Introduction

Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Ice Cream Sandwiches are a delightful twist on the classic ice cream sandwich, perfect for the fall season. Soft and chewy pumpkin snickerdoodle cookies are used to sandwich a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream, all rolled in a dusting of cinnamon sugar for extra flavor. The warm spices of the pumpkin cookies combined with the creamy, cool ice cream create a perfect balance of textures and flavors. Whether you’re serving them at a holiday gathering or enjoying a cozy treat at home, these ice cream sandwiches bring the best of autumn and summer together in one delicious bite.

Ingredients

For the Pumpkin Snickerdoodles:

• 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp cream of tartar
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp ground nutmeg
• ½ tsp ground ginger
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• ½ cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For Rolling the Cookies:

• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tbsp ground cinnamon

For the Ice Cream Sandwich:

• 1 quart vanilla ice cream, softened slightly
• 2 tbsp cinnamon sugar (for rolling)

Preparation

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Cookie Dough

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Set aside.

In a large mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Add the pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract, beating until smooth and well combined.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms. The dough will be slightly sticky due to the pumpkin puree.

Step 2: Shape the Cookies

In a small bowl, combine the ¼ cup of granulated sugar and 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon.

Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, scoop out 1 ½-inch balls of dough and roll them between your hands to form smooth balls. Roll each dough ball in the cinnamon-sugar mixture, ensuring they are evenly coated. Place the cookie dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

Step 3: Bake the Cookies

Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until they are puffed up and just set around the edges. The centers should remain soft to maintain that chewy texture perfect for ice cream sandwiches.

Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 4: Assemble the Ice Cream Sandwiches

Once the cookies have cooled, it’s time to assemble the ice cream sandwiches. Take one cookie and place a scoop of slightly softened vanilla ice cream on the flat side. Gently press another cookie on top to form a sandwich.

For an extra touch of flavor, roll the edges of the ice cream sandwich in cinnamon sugar. This adds a sweet, crunchy coating that complements the spiced pumpkin cookies and creamy ice cream.

Step 5: Freeze and Serve

Place the assembled ice cream sandwiches on a baking sheet and freeze for about 30 minutes to allow them to firm up. Once the sandwiches are set, they are ready to be served!

If you’re not serving them immediately, wrap each ice cream sandwich individually in plastic wrap and store in the freezer for up to a week.

Cooking Note

• Cookie texture: For the best results, ensure the cookies are soft and chewy to complement the smooth ice cream. Slightly underbaking them (by a minute or two) will keep them from becoming too hard when frozen.
• Ice cream options: Vanilla ice cream works wonderfully in this recipe, but you can also experiment with other flavors like cinnamon, caramel, or pumpkin spice ice cream to enhance the fall flavor profile.
• Pumpkin moisture control: Be sure to use pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, as the latter contains added sugar and spices. Drain any excess liquid from the pumpkin puree before adding it to the cookie dough to prevent the cookies from being too wet.

Serving Suggestions

• Decorative topping: To make the sandwiches more festive, you can roll the edges in crushed graham crackers, chopped nuts, or even mini chocolate chips for a fun twist.
• Seasonal gatherings: These ice cream sandwiches are a perfect treat for autumn celebrations, Halloween parties, or even Thanksgiving dessert.
• Presentation: Serve the sandwiches with a drizzle of caramel sauce or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent touch.

Tips

1. Soften ice cream: Allow the ice cream to soften slightly before scooping for easier assembly. Be careful not to let it melt too much, or it will become messy when pressing the cookies together.
2. Freezing: For easier handling, freeze the cookies for about 10 minutes before assembling the ice cream sandwiches. This helps prevent the ice cream from melting too quickly during assembly.
3. Make ahead: You can bake the cookies in advance and store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Assemble the sandwiches when ready to serve or freeze them in advance for a quick, ready-to-eat treat.
4. Portion control: Use smaller cookies and smaller scoops of ice cream for bite-sized sandwiches, perfect for serving at parties or as part of a dessert buffet.

Prep Time:

• 20 minutes

Cooking Time:

• 12 minutes (per batch)

Total Time:

• 40 minutes (plus 30 minutes freezing time)

Nutritional Information (Per Sandwich)

• Calories: 290
• Protein: 4g
• Sodium: 160mg

Conclusion

Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Ice Cream Sandwiches are the ultimate seasonal treat, combining the warmth of spiced pumpkin cookies with the cool, creamy delight of vanilla ice cream. The combination of textures—from the soft, chewy cookies to the rich and creamy ice cream—makes every bite a celebration of autumn flavors. Whether you’re looking to indulge in a cozy dessert or impress guests with a unique fall-inspired treat, these ice cream sandwiches are sure to satisfy. With their simple preparation and customizable options, they’re perfect for any occasion, from casual weeknight desserts to special holiday gatherings.

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