Irresistible Gingersnap Ice Cream Sandwiches: Your Ultimate Guide to a Spicy-Sweet Treat

If you’ve ever savored the warm, spicy notes of a classic gingersnap cookie, get ready to experience them like never before. These Gingersnap Ice Cream Sandwiches are a culinary masterpiece, merging two beloved treats into one sensational dessert. Picture this: two perfectly spiced, slightly crispy, yet wonderfully chewy gingersnap cookies embracing a luscious scoop of your favorite ice cream. It’s a symphony of textures and flavors, making it the ultimate indulgence for any season, any occasion.

Forget the notion that ice cream sandwiches are just for summer; the vibrant ginger and cinnamon in these cookies make them equally enchanting during cooler months, bringing a comforting warmth that dances beautifully with the frosty coolness of the ice cream. This isn’t just a dessert; it’s an experience, a delightful journey for your taste buds that promises to leave you craving more.

The Enduring Charm of Gingersnaps: A Culinary Journey

Gingersnap cookies hold a special place in the hearts of many, a nostalgic treat often associated with home baking and festive gatherings. Their history stretches back centuries, with ginger finding its way into European baking during the Middle Ages, prized for its warming properties and distinctive flavor. “Snaps” refers to the crisp texture they develop when baked properly, though many recipes, including ours, offer a delightful balance of crisp edges and a chewy center. This duality is precisely what makes them an ideal candidate for an ice cream sandwich – robust enough to hold the filling, yet tender enough for a satisfying bite.

My own connection to these cookies runs deep, steeped in cherished family traditions. While I recently shared another beloved Valentine’s Day delight, the Pecan Linzer Heart Cookies, I simply couldn’t keep this gingersnap gem to myself. Sharing delicious recipes is a joy, and this one, in particular, has been a steadfast favorite in our family for what feels like an eternity.

The origin of this particular recipe is a heartwarming tale in itself. It comes courtesy of Linda Peterson from Wisconsin, who shared it with my sister, Maureen, during their college years. Generations have since enjoyed the unique blend of spices and perfect texture that Linda’s recipe delivers. I have no doubt that with your very first bite, you’ll join the chorus of grateful fans exclaiming, “Thank you, Linda! Where have you been all my life?” It’s a testament to the power of shared recipes and the lasting bonds forged over good food.

Crafting Perfection: The Simplicity of Deliciousness

One of the most appealing aspects of this gingersnap cookie recipe is its remarkable simplicity. It’s a straightforward, no-fuss process requiring only a handful of pantry staples. This ease of preparation makes it accessible to bakers of all skill levels, ensuring that even novice cooks can achieve heavenly results. The basic gingersnap cookie is already a standalone triumph, a marvel of spiced sweetness. But then a thought sparked: how could something so inherently perfect possibly be improved? The answer was clear and utterly delicious: transform them into ice cream sandwiches!

Imagine the sensation: the initial snap and chew of a spicy gingersnap, followed by the cool, creamy embrace of your chosen ice cream, perhaps with a playful scattering of colorful sprinkles for an extra festive touch. The synergy between the warm spices of ginger, cinnamon, and molasses with the refreshing chill of ice cream is truly extraordinary. The cookies provide a delightful counterpoint, preventing the dessert from being overly sweet while adding a depth of flavor that lingers pleasantly on the palate.

Pairing Possibilities: Elevating Your Ice Cream Sandwich Game

The beauty of these Gingersnap Ice Cream Sandwiches lies in their versatility. While classic vanilla bean ice cream is always a fantastic choice, allowing the gingersnap flavor to truly shine, don’t hesitate to experiment!

• Vanilla Bean: A timeless classic that lets the cookie’s spice profile take center stage.
• Salted Caramel: The rich, buttery notes and hint of salt create an exquisite balance with the ginger.
• Coffee or Espresso: For those who love a sophisticated flavor combination, the bitterness of coffee beautifully complements the warmth of ginger.
• Pumpkin Spice or Speculoos: Amp up the autumnal vibes with another spiced ice cream, deepening the holiday feel.
• Cinnamon: Enhance the spice factor with a creamy cinnamon ice cream.
• Butter Pecan: Adds a delightful nutty crunch and buttery richness.
• Chocolate: A daring but delicious pairing for chocolate lovers, especially a dark chocolate ice cream.

And for the final flourish, consider your sprinkles! While “Valentiney” sprinkles add a charming touch for specific occasions, you can use any variety to match a holiday, a party theme, or simply your mood. Chopped nuts, mini chocolate chips, or a drizzle of melted chocolate can also add extra layers of texture and flavor.

A Delightful Activity for All Ages: Baking with Love

Beyond their incredible taste, making these gingersnap ice cream sandwiches is an utterly enjoyable activity, especially perfect for involving children in the kitchen. The preparation can easily be divided into manageable steps, making it a fantastic bonding experience. The evening before, whip up the cookie dough and let it chill overnight in the refrigerator. This crucial resting period allows the flavors to meld beautifully and makes the dough much easier to handle the next day.

When it’s time for the fun to begin, the kids can enthusiastically participate. They can help roll the chilled dough into perfect spheres, then delight in rolling these balls in granulated sugar, which not only adds a beautiful sparkle but also contributes to that signature crispy outer shell. I typically shape my dough into 1 1/2 to 2-inch balls to yield generously sized sandwiches, but you have complete freedom to adjust the size according to your preference. Whether you prefer smaller, bite-sized treats or grand, satisfying sandwiches, the recipe adapts effortlessly.

Once the cookies are baked and cooled, the real excitement builds for the assembly line. Let your young helpers choose their favorite ice cream flavors, carefully scooping them onto the cookies. The final, most creative step involves the sprinkles! Arrange an array of colorful sprinkles in shallow bowls, and watch as imaginations soar. Kids can carefully sprinkle them over the ice cream or, for a truly immersive experience, gently roll the edges of the sandwiches directly into the bowls of sprinkles. It’s a sensory feast and a wonderful way to foster a love for baking and creative expression. This interactive dessert-making process ensures that every bite is filled not just with flavor, but also with wonderful memories.

Tips for Perfect Gingersnap Ice Cream Sandwiches

• Dough Chilling is Key: Don’t skip the refrigeration step! Chilling the dough overnight prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking, ensuring they maintain their shape and develop the perfect chewy-crisp texture. It also deepens the spice flavors.
• Room Temperature Egg: A room temperature egg emulsifies better with the other ingredients, leading to a smoother, more uniform dough.
• Measure Spices Accurately: Ginger and cinnamon are the stars here. Ensure you measure them precisely for the optimal flavor balance.
• Evenly Sized Cookies: For perfect sandwiches, try to make your cookie balls as uniform in size as possible. This ensures they bake evenly and stack neatly.
• Don’t Overbake: Gingersnaps are prone to overbaking, which can make them too hard. Look for set edges and slightly crackled tops; they will firm up as they cool.
• Softening Ice Cream: Take your ice cream out of the freezer about 5-10 minutes before assembling. It should be soft enough to scoop easily but not melted.
• Work Quickly: Once you start assembling, work relatively quickly to prevent the ice cream from melting too much. Have a tray ready in the freezer to immediately transfer the finished sandwiches.
• Storage: Store the finished ice cream sandwiches in an airtight container in the freezer. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They can last for several weeks, though they rarely do!

Gingersnap Ice Cream Sandwiches

Author: Mary Ann Dwyer

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Ingredients

• 2/3 cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup granulated sugar, plus a small bowl of extra for rolling cookies in before baking
• 1 egg, room temperature
• 1/4 cup unsulphered molasses
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 2 tsp. baking soda
• 1 tsp. ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp. ground ginger
• Ice cream – your favorite flavors
• Sprinkles for decorating

Instructions

1. In a small bowl, thoroughly mix together the vegetable oil, 1 cup of granulated sugar, and the room temperature egg. Beat the mixture until it becomes light and fluffy. Stir in the molasses until well combined. Set this wet ingredient mixture aside.
2. In a separate large bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, salt, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and ground ginger. Sifting ensures there are no lumps and helps to evenly distribute the spices. Gradually stir the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until they are just combined and a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for a minimum of 8 hours, or ideally, overnight. This chilling process is crucial for flavor development and dough manageability.
3. When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
4. Remove the chilled dough from the refrigerator. Roll the dough into balls, approximately 1 1/2 to 2 inches in size. The size will dictate the final cookie and sandwich dimensions. Roll each dough ball into a small bowl of extra granulated sugar, ensuring it’s fully coated. Place the sugar-coated balls on the parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving about 3 inches of space between them, as the cookies will spread during baking. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops appear delightfully crackled. Avoid overbaking. Cool the cookies on the baking sheet for 1 minute before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. They must be fully cool before assembling the sandwiches.
5. To assemble the ice cream sandwiches, take your desired ice cream out of the freezer and let it soften for about 5 minutes. Arrange your chosen sprinkles in small, shallow bowls. Lay one cooled gingersnap cookie bottom-side up on a flat surface. Place a generous scoop of softened ice cream directly in the center of the cookie, then gently top with another gingersnap cookie. Lightly press down so the ice cream spreads neatly to the edges of the cookie. Carefully hold the sandwich over a bowl of sprinkles and either sprinkle them onto the ice cream filling or gently roll the edges of the sandwich directly into the sprinkles for full coverage. Immediately place the assembled sandwiches onto a tray and transfer them to the freezer to firm up completely.

Course: Dessert

Prep time: 30 minutes (not including dough chilling time)

Before your first bite, snap a photo and share!
If you make this irresistible recipe, I’d absolutely love to see your creations! Be sure to follow @thebeachhousekitchen on Instagram and tag us. Don’t forget to use the hashtag #thebeachhousekitchen so we can admire your delicious gingersnap masterpieces!