A cookie ice cream sandwich is a delicious frozen treat that combines two classic desserts – cookies and ice cream. It typically consists of a layer of ice cream sandwiched between two cookies or wafers. But with its rich, creamy ice cream and buttery, chocolatey cookies, it’s easy to devour a cookie ice cream sandwich without considering its calorie count. So how many calories are actually in one of these icy, cookie-filled snacks?
What is a Cookie Ice Cream Sandwich?
A cookie ice cream sandwich is composed of three main parts:
- Ice cream – This is the creamy, frozen filling in the center. Vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry are common ice cream flavors used.
- Cookies/wafers – Two cookies or flat ice cream wafers encase the ice cream. Chocolate chip, sugar, oatmeal raisin, or chocolate cookies work well.
- Coating – The ice cream sandwich is sometimes coated in a layer of chocolate or confectioner’s sugar.
The basic construction involves scooping or extruding ice cream onto a cookie bottom before topping it with another cookie. The ice cream acts as the filling, binding the two cookies together into a handheld sandwich. Some mass-produced varieties use flat ice cream wafers instead of traditional cookies. The finished sandwich is then sometimes coated or half-dipped in chocolate or sprinkled with confectioner’s sugar. This helps prevent messy melting and gives an extra layer of flavor.
Ice cream sandwiches come in a range of sizes, from miniature bites to giant, cake-sized creations. They’re commonly single serving, designed for easy snacking and portability. The most familiar size is approximately 3 inches wide and 1.5 inches tall – large enough to quell a craving but small enough to eat in just a few bites.
Calories in Different Cookie Ice Cream Sandwiches
The number of calories in a cookie ice cream sandwich varies widely depending on the specific ingredients and portion size. But in general, a standard single serving ice cream sandwich contains 150 to over 300 calories.
Here are the calorie counts for some popular mass produced and homemade varieties:
| Cookie Ice Cream Sandwich | Calories |
|---|---|
| Breyers Klondike Sandwich | 160 |
| Good Humor Chocolate Chip Cookie Sandwich | 170 |
| Blue Bunny Ice Cream Sandwich | 190 |
| Turkey Hill Sandwich | 200-250 |
| Friendly’s Ice Cream Sandwich | 210 |
| Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream Sandwich | 330 |
| 2 Nabisco Fudge Striped Cookies with 2 Tbsp Vanilla Ice Cream | 153 |
| 2 Keebler E.L. Fudge Cookies with 2 Tbsp Chocolate Ice Cream | 166 |
| 2 Nilla Wafers with 2 Tbsp Strawberry Ice Cream | 147 |
As you can see, the store-bought ice cream sandwiches range from 160 to 330 calories each, with most falling in the 150 to 250 calorie range.
Homemade versions clock in a little lower if you use a modest 2 tablespoon scoop of reduced fat ice cream. But they can still deliver 150+ calories when made with sugary cookies.
So a single ice cream sandwich is a significant calorie investment compared to a plain cookie or small scoop of ice cream. The combo of cookies and creamy ice cream in one portable package contributes to its high calorie density.
Factors That Impact Ice Cream Sandwich Calories
What makes one cookie ice cream sandwich have vastly more calories than another? Here are the key factors that determine the calorie count:
Ice Cream
The ice cream provides most of the calories, especially in homemade sandwiches. Richer, high-fat ice creams like vanilla bean or chocolate pack the most calories per ounce. Lighter varieties like low-fat strawberry or sorbet are lowest. The more generous the ice cream portion, the more calories the sandwich will contain.
Cookies
Simple sugar cookies or vanilla wafers contribute minimal calories. But more decadent cookies like chocolate chip, fudge striped, or pecan sandies can have 100+ calories per cookie. Two of these cookies enveloping ice cream really adds up.
Coatings
Unless you have a thin swirl, coatings don’t usually impact calories too much. But a thick coating of fudge or chocolate on part of the sandwich can tack on an extra 30 to 60+ calories.
Portion Size
This is often overlooked but has a direct impact. Many brands now sell individually wrapped, mini cookie sandwiches with under 100 calories. On the opposite end, some restaurants serve mammoth ice cream sandwiches cut into slices equivalent to 4 or more regular sandwiches!
Ingredients
Higher quality ingredients like real cream, egg yolks, and butter boost calories compared to light ice cream and cookies made with vegetable oil. Lots of mix-ins like chocolate chips, candy pieces, or swirled sauces also hike up the calories.
Nutrition Information
Aside from calories, what other nutrition stats are in a cookie ice cream sandwich?
Here are the full nutrition facts for a standard chocolate chip cookie ice cream sandwich made with 2 Tbsp of vanilla ice cream and Nabisco Fudge Striped cookies:
| Amount Per Serving |
|---|
| Calories 153 |
| Total Fat 7 g |
| Saturated Fat 3 g |
| Trans Fat 0 g |
| Cholesterol 10 mg |
| Sodium 126 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates 21 g |
| Dietary Fiber 0 g |
| Sugars 12 g |
| Protein 2 g |
As you can see, the calories come mostly from fat and carbohydrates. There’s also a little bit of protein from the dairy.
In terms of micronutrients, there’s some calcium from the ice cream as well as small amounts of iron, potassium, and vitamins A and C.
However, nutrient content can vary based on specific ingredients used. More nutritious cookies made with whole grains, nuts, or dried fruit will offer more fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
Health Considerations
Though delicious, ice cream sandwiches are more of a dessert than a nutritious snack. Here are some health considerations if you plan to indulge:
– High in sugar – Made with cookies and sweetened ice cream, a sandwich can have over 10g added sugar. Consuming too many can spike blood sugar.
– Low in fiber – Cookies and ice cream are both lacking in filling fiber. This can lead to energy crashes after a sugar high.
– Low in nutrients – You won’t find significant amounts of vitamins, minerals, or healthy fats. It’s mostly a dose of quick energy.
– High in saturated fat – Especially with premium ice cream, sandwiches can deliver a third of the daily limit for saturated fat. Too much may negatively impact blood cholesterol.
– Low in protein – With just 2 to 3g of protein, sandwiches don’t provide much filling protein compared to the calorie load.
– Allergens – Contain dairy, wheat, eggs, and potential tree nuts. Those with food allergies should exercise caution.
Despite these drawbacks, an occasional ice cream sandwich can be enjoyed by most as part of a balanced diet. Just be mindful of portions and ingredients.
Ways to Lighten Up
If you want to enjoy cookie ice cream sandwiches a little more often without straining your waistline, here are some tips to lighten them up:
– Choose smaller or mini portions for portion control.
– Use lower calorie cookies like vanilla wafers or ginger snaps instead of chocolate chip.
– Opt for light or low-fat ice cream to trim calories and fat.
– Skip the extra chocolate coating and dipping to save calories.
– Share one sandwich with a friend or split into two servings.
– Substitute frozen yogurt for a tangy, tart alternative lower in fat.
– Make your own with one tablespoon scoops of ice cream and small cookies.
– Balance out the treat with fruits, veggies, and protein at other meals.
High Protein & Low Carb Options
For those following high protein or low carb diets, look for these ice cream sandwich options:
– Low carb or keto-friendly cookies like almond flour.
– Protein ice creams enhanced with whey protein.
– Lettuce or cheese crisp “buns” instead of cookies.
– Sugar free, low carb ice cream substitutes.
– Chocolate coated sandwiches made with low carb/low sugar chocolate.
You can also make custom protein-packed sandwiches at home.
For example:
– Vanilla or chocolate whey protein powder mixed into ice cream
– Cookies made with protein powder, nut flours, and minimal sugar
– Cucumber slices or cheese as the bread
This allows you to control macros and keep calories reasonable while still enjoying the frozen treat.
Satisfying Homemade Versions
One of the best ways to monitor nutrition and customize ingredients is to whip up homemade cookie ice cream sandwiches.
You can bake wholesome cookies and scoop light or premium ice cream depending on your goals. Get creative with fun flavors like:
– Brown butter chocolate chip cookies with coffee ice cream
– Lemon cookies with raspberry sorbet
– Peanut butter cookies with vanilla ice cream and chocolate ganache
– Oatmeal raisin cookies with dulce de leche ice cream
– Sugar cookies with strawberry or mint chocolate chip ice cream
– Double chocolate cookies with cookies n’ cream ice cream
Baking your own cookies allows you to control the calories and nutrition precisely. Make them indulgent or lighten them up with wholesome ingredients like whole wheat flour, oats, fruit, and nuts.
The benefit of assembling your own sandwiches is that you can perfectly portion the ice cream to keep calories in check. You also get to pick premium ice cream or healthier substitutes like frozen yogurt, sorbet, or protein ice cream.
Fun Size Variations
For bite-sized indulgence, try making these fun mini cookie ice cream sandwiches:
– Use small cookies like Nilla wafers, chocolate wafers, or mini chips ahoy.
– Scoop ice cream with a melon baller or small spoon for one teaspoon portions.
– Coat sides in chocolate sprinkles or mini chocolate chips.
– Insert popsicle sticks into small sandwiches for handheld ice cream pop treats.
– Make ice cubes out of juice, chocolate milk, or coffee and use instead of ice cream.
– Cut circles out of pound cake or brownies and use as “cookies.”
Mini cookie sandwiches are great for kids’ parties, dessert buffets, or agile snacking on the go. You can also make ahead, individually wrap, and freeze mini sandwiches to have on hand.
Giant Ice Cream Sandwich Cakes
On the opposite end of the spectrum, giant ice cream sandwich cakes are perfect for birthdays, celebrations, and sharing. To make one:
– Use a round cake pan as the mold. Line it with plastic wrap for easy removal.
– Press large, soft chocolate chip cookies into the bottom of the pan in a single layer.
– Spread softened ice cream over the cookies, using enough to reach the top of the pan.
– Place another layer of cookies pressed together on top of the ice cream.
– Cover and freeze until solid, usually overnight.
– When ready to serve, remove the plastic wrap and frost the entire cake in whipped cream.
– Decorate the top and sides with crushed cookies, sprinkles, chocolate sauce, etc.
– Allow to slightly soften before slicing into wedges and serving.
Though giant ice cream sandwiches contain multiple servings, their wow factor makes them worth the indulgence for special occasions. UseDIAGRAM Image not available
good quality ice cream and cookies to create an extra decadent dessert.
Incredible Cookie Ice Cream Desserts
Ice cream sandwiches aren’t just limited to plain cookies. You can get creative with using all types of cookies, brownies and cakes:
– Brownie or chocolate chip cookie ice cream sandwiches dipped in chocolate shell
– Ice cream sandwiches made with gingerbread men/women cookies
– Pumpkin spiced cookies enveloping maple walnut ice cream
– Chocolate wafer cookies with matcha green tea ice cream
– Lacy Florentine cookies filled with tiramisu gelato
– Layered ice cream sandwiches made with red velvet cake and cream cheese ice cream
– Chocolate croissants stuffed with chocolate hazelnut ice cream
– Sugar cone “cookies” sandwiching coffee ice cream and caramel sauce
– Fortune cookies enclosing pistachio ice cream and melted chocolate
With the right cookie or cake recipe, the possibilities are endless! Feel free to mix and match flavors and textures for an unforgettable frozen creation.
Common Questions
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about cookie ice cream sandwiches:
Are ice cream sandwiches healthy?
Ice cream sandwiches are high in sugar, refined carbs, and unhealthy fats, so they are considered a treat and not very nutritious. Enjoy them occasionally in moderation.
Are ice cream sandwiches gluten free?
Most are not gluten free as they contain cookie dough or wafers made with wheat flour. Check labels for certified gluten free options.
Can you make ice cream sandwiches dairy free?
Yes, use dairy-free cookies with non-dairy ice cream or fruit sorbet instead.
Do ice cream sandwiches need to be refrigerated?
Store-bought sandwiches are shelf-stable but will melt quickly if left out of the freezer. Homemade ones require continuous freezing.
How long do ice cream sandwiches last in the freezer?
Properly frozen, they can last 2-3 months before quality declines. Eat within 5 days of thawing.
Can dogs eat ice cream sandwiches?
Not recommended due to high sugar. At most, dogs should only have a lick of the ice cream, not the chocolate cookies.
The Bottom Line
A cookie ice cream sandwich can range from 150 to over 300 calories depending on the specific ingredients, portion size, and recipe. Standard sized sandwiches sold in packs are usually around 150 to 250 calories. Double cookies, triple chocolate, and giant custom creations can rack up much higher totals.
When enjoyed occasionally, ice cream sandwiches are a delicious frozen treat. Just be mindful of portion size and ingredients. Lighten them up by choosing smaller sandwiches, reduced fat and sugar options, and moderately sized homemade versions. Savor every creamy, ice cold bite of happiness!
