Name: Glow Swirl Ice Cream Sandwiches
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: PT-484149H26M28S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 tablespoon milk (optional, for extra softness); Neon food coloring (red, blue, green, or your choice of colors); 4 cups vanilla ice cream (or any ice cream of your choice, softened); Neon food coloring (same colors as the cookies or any desired shades); 1 tablespoon powdered sugar (optional, for stabilization)

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You know that feeling when you’re craving something sweet, fun, and a little out-of-the-ordinary? Well, let me introduce you to Glow Swirl Ice Cream Sandwiches—the treat that brings a playful twist to a classic favorite! Picture this: two soft, chewy cookies hugging a swirl of bright, vibrant ice cream. Every bite is a burst of creamy, dreamy flavor, and the colors are so eye-catching, you’ll feel like you’re eating a little bit of sunshine.

These aren’t your ordinary ice cream sandwiches. The glowing colors of the ice cream are totally mesmerizing, and the cookie texture is perfectly soft, just the right balance of sweet and chewy. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply treating yourself on a sunny afternoon, these Glow Swirl Ice Cream Sandwiches are bound to be the star of the show. Trust me, they’ll make your taste buds—and your Instagram feed—shine!

Why You’ll Love Glow Swirl Ice Cream Sandwiches

Let me tell you why this recipe is a total game-changer:

Fun and Colorful: The glow swirls of ice cream look so vibrant and beautiful, making these sandwiches as much a feast for the eyes as they are for the taste buds.
Customizable: You can use your favorite cookies (chocolate chip, oatmeal, or even gluten-free!) and pick any ice cream flavor that speaks to your soul.
Perfect for All Ages: Kids love the fun colors, and adults? Well, we’re all kids at heart, right? These sandwiches are perfect for parties, celebrations, or just a fun treat for yourself.

Simple Ingredients: While these may look fancy, they’re made with basic ingredients that you likely have on hand—simple, no-fuss ingredients, for a dazzling result.
Make Ahead: These can be made ahead of time and stored in the freezer, so you can have a sweet treat ready whenever you need it.

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Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create these eye-catching, sweet, and creamy Glow Swirl Ice Cream Sandwiches:

For the Cookies:

Butter: The base of any good cookie! Softened to perfection for that rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cookies, giving them the right amount of sweetness.
Brown Sugar: Adds a deeper, caramel-like sweetness.

Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and give the cookies that perfect chewy texture.
Vanilla Extract: The flavor enhancer that makes everything taste a little better.
Flour: The main structure of the cookies.

Baking Soda: Helps the cookies rise and gives them a light, fluffy texture.
Salt: A pinch to balance out the sweetness and enhance all the flavors.

For the Glow Swirl Ice Cream:

Vanilla Ice Cream: This will serve as the base to create those vibrant swirls.
Food Coloring: Pick a few of your favorite bright colors! Gel food coloring works best because it won’t water down the ice cream.
Sprinkles (Optional): For a little extra sparkle on the outside.

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card below.)

Instructions

Making these Glow Swirl Ice Cream Sandwiches is simple, and the process is as fun as the result!

Step 1: Prepare the Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.

In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until creamy. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, and beat until smooth.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.

Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are golden but the centers are still soft. Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack.

Step 2: Make the Glow Swirl Ice Cream

While the cookies cool, take the vanilla ice cream out of the freezer and let it soften for about 10-15 minutes. Once it’s softened, divide it into several bowls (one for each color you want to use).

Add a few drops of food coloring to each bowl and gently stir to create vibrant swirls of color. You want to keep the swirls somewhat intact, so don’t overmix—just a few stirs will give it that marbled look.

Step 3: Assemble the Sandwiches

Once your cookies are completely cool, scoop a generous amount of the glow swirl ice cream onto the bottom of one cookie. Place another cookie on top and gently press down to create the sandwich.

If you’d like to add some sprinkles for a little extra fun, gently roll the edges of the ice cream in the sprinkles before placing them in the freezer.

Step 4: Freeze and Serve

Place your completed sandwiches on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and freeze for at least 1 hour (or until firm). This step ensures the ice cream holds its shape and doesn’t melt too quickly when you’re enjoying them.

Once they’re frozen and ready to go, serve them up and watch the smiles light up!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12 sandwiches
Calories per serving: 250
Total Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 30mg
Sodium: 120mg
Total Carbohydrate: 34g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 21g
Protein: 3g
Vitamin A: 6%
Vitamin C: 0%
Calcium: 4%
Iron: 4%

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes
Freeze Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

How to Serve Glow Swirl Ice Cream Sandwiches

These ice cream sandwiches are perfect for a variety of occasions:

Birthday Parties: They’re fun, colorful, and totally Instagram-worthy. Your guests will love how photogenic these treats are.
Summer Days: When the sun is shining, and you want something cool and sweet, these sandwiches will hit the spot.

Picnics or BBQs: Make them ahead of time and bring them to your next picnic or BBQ. They’ll be the talk of the party!
Movie Night: Make your at-home movie night extra special with these whimsical ice cream sandwiches.

Additional Tips

Make Ahead: You can make the cookies and store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days, or freeze them for up to 1 month.

Customize Your Ice Cream Flavors: If you’re not a fan of vanilla, feel free to use other ice cream flavors like chocolate, strawberry, or even sherbet for a twist.
Go Wild with Toppings: Add sprinkles, crushed cookies, or even mini chocolate chips to the ice cream for an extra crunch!

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use store-bought cookies for this recipe?
A1: Yes! If you’re short on time, store-bought cookies will work just fine. Just make sure they’re soft and chewy for the best texture.

Q2: Can I use a different type of food coloring?
A2: You can! Just be sure to use gel or paste food coloring for the best results, as liquid coloring can water down the ice cream.

Q3: How long can I store the ice cream sandwiches?
A3: These ice cream sandwiches can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 weeks, but they’re best enjoyed within the first week for optimal freshness.

Q4: Can I make these without food coloring?
A4: Absolutely! The ice cream sandwiches will still be delicious even without the swirls of color. You can also use natural coloring if you prefer.

Q5: Can I make these sandwiches without nuts?
A5: Yes, the nuts are optional. Feel free to skip them if you prefer a nut-free version.

Q6: Can I use non-dairy ice cream?
A6: Yes! You can substitute any dairy-free ice cream you like to make these sandwiches vegan or dairy-free.

Q7: Can I make these in advance?
A7: Absolutely! You can prepare the cookies and ice cream swirls ahead of time, then assemble and freeze the sandwiches the day you plan to serve them.

Q8: How do I get the ice cream to stay in the sandwich without making a mess?
A8: Make sure the ice cream is firm enough before scooping it. Also, freezing the sandwiches for a while before serving helps the ice cream hold its shape better.

Q9: Can I make mini versions of these sandwiches?
A9: Definitely! You can use a smaller cookie cutter and smaller scoops of ice cream for bite-sized versions.

Q10: How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
A10: The cookies should be golden around the edges but still soft in the center. Don’t worry if they look a little underdone—they’ll firm up as they cool.

Conclusion

Glow Swirl Ice Cream Sandwiches are a colorful, fun, and delicious treat that everyone will love. Whether you’re throwing a party or just indulging in something sweet, these sandwiches will definitely brighten your day. With chewy cookies, vibrant ice cream, and endless customization options, you can’t go wrong. So grab your favorite ice cream, whip up these whimsical sandwiches, and get ready to enjoy the sweetest moment of the day!