Salted Honey Gingerbread Ice Cream Sandwiches

Let’s talk about a dessert that’s truly magical—Salted Honey Gingerbread Ice Cream Sandwiches. Picture this: chewy, spiced gingerbread cookies with a scoop of creamy, honey-sweetened ice cream in the middle, all dusted with a pinch of flaky sea salt. It’s a perfect balance of warm, comforting flavors and cool, creamy sweetness. These sandwiches are like a holiday dream come true, combining all your favorite winter flavors in one delightful bite. Trust me, this dessert is a total showstopper, perfect for your next holiday gathering or just a treat to indulge in on a cozy day.

Why You’ll Love Salted Honey Gingerbread Ice Cream Sandwiches

These ice cream sandwiches aren’t just a dessert—they’re an experience. Here’s why you’ll fall head over heels for them:

Festive Flavors

Gingerbread is a holiday classic, and combined with the sweet, subtle flavor of honey ice cream, it’s like wrapping yourself in a cozy, spiced blanket.

The Perfect Balance of Sweet and Salty

A pinch of flaky sea salt adds just the right contrast to the sweetness of the honey ice cream and the spiced gingerbread. It’s a touch of salty goodness that takes these sandwiches to the next level.

Easy to Make, Fun to Eat

While these may look fancy, they’re actually quite easy to make. Plus, ice cream sandwiches are always fun to eat—there’s something about biting into that cold, creamy center surrounded by soft cookies that just feels right.

Make Ahead and Chill

You can prepare these in advance and keep them in the freezer, making them a stress-free dessert option for your next gathering or just a sweet treat to enjoy whenever you want.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious ice cream sandwiches. Don’t worry, everything is simple and easy to find at your local grocery store:

For the Gingerbread Cookies:

• Flour: The base for the chewy, spiced gingerbread cookies.
• Baking Soda: Helps the cookies spread and rise slightly as they bake.
• Ground Ginger, Cinnamon, Cloves: The perfect trio of warm spices that give gingerbread its signature flavor.
• Salt: To enhance all the flavors and balance the sweetness.
• Butter: Adds richness to the cookies and helps them stay soft and chewy.
• Brown Sugar: For sweetness and a hint of molasses flavor.
• Molasses: The key to that classic gingerbread taste.
• Egg: Binds the dough together.
• Vanilla Extract: For added depth of flavor.

For the Honey Ice Cream:

• Heavy Cream: For that rich, creamy texture that makes ice cream so decadent.
• Whole Milk: Creates a smooth and velvety base for the ice cream.
• Honey: The star ingredient, adding sweetness and depth of flavor.
• Vanilla Extract: A classic addition to any ice cream for that familiar, comforting flavor.
• Salt: A tiny bit of salt brings out the best in the honey.

For Assembly:

• Flaky Sea Salt: To sprinkle on top, giving these sandwiches that perfect salty finish.

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

Instructions

Making these Salted Honey Gingerbread Ice Cream Sandwiches involves two main parts: baking the gingerbread cookies and making the honey ice cream. Let’s get started!

Step 1: Bake the Gingerbread Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, spices, and salt. In another bowl, cream the butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the egg, molasses, and vanilla extract, and mix until well combined. Gradually add the dry ingredients and mix until the dough forms. Divide the dough into tablespoon-sized balls and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Flatten each ball slightly with your fingers or the bottom of a glass. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are set but the center is still slightly soft. Let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack.

Step 2: Make the Honey Ice Cream

In a medium saucepan, heat the heavy cream, whole milk, and honey over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the honey is fully dissolved. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and salt. Pour the mixture into a shallow dish and refrigerate until chilled, about 2 hours. Once chilled, churn the mixture in an ice cream maker according to the manufacturer’s instructions until it reaches soft-serve consistency. Transfer the ice cream to a container and freeze for at least 4 hours, or until firm.

Step 3: Assemble the Ice Cream Sandwiches

Once the gingerbread cookies are cool and the ice cream is firm, it’s time to assemble! Scoop a generous amount of honey ice cream onto the bottom of one gingerbread cookie, then top with another cookie to create a sandwich. Gently press the cookies together to spread the ice cream to the edges. If the ice cream starts to melt, pop the sandwiches in the freezer for a few minutes to firm up again. Sprinkle a small pinch of flaky sea salt on top of each sandwich for that perfect balance of salty and sweet.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!

Serve the ice cream sandwiches immediately or store them in the freezer until you’re ready to enjoy. These are best eaten within a few days, but they won’t last long—trust me!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12
Calories per serving: 320 kcal
Total Fat: 17g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 50mg
Sodium: 160mg
Total Carbohydrates: 39g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 29g
Protein: 3g

(Note: Nutritional values are estimates and may vary depending on the exact ingredients used.)

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 40 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Chill Time: 4 hours
Total Time: 4 hours 50 minutes

How to Serve Salted Honey Gingerbread Ice Cream Sandwiches

These ice cream sandwiches are a perfect treat all on their own, but here are a few ways to elevate the experience:

With a Hot Drink

Serve them alongside a steaming cup of hot chocolate, coffee, or chai tea for the ultimate cozy treat.

Drizzle with Caramel

For an extra indulgent touch, drizzle a little caramel sauce over the top of the ice cream sandwiches before serving.

On a Dessert Platter

Serve a variety of these ice cream sandwiches on a dessert platter with other holiday treats, like spiced nuts or shortbread cookies.

Additional Tips

• Make-Ahead: The gingerbread cookies can be baked in advance and stored in an airtight container for up to a week. The ice cream can also be made a few days ahead and kept in the freezer.
• Ice Cream Maker Alternative: If you don’t have an ice cream maker, you can make the ice cream by freezing the mixture in a shallow pan and stirring it every 30 minutes until it reaches the right consistency (usually about 3-4 hours).
• Customize the Ice Cream: Feel free to add mix-ins like crushed gingerbread cookies or candied ginger to the honey ice cream for extra texture and flavor.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make these sandwiches without an ice cream maker?
A1: Yes! You can freeze the ice cream mixture in a shallow dish, stirring every 30 minutes until it firms up. This method works, but may take a bit longer.

Q2: Can I use store-bought ice cream?
A2: Of course! If you’re in a hurry, you can use store-bought honey ice cream or any other flavor you love, though making your own adds an extra special touch.

Q3: How do I store leftover ice cream sandwiches?
A3: Store any leftover sandwiches in an airtight container in the freezer. They’ll keep for about 3-4 days before the cookies get too soft.

Q4: Can I add a different spice to the cookies?
A4: Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with adding a pinch of nutmeg, allspice, or cardamom to the gingerbread cookies for an even more personalized flavor.

Q5: Can I make the cookies thicker?
A5: Yes! If you prefer thicker cookies, roll the dough into slightly larger balls and bake for a few extra minutes.

Q6: Can I make these ice cream sandwiches ahead of time?
A6: Yes! These ice cream sandwiches can be made in advance and stored in the freezer. They’re perfect for prepping ahead of a party or special event.

Q7: How can I make the ice cream more flavorful?
A7: Add a tablespoon of vanilla bean paste for a more intense vanilla flavor or stir in some chopped candied ginger for a bit of extra zing.

Q8: Can I use a different cookie flavor?
A8: Absolutely! While the gingerbread cookies are traditional, you can swap them out for snickerdoodle, chocolate chip, or even sugar cookies for a fun twist.

Q9: Can I use regular salt instead of flaky sea salt?
A9: Yes, you can, but use it sparingly. Flaky sea salt has a lighter, crunchier texture that complements the sweet and salty balance better.

Q10: What other toppings can I add to these sandwiches?
A10: Consider adding crushed nuts, a dusting of powdered sugar, or even a drizzle of melted dark chocolate for a delicious finishing touch.

Conclusion

These Salted Honey Gingerbread Ice Cream Sandwiches are everything you want in a holiday dessert: sweet, salty, spiced, and perfectly creamy. They’re simple to make but feel incredibly special—an unforgettable treat for your next gathering or whenever you’re craving something cozy and indulgent. Enjoy every bite!

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