Ultimate Homemade S’mores Ice Cream Sandwiches: Your Perfect Summer Treat
Imagine the irresistible flavors of a classic s’more – toasted marshmallow, gooey chocolate, and crispy graham crackers – all transformed into a delightfully cool and creamy ice cream sandwich. These homemade S’mores Ice Cream Sandwiches are an absolute dream, especially when summer heats up. They combine perfectly chewy graham cracker cookies, studded with generous chunks of iconic Hershey’s Milk Chocolate Bars, with a velvety toasted marshmallow ice cream, creating a dessert that is both nostalgic and utterly refreshing. It’s the ultimate way to enjoy s’mores without ever needing a campfire!
This recipe is proudly sponsored by Hershey’s, a brand committed to bringing quality chocolate to our favorite treats.
Beat the Heat with a Frozen S’mores Delight
As the mercury rises and we find ourselves in the midst of another relentless summer heat wave, keeping cool becomes paramount. Thankfully, we have our trusty allies: air conditioning, refreshing swimming pools, and of course, glorious ice cream. But why settle for ordinary when you can elevate your summer dessert game? That’s where these S’mores Ice Cream Sandwiches come into play, offering a unique twist on a beloved classic.
This recipe brings together three quintessential summer ingredients – the comforting crunch of graham crackers, the sweet fluffiness of marshmallows, and the rich, creamy taste of Hershey’s Milk Chocolate. While the traditional s’mores experience is deeply cherished, sometimes the thought of gathering around a blazing fire on a sweltering evening is less than appealing. This frozen rendition allows you to indulge in all those familiar, delicious flavors, providing a delightful chill with every bite. It’s the perfect no-campfire solution for satisfying your s’mores cravings during the warmest months.
Deceptively Simple, Unquestionably Delicious
You might look at these impressive ice cream sandwiches and assume they require hours of intricate work. However, I’ve carefully crafted this recipe to be as straightforward and approachable as possible, without compromising on flavor or that homemade charm. The beauty of this dessert lies in its simplicity, making it a perfect project for bakers of all skill levels, especially during those busy summer days when you want maximum deliciousness with minimal fuss.
The Graham Cracker Cookies: A S’mores Base
Let’s talk about the cookies. These aren’t just any ordinary chocolate chip cookies; they are specially designed to embody the essence of a graham cracker. By incorporating finely crushed graham cracker crumbs directly into the dough, we achieve that distinct, slightly spiced, and wholesome flavor profile that is absolutely essential for any s’mores creation. This clever addition ensures that every bite of the cookie reminds you of the classic s’mores experience, providing the perfect base for our frozen treat.
Instead of traditional chocolate chips, we use generous pieces of chopped Hershey’s Milk Chocolate Bars. This isn’t just a substitution; it’s an upgrade that pays homage to the original s’mores ingredient. The way the Hershey’s chocolate melts slightly when baked, creating pockets of rich, creamy decadence, perfectly complements the graham cracker-infused cookie. The result is a soft, chewy cookie that holds its shape beautifully while delivering an authentic s’mores taste and texture that’s ideal for an ice cream sandwich.
The Toasted Marshmallow Ice Cream: Creamy Perfection
Now, for the star of the show: the toasted marshmallow ice cream. This component brings the iconic smoky-sweet flavor of a perfectly roasted marshmallow without the campfire. The process is incredibly easy: simply toast your marshmallows using a kitchen torch, a gas burner, or even a barbecue grill (avoiding the oven broiler as that melts the marshmallow and creates a big mess). The caramelization and slight char on the marshmallows develop a depth of flavor that is truly unique and irresistible.
Once toasted, these smoky-sweet marshmallows are blended with softened store-bought vanilla ice cream. This brilliant shortcut eliminates the need for an ice cream maker, making the process quick and accessible. The blend creates a wonderfully smooth, creamy, and distinctively flavored ice cream that tastes precisely like toasted marshmallows. After a quick refreeze, you’ll have a luscious ice cream ready to be sandwiched between your homemade cookies, creating a harmonious blend of classic s’mores flavors.
Hershey’s: A Legacy of Quality and Taste
The choice of Hershey’s Milk Chocolate is not coincidental; it’s integral to the authentic s’mores experience. Hershey’s has been a beloved staple for generations, and there’s a good reason for its enduring popularity. During a fascinating trip to Hershey headquarters in Pennsylvania, I had the incredible opportunity to learn about their unwavering commitment to quality. It was truly refreshing to discover that Hershey still uses fresh, liquid milk sourced directly from local farms in their iconic milk chocolate bars.
In an age where many foods are heavily processed and filled with unfamiliar ingredients, this dedication to real, simple components is truly commendable. Knowing that one of my favorite chocolate bars relies on actual fresh milk adds an extra layer of appreciation for its classic, creamy taste. This commitment extends beyond just ingredients, encompassing sustainable practices and humane treatment of animals, ensuring that every bite of Hershey’s chocolate not only tastes good but also aligns with responsible sourcing, a testament to their long-standing legacy.
For those interested in delving deeper into Hershey’s process and their commitment to fresh milk, including their stringent quality checks and humane treatment practices for cows, you can watch this informative video. You can also explore more about Hershey’s broader dedication to quality ingredients and best practices on their social responsibility page, understanding the full scope of their “Shared Goodness” initiative.
Tips for Perfect S’mores Ice Cream Sandwiches
Achieving s’mores perfection in ice cream sandwich form is easy with a few key tips:
- Don’t Overbake the Cookies: For the best ice cream sandwiches, you want your graham cracker cookies to be soft and chewy, not overly crispy. Keep a close eye on them in the oven and pull them out as soon as the edges are lightly golden. They will continue to set as they cool, ensuring they remain pliable enough for the ice cream.
- Soften Ice Cream Just Right: When blending the marshmallows into the vanilla ice cream, ensure the ice cream is softened enough to blend smoothly but not completely melted into a liquid. This will help maintain its creamy texture and prevent it from becoming icy once refrozen.
- Toasting Marshmallows Safely: A kitchen torch offers the most control for even toasting and a perfect golden-brown char. If using a gas burner, be quick and rotate constantly to prevent burning. Campfires are great if you’re already enjoying the outdoors! Remember, safety first when working with open flames.
- Assemble on an Inverted Cookie: For easier assembly and a cleaner finish, scoop the ice cream onto the flat, inverted side of one cookie. This provides a stable surface and makes it simpler to press the second cookie on top without squishing the ice cream out too much.
- Freeze for Firmness: After assembling, a crucial step is to return the sandwiches to the freezer for at least 20 minutes (or longer if time permits). This allows the ice cream to firm up properly, ensuring a less messy and more enjoyable eating experience.
- Making Ahead and Storage: These S’mores Ice Cream Sandwiches are excellent for meal prep! Once fully frozen and firm, wrap each sandwich individually in plastic wrap, then place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. This prevents freezer burn and keeps them fresh for up to 2-3 weeks, so you can grab a delightful treat whenever a craving strikes.
Indulge in the Ultimate Summer Dessert
When the summer sun is at its peak and the thought of a warm campfire is just too much, these S’mores Ice Cream Sandwiches provide the perfect solution. They satisfy that deep-seated summer sweet tooth while simultaneously offering a delightful cool-down. With every bite, you’ll experience a symphony of textures and flavors – the soft, chocolatey graham cracker cookie, the creamy, subtly smoky marshmallow ice cream, and the rich notes of Hershey’s. This is more than just a dessert; it’s a frozen celebration of summer, ready to bring smiles and sweet relief to everyone who tries it. Enjoy the nostalgic taste of s’mores, reinvented for your ultimate warm-weather enjoyment!
S’mores Ice Cream Sandwiches
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Ingredients
For the cookies:
- 10 tablespoons unsalted butter , at room temperature (141 grams)
- ½ cup granulated sugar (100 grams)
- ½ cup packed light or dark brown sugar (105 grams)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cup all-purpose flour (180 grams)
- 1 ½ cup graham cracker crumbs (213 grams, about 2 sleeves)
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 Hershey’s Milk Chocolate Bars , chopped
For the ice cream:
- 2 cup marshmallows (86 grams)
- 1 pint vanilla ice cream , softened slightly at room temperature (250 ml)
- Additional marshmallows for toasting , optional
Instructions
To make the cookies:
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Preheat oven to 350°F and line a sheet pan with parchment paper.
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In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, or in a large bowl with a hand-held mixer, beat the butter, sugar and brown sugar together until light and creamy, about 3-4 minutes. Add the eggs, mixing after each. Mix in the vanilla.
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In a separate bowl combine the flour, graham cracker crumbs, baking soda and salt. Add to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined. Add the chopped chocolate bars and mix until just incorporated.
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Shape into rounded tablespoons and place on prepared sheet pan a few inches apart. Bake until edges just begin to turn golden, about 9-10 minutes. Do not overbake or cookies will become crispy. Let cool on the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
To make the ice cream:
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Use a kitchen torch, gas burner or campfire to toast the marshmallows. Avoid using an oven broiler as that melts the marshmallow and creates a big mess.
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In a food processor or heavy duty blender, blend the marshmallows with the softened vanilla ice cream. Pour mixture back into a medium bowl or plastic container and freeze until hard, at least 2 hours.
To assemble the ice cream sandwiches:
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Scoop approximately ¼-⅓ cup of the toasted marshmallow ice cream onto an inverted cookie. Top with another cookie. Repeat with remaining ice cream and cookies. (Optional: add a few toasted marshmallows to the ice cream as you scoop it onto the cookie.)
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Place sandwiches in the freezer to firm up for about 20 minutes before serving.
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If making ahead, wrap each ice cream sandwich in plastic wrap. This will keep them from getting freezer burned.
Disclosure: This blog post is sponsored by The Hershey Company as part of my participation in their Food Ambassador program. All thoughts and opinions are 100% my own, as always. Thank you for supporting partnerships with brands I believe in, which make it easier for me to bring you new creative content.