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Perfect Patriotic Ice Cream Sandwiches with Red Velvet Cookies

patriotic ice cream sandwiches - featured image

These ice cream sandwiches feature tender red velvet cookies with a subtle cocoa undertone, sandwiched around creamy vanilla ice cream, perfect for summer celebrations and patriotic occasions.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ½ cups (310 g) all-purpose flour, sifted
  • 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
  • ½ cup (110 g) packed brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons red gel food coloring
  • 4 ounces (113 g) cream cheese, softened
  • About 1 quart (950 ml) vanilla ice cream, slightly softened

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
  2. In a medium bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt; set aside.
  3. In a large bowl or stand mixer, cream butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar on medium speed until fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
  4. Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract and red gel food coloring; mix until just combined.
  5. Add softened cream cheese and mix gently until smooth and fully combined.
  6. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients in 2-3 additions, mixing on low speed until just combined; dough will be thick and slightly sticky.
  7. Drop rounded dough balls about 2 inches apart onto prepared baking sheets using a cookie scoop or tablespoon; flatten slightly.
  8. Bake for 10-12 minutes until cookies look set but are still soft in the middle; avoid overbaking.
  9. Let cookies rest on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to cooling racks to cool completely.
  10. Once cool, spread about 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of softened vanilla ice cream onto the flat side of one cookie; top with a second cookie and press gently to spread ice cream evenly.
  11. Wrap each sandwich individually in plastic wrap or place in an airtight container; freeze for at least 1 hour before serving.

Notes

Use gel food coloring for vibrant red without affecting dough consistency. Cream cheese keeps cookies soft and adds tang. Avoid overbaking to maintain tender texture. Soften ice cream before assembling and work quickly to prevent melting. Dough can be chilled to prevent spreading. Cookies can be baked ahead and stored for up to 2 days at room temperature or frozen for longer storage.

Nutrition

Keywords: red velvet cookies, ice cream sandwiches, patriotic dessert, summer treat, easy dessert, red velvet ice cream sandwich