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.