I remember the exact moment I stumbled on Basketball Ice Cream Cookie Sandwiches, and honestly, it changed my dessert game forever. It was last summer during an epic backyard game day with friends—basketball was in full swing, and we needed something cool, fun, and just downright delicious. When I pulled out those homemade ice cream cookie sandwiches shaped like basketballs, everyone’s eyes lit up. I knew right then I had to nail this recipe at home. It wasn’t just the look; it was the perfect combo of chewy homemade cookies and creamy ice cream that made these Basketball Ice Cream Cookie Sandwiches an instant hit with my foodie squad.
This treat fits so seamlessly into my foodie life because it brings that effortless dessert vibe that’s both playful and satisfying. It’s perfect for those days when I want a quick crowd-pleaser but still want to feel like I’m sharing something homemade and special. Plus, these Basketball Ice Cream Cookie Sandwiches tap into both my love for baking and my slight obsession with ice cream, making every bite a joyful moment that hits all the right notes.
The best part? These Basketball Ice Cream Cookie Sandwiches have that feel-good factor. Whether it’s game day, a casual get-together, or just a sweet treat for no reason at all, they make the day feel a little brighter. I love that they bring people together—kids and adults alike—because who can resist cookie sandwich treats that remind you of summer fun and sports all rolled into one? If this sounds like your kind of dessert, I’m excited for you to jump into making these Basketball Ice Cream Cookie Sandwiches. Let’s get to the good stuff, friends. You’re about to score a major win in your kitchen!
What You’ll Need:
Here’s the scoop on what you’ll grab to whip up these Basketball Ice Cream Cookie Sandwiches. The ingredient list keeps things totally doable and budget-friendly—because good food should never feel like a hassle.
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (You can swap with gluten-free flour blend if you’re keeping it gluten-free!)
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (Regular butter works best here; you can use salted if that’s all you’ve got—just skip the extra salt in the recipe!)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar (Light or dark brown sugar works; dark adds a deeper molasses flavor to these Basketball Ice Cream Cookie Sandwiches!)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- Orange food coloring (This is your secret weapon for those vibrant basketball colors!)
- Black decorating gel or icing for the iconic basketball lines
- Ice cream of your choice – vanilla, chocolate, or even a swirl! (Go wild here. For a quick win, grab something creamy from your local grocery store.)
If you find yourself out of eggs, applesauce or mashed bananas can be a friendly swap in the Basketball Ice Cream Cookie Sandwiches dough (about 1/4 cup per egg). You can grab all these ingredients at any regular grocery store. The best part? These Basketball Ice Cream Cookie Sandwiches leave you with some flour and sugar to spare for other treats, so your pantry stays happy.
Quick kitchen nugget: soften your butter at room temp, so it creams beautifully for that cookie dough base—it really lifts the texture. After baking, these cookie sandwich treats store perfectly in an airtight container in the freezer. Just pull out a sandwich or two when dessert calls, and you’re set. Bonus hack: freeze sandwiches individually wrapped in parchment to avoid any sticky situations.
And my personal twist? I always add a pinch of cinnamon to the dough. It adds a subtle warmth that makes these Basketball Ice Cream Cookie Sandwiches just pop with flavor every time.
Let’s Cook This Together:
Alright friends, rolling up our sleeves for these Basketball Ice Cream Cookie Sandwiches. It’s a fun kitchen project but trust me, totally worth the sweet results.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This gets your kitchen warm and ready—your Basketball Ice Cream Cookie Sandwiches start here!
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and that little pinch of cinnamon I love. Set this aside for now.
- Cream butter and sugars: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with granulated and brown sugars until this mix is light and fluffy—like the promise of those Basketball Ice Cream Cookie Sandwiches coming to life.
- Add eggs and vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then splash in your vanilla. Now, stir in orange food coloring until you get that signature basketball orange. Don’t worry if it seems bright at first; that color sets the scene for the fun ahead.
- Combine dry and wet: Gradually add your flour mixture to the butter blend, mixing on low until everything just comes together. The dough should be soft and slightly sticky—perfect for shaping your Basketball Ice Cream Cookie Sandwiches.
- Shape and bake: Scoop out rounded tablespoons of dough and roll into balls. Flatten them a little onto baking sheets lined with parchment (for easy cleanup). Space them about two inches apart. Here’s my kitchen nugget: when baking for Basketball Ice Cream Cookie Sandwiches, short bake time (about 9-11 mins) keeps the cookies chewy and perfect for sandwiching.
- Bake until edges are golden but centers are still soft. Your kitchen will smell incredible at this point—could this be the coziest Basketball Ice Cream Cookie Sandwiches moment?
- Cool completely on wire racks. This is key because you want the cookies firm enough to hold the ice cream without sliding apart.
- Add the basketball details: Use black decorating gel or piping icing to draw basketball lines on each cookie. Have fun with it—it’s what makes these Basketball Ice Cream Cookie Sandwiches extra special.
- Sandwich time: Spread your favorite ice cream between two decorated cookies. Press lightly to sandwich but don’t squish too much or you’ll lose the details.
- Freeze for 1-2 hours, so the ice cream firms up and these Basketball Ice Cream Cookie Sandwiches stay perfectly intact.
From start to finish, this recipe comes together in about 1.5 to 2 hours, but most of that is hands-off time letting cookies cool and sandwiches chill. While you’re waiting, might I recommend pouring yourself a cold drink and scrolling through some spectacular cookie sandwich treats for your next sweet adventure?
Quick reminder: if your cookies spread out more than expected or look a little flat, don’t sweat it; those Basketball Ice Cream Cookie Sandwiches will still taste amazing and the ice cream hides a multitude of cookie quirks.
How to Serve & Savor It:
These Basketball Ice Cream Cookie Sandwiches truly come alive when you serve them chilled on a sunny afternoon or right after an active sports day. I love setting them out on a platter alongside fresh fruit slices like strawberries or even some salty popcorn for that satisfying sweet-and-salty vibe.
For sports party desserts, these Basketball Ice Cream Cookie Sandwiches are the star. Kids and grown-ups all dig the fun basketball vibe—perfect for game day or basketball birthday celebrations.
Here’s a neat trick for presentation: place each cookie sandwich on mini paper cupcake liners. It adds a pop of fun and keeps fingers clean (which can get messy—hey, we love that too).
If you find yourself with leftovers (unlikely, but possible!), turn these Basketball Ice Cream Cookie Sandwiches into a dreamy ice cream float. Crumble or slice them over some root beer or cola, and add a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Hello, next-day magic.
For a seasonal twist, try swapping regular vanilla ice cream with pumpkin spice or peppermint in colder months—such a great take on this classic Basketball Ice Cream Cookie Sandwiches theme.
And if you haven’t yet, check out this cool homemade spin on ice cream cookie creations like cookie dough frozen yogurt bites for even more crowd-pleasing ideas you’ll love.
Your Questions, Answered:
Q: Can I make parts of the Basketball Ice Cream Cookie Sandwiches ahead?
A: Absolutely! The cookie dough can be prepared a day or two ahead and kept in the fridge. You can also bake the cookies and freeze them, then assemble your Basketball Ice Cream Cookie Sandwiches when you’re ready. Pro tip: freeze your assembled sandwiches individually wrapped for easy grab-and-go treats.
Q: What’s a good swap for butter in these Basketball Ice Cream Cookie Sandwiches?
A: Great question! Melted coconut oil or a buttery plant-based alternative work well. Just pop them in equal amounts. It tweaks the flavors slightly but keeps that luscious texture.
Q: Can I make Basketball Ice Cream Cookie Sandwiches for a crowd?
A: For sure. The recipe scales easily—just double or triple. If you want to keep things simple, bake all the cookies and keep them frozen. Then, assemble sandwiches as you need them. This makes them perfect for larger gatherings or sports party desserts.
Q: What if I don’t have orange food coloring?
A: No worries! You can leave your cookies natural or add a hint of orange zest to the dough for subtle color and fresh flavor. These Basketball Ice Cream Cookie Sandwiches will still taste fantastic, just with a different look.
Q: Can I use store-bought cookies instead of homemade?
A: You can, and it’s a fun shortcut for quick sports party desserts. If you want that homemade feel, I recommend grabbing thicker store-bought cookies like snickerdoodles or soft chocolate chip—then add your ice cream and basketball lines yourself.
Q: How do I keep ice cream from melting too fast in Basketball Ice Cream Cookie Sandwiches?
A: Freeze the assembled sandwiches for a few hours before serving. Also, keep them chilled right up until serving. And try working quickly during assembly.
Q: I want to try something new—any flavor ideas?
A: Yes! Try mint chocolate chip ice cream with chocolate cookies for a twist on the Basketball Ice Cream Cookie Sandwiches. Or, check out this fan favorite Torta Cubana sandwich-inspired version from The Cookie Couture that brings a sweet sandwiched spin with interesting mix-ins.
These Basketball Ice Cream Cookie Sandwiches are foolproof, whether you’re making them for your family or hosting a party. And if you’re a fan of homemade ice cream cookies, this recipe will instantly become a staple. For more inspiration, jump into this Facebook group conversation about Ice cream sandwiches now with Oreo cookies where folks swap cool ideas that you might love trying too!
Final Foodie Thoughts:
Basketball Ice Cream Cookie Sandwiches hold a special spot in my heart because they mix sporty fun with that universal dessert joy. They’re my go-to when I want something sweet, homemade, and crowd-pleasing that’s not just tasty but a bit of a conversation starter.
My Top Basketball Ice Cream Cookie Sandwiches Tips in bold:
- Don’t skip the decorating gel—it’s what gives these cookie sandwich treats their charm.
- Use soft, chewy cookies for the best bite that holds up around the creamy ice cream center.
- Freeze assembled sandwiches before serving to keep that perfect texture balance.
One of my favorite variations is adding mini chocolate chips to the dough for an extra chocolate punch. Another winner is swapping the vanilla ice cream for a caramel swirl which adds layers of sweet goodness. But the version that gets requested most is the classic orange cookie with vanilla ice cream—simple, nostalgic, totally delicious.
I hope you find as much joy making and eating these Basketball Ice Cream Cookie Sandwiches as I do. They are perfect for making your own with little twists, and I promise it becomes more fun every time.
Ready to impress your friends or treat your family? Grab that apron, and let’s make some Basketball Ice Cream Cookie Sandwiches magic happen. For extra cookie inspiration, check out Cream Cheese Sausage Balls — not ice cream, but a savory hit for your next party lineup!
Here’s to sweet moments and everyday awesome food friends. Can’t wait to hear how your Basketball Ice Cream Cookie Sandwiches turn out!
Basketball Ice Cream Cookie Sandwiches
Enjoy these fun and delicious Basketball Ice Cream Cookie Sandwiches, perfect for game day or a sweet treat with rich cookies and creamy ice cream. This playful dessert combines soft chocolate cookies and vanilla ice cream for a winning flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 32 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 pint vanilla ice cream
- Orange and black sanding sugar or food coloring pens (optional, for decoration)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then mix in vanilla extract.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until cookies are set around the edges but still soft in the center.
- Allow cookies to cool completely on a wire rack.
- Once cooled, scoop ice cream onto the bottom of one cookie and top with another cookie to form a sandwich. Press gently to spread the ice cream evenly.
- If desired, use orange and black sanding sugar or food coloring pens to decorate the cookie sandwiches like basketballs.
- Place assembled sandwiches in the freezer for at least 1 hour before serving.
Notes
For an extra creamy texture, let the ice cream soften slightly before assembling. You can also substitute vanilla with chocolate or any favorite ice cream flavor.