Table of Contents
The Story & Intro (why these gluten free ice cream sandwiches work)
A Santa Barbara summer fix
I’m Adam Moretti, 38, raised in Santa Barbara on my Italian mom’s slow sauces and my dad’s careful choices—diabetes and blood pressure meant we cooked with intention. When Mom was diagnosed with gluten intolerance in 2023, our dessert playbook changed overnight. I missed the simple joy of ice cream sandwiches—the snap of a thin cookie, the creamy center, the frosty wrapper feel. So I rebuilt them from the ground up: soft-set gluten free cookies that bend instead of shatter, dairy-free ice cream that stays scoopable, and assembly cues that prevent leaks and frost. These gluten free ice cream sandwiches are pantry-friendly, quick to bake, and sturdy enough for kids’ hands.
Crave more sweet ideas to round out a cookout? Dip into my rotating hub of vegan dessert recipes and keep a “treat tin” stocked with goodies from my vegan cookie recipes. Those collections play perfectly with ice cream filling nights—bake now, sandwich later, and freeze.
The texture-first rules
For cookies, I chase bendy chew. I use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend with xanthan gum, a bit more brown sugar for softness, and a short bake so edges set while centers stay tender. For the filling, I grab dairy-free ice cream (store-bought or homemade) and temper it 5–10 minutes so it spreads without tearing the cookie. Then I “press and tidy”: press gently to level, run a knife around the edge, and return to the freezer on a parchment-lined sheet. With thin cookies and tempered ice cream, gluten free ice cream sandwiches hold shape, slice neatly, and resist freezer rock-hard syndrome.
Assembly Flow, Riffs & Freezer Strategy (300 words)
Step-by-step assembly that never melts down
First, bake cookies the night before and cool completely. Second, line a quarter sheet pan with parchment and arrange half the cookies face down. Third, scoop softened ice cream (about ¼ cup each) and spread to the edges; top with remaining cookies. Fourth, freeze 1 hour, then trim edges with a knife for clean lines. Fifth, wrap individually. This flow gives you glossy, square edges and an even bite. For a dessert board, I pair sandwiches with iced sips from my sunny-day vegan iced coffee recipe and stash a few extra cookies from my vegan cookie recipes for “ice cream sliders.”
| Sandwich Style | Cookie | Ice Cream | Finish |
|---|---|---|---|
| Classic Choco | Thin GF cocoa cookie | Vanilla (dairy-free) | Mini chips edge |
| PB Choco | GF peanut butter cookie | Chocolate | Crushed peanuts |
| Mint Chip | GF chocolate cookie | Mint chip | Cacao nibs |
| Espresso Crunch | GF coffee cookie | Mocha | Almonds |
Budget-smart and gluten-free friendly
Use one dough, split into two flavors (add cocoa to half). Buy 1.5 quarts of ice cream for 12–16 sandwiches. For bake sales, mark flavor stickers on wrappers. Want a crowd-pleasing dessert plate? Add one loaf from my vegan banana bread recipe for those who prefer cake slices beside the frozen treats, and keep a few extras from vegan dessert recipes so everyone finds something they love. With this plan, gluten free ice cream sandwiches become your easiest warm-weather win.
Store-Bought Safety, Fast Facts & PAA Guidance (300 words)
Reading labels like a pro (and why it matters)
Brand formulas and in-store practices change. In the U.S., products labeled “gluten-free” must meet FDA’s standard (under 20 ppm gluten). That rule gives a consistent baseline, but cross-contact in restaurants can still happen. Always read the package, check the brand’s allergen page, and confirm at the counter. You can review the FDA’s gluten-free labeling framework here for clarity on what “gluten-free” means in the U.S. U.S. Food and Drug Administration+1
DQ / McDonald’s quick notes: Dairy Queen publishes nutrition and allergen details and notes that gluten is present in many products and cross-contact can occur; consult the current treat allergen chart before ordering. Dairy Queen+2Dairy Queen+2 McDonald’s provides allergen booklets by region and cautions that kitchens handle multiple allergens; items vary by country, so check your local site’s latest PDF or tool. McDonald’s+1 For third-party info, avoid relying on blogs alone; always verify with official brand pages.
So Delicious sandwiches: Some dairy-free products are gluten-free, but not all varieties (and cookies in sandwiches can include gluten). Always confirm on the product page and packaging for the specific flavor you’re buying. So Delicious Dairy Free
For home bakers, accuracy keeps texture consistent. When you scale the dough for a party tray, double-check conversions with my quick reference at how many grams in a pound. And if someone wants a non-frozen option at the table, I like offering a slice from gluten-and-dairy-free desserts so every guest finds a fit.
Freezer success, every time
Freeze sandwiches flat for one hour, then wrap individually and return to the freezer. Stack in a lidded container to prevent freezer odors. For best texture, temper 5–8 minutes before serving.
Variations, Crowd Tricks & Make-Ahead (300 words)
Beyond chocolate + vanilla
Try oatmeal-style GF cookies (use certified GF oats) with strawberry ice cream; lemon sugar cookies with blueberry; or brownie-thin sandwich cookies with mint chip. Roll edges in crushed nuts, chips, or cookie crumbs. For holiday trays, cut frozen sandwiches into thirds for “sampler bars.” If you prefer a warm pairing, brew espresso and pour mini affogatos alongside—pro move for adults.
Prep once, serve twice
Bake and cool cookies today; assemble half now and freeze. Save the rest for a later sandwich night. Or make a “slab sandwich”: press softened ice cream between two parchment-lined cookie sheets, freeze, and slice squares. That format travels well for picnics. For gluten-free brunches, I sometimes pivot to waffle-style sandwiches using my gluten-free waffle recipe as the base—ridged, fun, and perfect for kids. If you’re planning a cookout menu, sketch a main course in advance and round out the table with easy trays from vegan casserole recipes.
Finally, if you want a slow-cooker main simmering while you assemble desserts, pull something comforting from vegan slow cooker recipes and let your freezer do the dessert work. With a little rhythm, gluten free ice cream sandwiches slide into weekly rotation, ready for birthdays, beach days, and backyard movies.
FAQs about Gluten Free Ice Cream Sandwiches
Are there any ice cream sandwiches that are gluten-free?
Yes—several brands offer gluten-free options, but recipes change. Look for a clear “gluten-free” label and check each product’s allergen page. The FDA sets the U.S. rule for “gluten-free” labeling. U.S. Food and Drug Administration
What DQ treats are gluten-free?
Availability varies by location. Review Dairy Queen’s current treat nutrition/allergen charts and ask about cross-contact before ordering. Dairy Queen+1
Does McDonald’s have gluten free ice cream?
McDonald’s publishes allergen info by country and notes shared-kitchen risks. Soft-serve formulations and handling vary; check your local allergen guide before ordering cones or sundaes. McDonald’s+1
Are the So Delicious ice cream sandwiches gluten-free?
Some products are, while others are not. Confirm each flavor’s ingredient list and certifications on the official product page and packaging. So Delicious Dairy Free
Recipe card for ‘Gluten Free Ice Cream Sandwiches’
Print
Gluten Free Ice Cream Sandwiches — Chewy, Creamy, Crowd-Ready
I’m Adam Moretti, Santa Barbara kid turned nutrition-minded chef. When my mom went gluten-free in 2023, I rebuilt our nostalgic treats. These gluten free ice cream sandwiches use thin, bendy GF chocolate cookies and dairy-free vanilla. Temper the ice cream so it spreads cleanly, press, tidy edges, and freeze. They hold together, slice neatly, and taste like childhood—without the crumble.
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes (incl. freeze)
- Yield: 12–16 sandwiches
Ingredients
COOKIES
180 g 1:1 GF all-purpose flour (with xanthan)
30 g cocoa powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp fine sea salt
85 g white sugar
120 g packed brown sugar
115 g plant butter (soft)
30 g plant milk
2 tsp vanilla
FILLING
1.5 qt (1.4 L) dairy-free vanilla ice cream, softened
Mini chips or cacao nibs for edges (optional)
Instructions
1. Whisk flour, cocoa, baking soda, and salt.
2. Beat plant butter with both sugars until fluffy; beat in plant milk and vanilla.
3. Fold in dry ingredients just until combined.
4. Scoop 1 tbsp mounds onto parchment; press to 1/4-inch rounds.
5. Bake at 350°F (177°C) 8–9 minutes; cool completely.
6. Arrange half the cookies face down; spread ~1/4 cup softened ice cream on each; top with remaining cookies.
7. Freeze 1 hour; trim edges; roll sides in chips/nibs if desired.
8. Wrap individually; freeze until firm. Temper 5–8 minutes before serving.
Notes
Use certified GF oats for oatmeal cookie variation.
For slab sandwiches, spread ice cream between two cookie sheets; freeze and slice.
Always verify store-bought labels; formulations and cross-contact practices can change.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked + Assemble
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion ‘Gluten Free Ice Cream Sandwiches’
Great sandwiches start with texture: thin, bendy GF cookies and just-soft ice cream. With simple steps—cool, spread, press, tidy, freeze—you’ll get tidy edges and that nostalgic bite. Use the riffs, plan the freezer flow, and keep labels close when you shop. Now, go make gluten free ice cream sandwiches that everyone at the table can enjoy.
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