As a cookie lover, I adore how this M&M Ice Cream Sandwich recipe blends the best of soft, buttery cookies with the nostalgic delight of ice cream sandwiches. The tender cookies pair perfectly with creamy vanilla ice cream, and the mix of textures and colors makes these treats irresistible.
Table of Contents
- Recipe Ingredients
- How to make M&M Ice Cream Sandwiches
- M&M Ice Cream Sandwich Variations
- Expert Tips
- Storing
- Recipe FAQs
- Try these cool summer treats
- M&M Ice Cream Cookies Recipe
Homemade M&M Ice Cream Sandwiches combine chewy cookies and rich ice cream for a playful dessert that’s perfect for summer gatherings, birthdays, or a fun afternoon snack. These cookies are made with melted butter, so no mixer is required—simple to prepare and even easier to enjoy.
Make them for a picnic, potluck, or to brighten an ordinary day. The process is straightforward, and the results are crowd-pleasing.
Recipe Ingredients
- Melted butter – Using melted butter means you don’t need a mixer and gives the cookies a tender texture.
- Brown sugar – More brown than granulated sugar helps create soft, chewy cookies.
- Mini M&M’s – Mini M&M’s add color and chocolate flavor; substitute other mix-ins if you prefer.
- Store-bought vanilla ice cream – A rich vanilla works beautifully between the cookies and keeps the flavor balanced.
See the recipe card below for exact measurements and full ingredient details.
How to make M&M Ice Cream Sandwiches
1. Prepare the chewy M&M cookie dough. Scoop dough with a medium cookie scoop onto a silicone mat or parchment-lined baking sheet.
2. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 9–11 minutes, until cookies are set and slightly golden at the edges.
3. While cookies bake, scoop softened vanilla ice cream into a quarter-sheet pan or 9×13 pan.
4. Spread the ice cream into an even layer and freeze for at least 20–30 minutes so it firms up.
5. Use a 3-inch cookie cutter to cut rounds from the refrozen ice cream and return them to the freezer for 15–20 minutes so they’re very firm.
6. When cookies are completely cooled and ice cream rounds are solid, place an ice cream round on an upside-down cookie and top with another cookie. Repeat and freeze assembled sandwiches until ready to serve.
M&M Ice Cream Sandwich Variations
Add-ins: If mini M&M’s aren’t your favorite, try mini chocolate chips, chopped nuts, chopped candy bars, or sprinkles. These alternatives work wonderfully in the cookie dough.
Ice cream flavors: Vanilla is classic, but chocolate, rocky road, peanut butter, or strawberry are all delicious options. For a lighter treat, choose a low-fat or light ice cream.
Expert Tips
- Use a cookie scoop to keep cookies uniform so they bake evenly and pair well when assembled. For larger cookies, increase scoop size and bake 11–13 minutes.
- Let cookies cool completely before adding ice cream to prevent melting.
- Freeze the ice cream layer ahead of time to speed assembly and ensure the rounds hold their shape.
- Roll the edges of assembled sandwiches in extra mini M&M’s, chopped nuts, or mini chocolate chips for a fun finish.
Storing
Store: Keep M&M Ice Cream Sandwiches in the freezer. Individually wrap them in plastic wrap or wax paper so you can enjoy one at a time.
Freezer life: Properly wrapped, they can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Recipe FAQs
You can buy pre-made versions in grocery freezers, but homemade sandwiches using a chewy mini M&M cookie recipe are simple and far more satisfying.
No. Any chewy cookie works well—snickerdoodles, peanut butter cookies, or mini chocolate chip cookies are all tasty swaps. Chocolate or sugar cookies are great options too.
Yes. Traditional homemade ice cream that freezes firm will work. No-churn ice cream may be too soft for clean rounds unless frozen very well.
Do you love cool summer treats? Try these recipes…
Pies
Easy Drumstick Pie Recipe
Desserts
Dairy Queen’s Buster Bar Dessert Recipe
Desserts
No Churn Oreo Ice Cream Recipe
Desserts
No Churn S’mores Ice Cream
Did you try this recipe?
Leave a ⭐️ review below and tag @practicallyhomemade on Pinterest!
M&M Ice Cream Cookies
Rate Recipe
Print Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter, {melted}
- 1 cup brown sugar, {packed}
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 ¼ cups mini M&M’s
- 5 cups vanilla ice cream
Instructions
-
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
-
Microwave the butter about 40 seconds until just melted. If any solid bits remain, swirl to melt—avoid hot butter so eggs don’t curdle.
-
Stir in both sugars until creamy (you can do this by hand). Add vanilla and eggs, mixing until combined—avoid overmixing.
-
Add flour, baking soda, and salt. Mix until combined, then fold in the mini M&M’s.
-
Scoop dough with a medium scoop (about 2 tablespoons), roll smooth, and place on a silicone- or parchment-lined baking sheet. Optionally press a few extra M&M’s on top.
-
Bake 9–11 minutes. Remove when cookies are puffy and just turning golden—do not overbake to keep them soft. Let cool completely on the sheet so they set up.
-
Scoop softened ice cream into a pan and freeze until firm. Cut twelve 3-inch circles from the ice cream, then place each circle between two cooled cookies. Freeze assembled sandwiches until firm and store in the freezer up to 2 months.
Notes
- Use a cookie scoop for even-sized cookies and easier assembly. For larger cookies, bake 11–13 minutes.
- Ensure cookies are completely cooled before adding ice cream to prevent melting.
- Prepare and freeze the ice cream layer ahead of time to streamline assembly.
- Roll the sandwiches’ edges in mini M&M’s, chopped nuts, or mini chocolate chips for a playful finish.
Add-in Ideas: Mini chocolate chips, chopped nuts, chopped candy bars, or sprinkles all work well.
Nutrition
,
Calories: 586kcal
,
Carbohydrates: 78g
,
Protein: 7g
,
Fat: 27g
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation.