1. What are the best gluten-free flours for ice cream sandwich cookies?

The best gluten-free flours for cookies are usually blends labeled “gluten-free all-purpose flour,” which often contain rice flour, potato starch, and xanthan gum. These blends mimic the texture of regular wheat flour and work well in cookie recipes. If you’re making your own blend, use a mix of white rice flour, tapioca starch, and a small amount of xanthan gum for binding. Always make sure your flour blend is labeled gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination.

2. Can I make these gluten-free ice cream sandwiches dairy-free or vegan?

Absolutely! Swap butter for vegan butter or coconut oil, and use a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water) instead of a regular egg. For the filling, choose a certified gluten-free, dairy-free ice cream made with coconut, almond, or oat milk. This way, your sandwiches are both gluten-free and dairy-free or vegan—perfect for even more dietary needs.

3. How do I keep gluten-free cookies from falling apart in ice cream sandwiches?

Gluten-free cookies can be delicate, but a few tricks will help: Use brown sugar for moisture, don’t overbake the cookies, and let them cool completely before assembling. If the dough seems crumbly, add a tablespoon of milk or water at a time until it holds together. Freezing the assembled sandwiches also helps the cookies firm up for a perfect bite.

4. Can I use store-bought gluten-free cookies for ice cream sandwiches?

Yes! If you’re short on time, there are great store-bought gluten-free cookies available. Look for brands like Enjoy Life, Tate’s, or Schär, which make soft and chewy cookies. Always check the label to make sure they’re certified gluten-free and safe for your needs. Just pair them with your favorite gluten-free ice cream for a quick, easy treat.

Easy Gluten-Free Ice Cream Sandwiches: 3 Foolproof Recipes

Description

Easy gluten-free ice cream sandwiches are a nostalgic, kid- and adult-friendly treat that’s creamy, dreamy, and stress-free to make. With simple pantry staples and any gluten-free ice cream, these sandwiches are the ultimate summer dessert for every diet and occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (or vegan butter/coconut oil for dairy-free)
3/4 cup brown sugar
1 large egg (or flax egg for vegan: 1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 2.5 tbsp water)
1 tsp gluten-free vanilla extract
1 1/4 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour (with xanthan gum or add 1/4 tsp separately)
1/2 tsp baking powder (certified gluten-free)
1/4 tsp salt
Your favorite gluten-free ice cream (vanilla, chocolate, fruit, or dairy-free)
Optional: mini chocolate chips, rainbow sprinkles, or chopped nuts (for rolling the sides, gluten-free)

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Cream together softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract.
Add gluten-free flour, baking powder, xanthan gum (if not included in flour), and salt. Mix until just combined. If dough is crumbly, add 1 tablespoon milk or water at a time.
Scoop tablespoon-sized rounds onto the baking sheet. Flatten each slightly.
Bake for 10–12 minutes, until edges are golden but centers are still soft. Cool completely on the pan.
Let ice cream soften at room temp for 5 minutes. Flip half the cookies upside down, add a generous scoop of ice cream, and top with another cookie. Press gently to sandwich.
Roll sides in mini chips, sprinkles, or nuts if desired.
Freeze assembled sandwiches on a tray until firm (about 2 hours). Then wrap each in parchment or plastic wrap and store in a freezer bag for up to 2 weeks.
Let sit at room temp for 5 minutes before serving for the perfect soft bite.

Notes

You can use store-bought gluten-free cookies to save time. For dairy-free or vegan, swap butter and egg as described and use plant-based ice cream. Mix and match cookies and ice cream flavors for creative combos—chocolate chip, brownie, or peanut butter cookies work great!

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baked, Assembled, Frozen
Cuisine: American, Family-Friendly

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 sandwich
Calories: 220
Sugar: 14g
Sodium: 95mg
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 2g
Cholesterol: 25mg