Green Willow Crafts and Cooking

Is there a more perfect summer treat than an ice cream sandwich? That blissful combination of cold, creamy ice cream and a soft or chewy outer layer is a dessert tradition that brings a smile to any face. Here in Toronto, the CNE’s iconic hot ice cream waffle has been a beloved tradition for 75 years!

In honor of this delicious milestone, let’s take a look at the surprisingly long history of this handheld delight and then get inspired to create our own unique ice cream sandwiches right in our kitchens.

A Sweet History: From Street Carts to Global Delights
The ice cream sandwich we know and love has a fascinating past. It all started on the bustling streets of New York City in the late 1890s. Early vendors sold what they called “hokey pokey” treats, which were scoops of ice cream sandwiched between two pieces of paper. They were an instant hit, and by 1899, vendors had upgraded from paper to cookies, making the treat even more delicious and easy to eat.
This simple idea soon spread across the globe, leading to a flurry of creative variations.

It’s-It Ice Cream (California, USA): Dating back to 1928, this iconic treat features a scoop of vanilla ice cream nestled between two oatmeal cookies and then dipped in dark chocolate.

Akbar Mashti (Iran): A traditional Persian ice cream sandwich that uses saffron and rosewater-flavored ice cream between two delicate wafers, often finished with a coating of pistachios.

Giant Sandwich (Australia): A popular brand in the eastern provinces of Australia, this treat is a classic ice cream sandwich on a larger scale.

Sorbetes (Philippines): Local ice cream vendors often offer their famous sorbetes (local ice cream) sandwiched inside a pandesal, a soft and slightly sweet bread roll.

Create Your Own Ice Cream Sandwich Bar
Now for the best part—making your own! While store-bought sandwiches are great, creating them at home is a fun and easy activity for a family get-together or party. The secret is to think beyond the classic chocolate wafer.

Easy No-Bake Ice Cream Sandwiches
Want to make a delicious ice cream sandwich without turning on the oven? This recipe is as simple as it gets, using a few store-bought ingredients for a quick and fun dessert. It’s perfect for a hot day or a spontaneous craving!

Ingredients:
1 package of soft, chewy cookies (chocolate chip, oatmeal, or snickerdoodle work great)
1 pint of your favorite ice cream, slightly softened (vanilla, chocolate, or mint chocolate chip are classic choices)
Optional toppings: sprinkles, mini chocolate chips, or crushed nuts

Instructions:

Prepare your workspace. Lay out a sheet of parchment paper on a baking sheet. This will make cleanup a breeze and prevent sticking.

Soften the ice cream. Take the ice cream out of the freezer and let it sit on the counter for about 5-10 minutes. It should be soft enough to scoop and spread, but not completely melted.

Scoop and assemble. Take one cookie and place it on the parchment paper. Using a spoon or a small ice cream scoop, place a generous spoonful of softened ice cream on top of the cookie.

Top it off! Gently press a second cookie on top of the ice cream to form a sandwich. If you’re using toppings, roll the sides of the sandwich in your choice of sprinkles, nuts, or chocolate chips.

Freeze to set. Place the finished sandwiches back on the baking sheet and freeze them for at least 30 minutes, or until the ice cream is firm. This will ensure they hold their shape and are easy to eat.

Enjoy your homemade, no-bake creations right away, or wrap them individually in plastic wrap and store them in the freezer for up to a week.

This simple “no-bake” recipe is the culmination of decades of trial and error and local culture. I added it to show how the rich history of the ice cream sandwich led to a point where anyone can now create a delicious version with minimal effort.

Here are some tips to further your inspiration:

Get Creative with the “Bread”: Almost anything can be the outside of your ice cream sandwich! Try using frozen pancakes, ladyfingers, or even rice krispie treats. For soft cookies, just freeze them ahead of time so they’re firm and easy to handle.

The Instant Oreo Hack: For a super quick treat, carefully twist apart an Oreo cookie. Scoop a small spoonful of ice cream between the two chocolate wafers and gently squish them back together.

Build-Your-Own Buffet: For parties, set up a buffet with a variety of cookies, brownies, or waffles. Then, offer a few different types of ice cream and a selection of toppings like sprinkles, mini chocolate chips, or crushed nuts. Let everyone build their own perfect combination.

Whether you prefer the classic CNE waffle or a new creation of your own, the ice cream sandwich is a timeless treat. So, what’s your favorite combination? Let us know in the comments below!