There is a specific kind of magic that happens when the temperature drops, the fireplace is crackling, and you realize that “cold” doesn’t have to mean “savory.” While summer is the traditional season for ice cream, the holidays offer a unique opportunity to turn a classic frozen treat into a winter masterpiece.
Our Holiday Frosted Snowdrift Cookie Ice Cream Sandwiches are not just a dessert; they are a festive experience. Imagine two soft, chewy “Snowdrift” sugar cookies—infused with a hint of almond and sparkling with white sanding sugar—hugging a thick slab of premium peppermint or vanilla bean ice cream. To finish, we roll the edges in crushed candy canes or holiday sprinkles for a look that is straight out of a winter wonderland.
Why This is the Ultimate Holiday Showstopper
Most ice cream sandwiches suffer from one of two problems: the cookie is too hard (and the ice cream squishes out the sides) or the cookie is too thin (and it gets soggy). We have engineered the Snowdrift Cookie to be the perfect vessel.
- The “Soft-Bake” Texture: By using a combination of butter and a touch of cream cheese in the dough, these cookies stay soft even when frozen.
- The Flavor Profile: We use a “Double White” base—white chocolate chips inside the dough and a white chocolate drizzle on top—to mimic the look of freshly fallen snow.
- Customizable Holiday Joy: Whether you want to use classic peppermint, eggnog ice cream, or even a rich chocolate fudge swirl, the Snowdrift cookie is the perfect neutral (but delicious) canvas.
The Secret to the Perfect Frozen Cookie
The biggest challenge with ice cream sandwiches is the “freeze factor.” If you use a standard crispy cookie recipe, it will turn into a rock in the freezer.
The Pro Move: We under-bake these cookies by exactly one minute. This keeps the centers “fudgy.” When frozen, they transition to a chewy, caramel-like consistency that bites through easily, allowing the ice cream to stay perfectly in place.
Ingredients: Creating the Snowdrift Effect
- The Flour Base: We use all-purpose flour sifted with cornstarch. The cornstarch is our “secret weapon” for a tender, melt-in-your-mouth crumb.
- The Fats: High-quality unsalted butter for flavor, plus two tablespoons of cream cheese for that signature “Snowdrift” softness.
- The Ice Cream: Use a “Premium” or “Extra Creamy” brand. These have less air (overrun), meaning they melt slower and hold their shape better during assembly.
- The Decor: White chocolate melts for the “frosting” and crushed peppermint or silver sanding sugar for the “glitter.”
Step-by-Step Culinary Guide
1. The Dough Preparation
Cream your butter, cream cheese, and sugars until the mixture is pale and fluffy (about 3 minutes). Add your egg and almond extract. The almond extract is crucial—it gives that “wedding cake” flavor that feels so much more festive than plain vanilla.
2. The Chill Factor
Sugar cookie dough loves to relax. After mixing in your dry ingredients and white chocolate chips, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes. This prevents the cookies from spreading too thin; we want a thick, pillowy cookie to hold all that ice cream.
3. Shaping the “Snowdrifts”
Roll the dough into balls and roll them in white sparkling sugar before baking. This creates a “crackle” effect on top that looks like sunlight hitting snow. Bake until the edges are just set but the centers still look slightly pale.
4. The Ice Cream Slab Technique
Skip the scoop! For professional-looking sandwiches, let your ice cream soften slightly, then spread it into a parchment-lined square baking pan about 1 inch thick. Refreeze until solid. Use a round biscuit cutter (the same size as your cookies) to cut out perfect “discs” of ice cream.
5. The Assembly & Frosting
Place an ice cream disc between two cooled cookies. Drizzle the top cookie with melted white chocolate (the “Frosting”) and immediately roll the sides in crushed candy canes.
📖 The Recipe: Holiday Snowdrift Sandwiches
| Prep Time | Freeze Time | Total Time | Yields |
| 30 Mins | 2 Hours | 2.5 Hours | 12 Sandwiches |
Ingredients
The Snowdrift Cookies
- 1 cup Unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tbsp Cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup Granulated sugar
- 1 Large egg
- 1 tsp Almond extract (or vanilla)
- 2 ½ cups All-purpose flour
- 1 tsp Cornstarch
- 1 tsp Baking soda
- 1 cup White chocolate chips
- Extra: White sanding sugar for rolling
The Filling & Topping
- 1.5 quarts Peppermint or Vanilla Bean ice cream
- ½ cup White chocolate melts (for the drizzle)
- ½ cup Crushed candy canes or festive sprinkles
Instructions
- Cream: Beat butter, cream cheese, and sugar until fluffy. Add egg and extract.
- Mix: Whisk flour, cornstarch, and baking soda. Gradually add to wet ingredients. Fold in white chocolate chips.
- Chill: Refrigerate dough for 30–60 minutes.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll dough into 1-inch balls, roll in sanding sugar, and bake for 9–11 minutes. Do not over-bake! Cool completely.
- Prep Ice Cream: Spread ice cream in a lined pan, freeze, and cut into rounds using a cookie cutter.
- Assemble: Sandwich the ice cream between two cookies.
- Decorate: Drizzle with melted white chocolate and roll the edges in crushed candy canes.
- Flash Freeze: Freeze for at least 1 hour before serving to set.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How long do these keep in the freezer?
If wrapped individually in plastic wrap and stored in an airtight bag, they will stay fresh and delicious for up to 2 weeks—perfect for prep-ahead holiday parties!
What if I don’t have a round cutter for the ice cream?
No problem! You can use a standard ice cream scoop, just be sure to press the cookies down gently to flatten the scoop so it reaches the edges.
Can I make these dairy-free?
Yes! Use a vegan butter substitute, vegan cream cheese, and a high-quality coconut or oat milk-based ice cream.
Final Thoughts
The holidays are about creating memories that linger long after the decorations are packed away. These Snowdrift Cookie Ice Cream Sandwiches are a whimsical, delicious way to celebrate the season. They are messy, joyful, and utterly decadent—exactly what a holiday treat should be.