How to Store Homemade Ice Cream Sandwiches

Few desserts can top a homemade ice cream sandwich during the summer – especially if you make yours with homemade ice cream and homemade cookies. I typically make a batch of cookies, stuff them all with ice cream and store them in the freezer so that I have them on hand to treat both myself and any visitors who might pop in. When assembling ice cream sandwiches, it is all about the storage, since improper storage will leave you with a pile of half-melted or stuck-together sandwiches, rather than picture-perfect ones. These tips will ensure that your ice cream sandwiches look just as good coming out of the freezer as they did going in.

• Freeze your cookies beforehand. When working with homemade cookies, pair them up with cookies of a similar size and sandwich them together with a piece of parchment or wax paper. Place them on a flat surface and freeze. Cold cookies are sturdier than room temperature ones, allowing them to hold up to extra ice cream without bending.
• Assemble cookies in batches. Work in batches of 6-10 sandwiches. Smaller batches ensure that your ice cream won’t be completely melted by the time that you’re done with your assembly line. It is better to put the ice cream back in the freezer before it gets too soft and start a second batch a few hours later.
• Freeze each sandwich as it is assembled. Don’t let just-made ice cream sandwiches sit out for any more time than they absolutely have to. Place them on a parchment or wax paper-lined baking sheet and freeze them on a flat surface. Add subsequent ice cream sandwiches to the same tray. Working in small batches (as above) will ensure that you don’t open the freezer too many times, giving the ice cream a chance to set up.
• Wrap frozen sandwiches individually. Use a piece of wax or parchment paper to wrap each sandwich after it has been individually frozen and is firm. The paper wrapping gives the sandwiches a nicer look than a plastic bag or plastic wrap (though you can use those, as well) and they can be secured with a rubber band. The band will lose its elasticity in the freezer, but it will hold the paper down until you’re ready to eat.