies soft middles so they freeze well
- Vanilla or cheesecake flavored ice cream: Creamy base that pairs with red velvet If possible choose a slow churned or high fat version for better texture
- Sprinkles: Optional but they add crunch and a pop of color Choose good quality sprinkles with a melt proof coating to avoid running colors
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Soften the Ice Cream:
- Let your ice cream sit out until it is just soft enough to spread with a spoon This usually takes about ten to fifteen minutes but resist the urge to microwave
- Mold the Ice Cream Layer:
- Line a large baking pan with parchment or plastic wrap Press softened ice cream evenly into the pan smoothing the top to about an inch thick Cover with another layer of plastic to keep ice crystals away and freeze until very solid at least two hours I have learned that longer freezing up to three days makes sandwiching so much easier
- Cut Ice Cream Shapes:
- Once frozen use the same cutter as your cookies to stamp out ice cream shapes If it sticks dip the cutter in hot water then wipe dry This keeps edges clean and avoids crumbling
- Assemble the Sandwiches:
- Working one at a time sandwich an ice cream shape between two cookies Press gently so the ice cream is flush with the cookies Place finished sandwiches back on a lined tray and return to freezer while you finish main batch so nothing melts
- Add Sprinkles and Freeze Again:
- Roll edges in sprinkles if using then pop sandwiches back in the freezer at least an hour to let everything get firm These desserts really thank you for doing the final freeze
- Wrap and Store:
- Wrap sandwiches individually in plastic and freeze up to one week Before enjoying let them sit out for five to ten minutes so they are easy to bite into
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One of my favorite parts is picking out sprinkles with my niece We always laugh at the mess but agree it is worth it to make the cutest treats for our parties
Storage Tips
Keep your sandwiches individually wrapped in plastic to block freezer burn Stack them in a lidded container for extra protection They keep their best texture for up to seven days After that the cookies can get icy
Ingredient Substitutions
You can swap vanilla ice cream for strawberry for a Valentine’s Day twist If you need dairy free options a coconut or cashew based ice cream works just as well And feel free to use gluten free red velvet cookie recipes
Serving Suggestions
Serve these sandwiches right from the freezer at hot weather parties For a plated dessert drizzle with chocolate sauce and add fresh berries You can also wrap them in wax paper for a nostalgic ice cream truck feel
Cultural Context
Red velvet is an American classic especially in the South and its distinctive color has a festive history These sandwiches channel summer holiday spirit turning nostalgic flavors into new traditions
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How do I prevent the ice cream from melting during assembly?
Work quickly and keep everything chilled. If the ice cream starts to soften, return assembled sandwiches to the freezer in batches before continuing.
- → Can different ice cream flavors be used?
Absolutely! Vanilla and cheesecake work well, but you may substitute your favorite flavors to complement the red velvet cookies.
- → Are the cookies made from scratch?
Yes, the red velvet sugar cookies are homemade for a soft, tender bite that pairs perfectly with ice cream.
- → How far in advance can these be made?
Prepare the sandwiches up to a week ahead. Wrap each individually and store in the freezer until needed.
- → Can I use different cookie shapes?
Certainly! While stars are festive, any cookie cutter shape can be used to fit the occasion.