The delightful contrast of crispy sourdough cookies and velvety ice cream makes this dessert a must-try. The subtle tang of sourdough enhances the sweetness, creating a well-balanced bite, and the chocolate drizzle takes it to the next level. Whether you’re a sourdough enthusiast or just love a homemade treat, these ice cream sandwiches offer a unique twist on a classic dessert. Perfect for warm days or a special treat, they are easy to prepare and even easier to enjoy!
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup sourdough starter (active and bubbly)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
- 1 quart vanilla ice cream (or preferred flavor)
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate, melted (for drizzle)
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, combine flour, sourdough starter, melted butter, honey, baking soda, salt, vanilla extract, and cinnamon. Stir until a dough forms.
- Roll the dough to 1/4-inch thickness and cut into rectangles or circles, depending on the desired sandwich shape.
- Place on the baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes until golden brown. Let cool completely.
- Once cooled, scoop vanilla ice cream onto one cookie and top with another. Gently press together and smooth the edges.
- Drizzle with melted dark chocolate and freeze for 1 hour before serving.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 12 minutes | Freezing Time: 1 hour | Total Time: 1 hour 27 minutes
Kcal: 320 kcal | Servings: 6 sandwiches
Sourdough Ice Cream Sandwiches: A Unique Twist on a Classic Dessert
The Story Behind Sourdough Ice Cream Sandwiches
Ice cream sandwiches are a nostalgic treat that brings back memories of summer afternoons, childhood indulgences, and creamy, sweet goodness wrapped between two perfectly textured cookies. But what if we elevate this classic dessert with a unique ingredient—sourdough?
Sourdough baking has been around for thousands of years, offering a natural way to ferment and enhance flavors in bread and baked goods. Traditionally associated with crusty artisan bread, sourdough also has a place in sweet baking. The tangy, slightly fermented flavor of sourdough pairs wonderfully with sweet treats, making it an excellent base for homemade ice cream sandwiches.
Unlike traditional cookies used in ice cream sandwiches, sourdough cookies have a naturally complex depth of flavor, a chewy yet crisp texture, and added nutritional benefits thanks to the fermentation process. If you love experimenting in the kitchen and want a gourmet, homemade version of ice cream sandwiches, this recipe is for you.
Why These Sourdough Ice Cream Sandwiches Are the Best?
- Rich Flavor Profile
- The mild tanginess of sourdough balances the sweetness of ice cream, making every bite more interesting than traditional sugar-laden desserts.
- Adding a hint of vanilla and cinnamon enhances the overall taste, making these sandwiches irresistible.
- A Perfect Texture Contrast
- These sourdough cookies are designed to be soft enough to bite into even when frozen but still crispy enough to hold the ice cream filling without falling apart.
- The contrast of warm baked cookies and cold creamy ice cream makes every bite delightful.
- Healthier Alternative to Store-Bought Versions
- Store-bought ice cream sandwiches often contain preservatives, artificial flavors, and unhealthy hydrogenated fats.
- This homemade version allows complete control over ingredients, using natural sourdough starter, real butter, honey, and dark chocolate, making it a healthier alternative.
- Sourdough fermentation reduces gluten content, making it easier to digest for those with mild gluten sensitivities.
- Versatility & Customization
- You can swap vanilla ice cream for chocolate, coffee, strawberry, caramel, or even dairy-free alternatives like coconut or cashew ice cream.
- The sourdough cookies can be adjusted with different spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger), cocoa powder for a chocolate version, or chopped nuts for added crunch.
- You can also dip them in white chocolate, sprinkle with sea salt, or add chopped dried fruit for variety.
- Better for Digestion
- Sourdough is naturally fermented, which means the beneficial bacteria and yeast help break down phytic acid, improving mineral absorption and gut health.
- This makes sourdough a better alternative to traditional refined flour cookies.
- A Fun, Family-Friendly Dessert
- These sandwiches are fun to make with kids—from rolling out the dough to assembling and decorating them with chocolate drizzle.
- You can turn it into a weekend baking project that gets everyone involved in the kitchen.
Tips for Making the Perfect Sourdough Ice Cream Sandwiches
- Choose an Active Sourdough Starter
- A mature, active sourdough starter will give the best texture and flavor to the cookies. If your starter is too young, the dough may be dense and not rise properly.
- Don’t Overbake the Cookies
- Bake until they are just golden brown. Overbaking will make them too crispy, making it harder to bite into when frozen.
- Let the Cookies Cool Completely
- Always let the cookies cool before adding ice cream, or it will melt too quickly.
- Use High-Quality Ice Cream
- The better the ice cream, the better the final sandwich. Opt for homemade, organic, or high-quality store-bought ice cream.
- Chill Before Serving
- Freezing the assembled sandwiches for at least 1 hour allows the flavors to meld and makes them easier to eat without the ice cream melting too fast.
- Try a Chocolate Variation
- Add cocoa powder to the sourdough cookie dough for a double chocolate twist!
Step-by-Step Recipe Breakdown
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup sourdough starter (active and bubbly)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
- 1 quart vanilla ice cream (or preferred flavor)
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate, melted (for drizzle)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a bowl, combine flour, sourdough starter, melted butter, honey, baking soda, salt, vanilla, and cinnamon.
- Stir until a soft dough forms.
- Roll and Shape:
- Roll the dough to 1/4-inch thickness on a lightly floured surface.
- Cut into rectangles or circles, depending on your preferred sandwich shape.
- Bake the Cookies:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place cookies on a lined baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes until golden brown.
- Cool Completely:
- Let the cookies cool fully before assembling, or the ice cream will melt too quickly.
- Assemble the Sandwiches:
- Scoop your favorite ice cream onto one cookie and top with another.
- Gently press together and smooth the edges.
- Drizzle with Chocolate:
- Melt dark chocolate and drizzle over the top for an extra layer of flavor.
- Freeze for 1 Hour:
- Place the sandwiches in the freezer for at least 1 hour before serving.
Serving & Storage Tips
- These sourdough ice cream sandwiches can be stored for up to 2 weeks in the freezer when wrapped in parchment paper and placed in an airtight container.
- Serve them slightly softened (let them sit at room temperature for 5 minutes before eating) for the best texture.
Conclusion
Sourdough Ice Cream Sandwiches are the perfect blend of crunchy, chewy, creamy, and sweet—all in one bite. They take a classic childhood favorite and elevate it into a sophisticated, gourmet dessert that’s just as fun to eat as it is to make. If you love sourdough baking, this recipe will become a must-try treat for summer or any time you crave something indulgent yet homemade. Try out different ice cream flavors, cookie add-ins, or toppings to customize them to your taste.
