These homemade pistachio ice cream sandwiches combine buttery, nutty cookies with creamy pistachio ice cream for an irresistible frozen dessert. Perfect for summer entertaining or special occasions, these gourmet treats are surprisingly easy to make and guaranteed to impress your guests.
Ingredients
For the Pistachio Cookies:
- 140g (1 cup) unsalted shelled pistachios, raw or roasted
- 200g (1 cup) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
For Assembly:
- 750ml (1½ pints) natural pistachio ice cream
- 35g (¼ cup) shelled pistachios, coarsely chopped (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Cookie Dough
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 160°C (325°F). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper, ensuring the paper extends slightly over the edges for easy removal.
Step 2: Add the pistachios, granulated sugar, egg, and kosher salt to the bowl of a food processor. Process the mixture for 2-3 minutes until it forms a smooth, thick paste. The consistency should be similar to thick peanut butter, with small pistachio pieces still visible for texture.
Step 3: Using a 2-tablespoon cookie scoop or large spoon, portion the dough onto a plate. You should have approximately 12 portions. Lightly grease the bottom of a drinking glass or measuring cup with cooking spray or butter, then flatten each portion to about 6mm (¼ inch) thick. The cookies should be roughly 7.5cm (3 inches) in diameter.
Step 4: Place the flattened dough portions on a baking sheet and freeze for 15 minutes. This chilling step prevents excessive spreading during baking and helps maintain the cookie shape.
Baking the Cookies
Step 5: Arrange the chilled dough portions on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them 10cm (4 inches) apart to allow for spreading. Bake for 14-16 minutes, or until the edges are light golden brown while the centers remain slightly soft and gooey.
Step 6: If the cookies spread into irregular shapes during baking, immediately use a large round cookie cutter to trim them into perfect circles, or gently nudge the edges back into place while they’re still warm and pliable.
Step 7: Allow the cookies to cool completely on the baking sheets before attempting to remove them. This cooling period is crucial as the cookies will be fragile when warm.
Assembling the Ice Cream Sandwiches
Step 8: Remove the pistachio ice cream from the freezer and let it soften slightly at room temperature for 5-10 minutes to make scooping easier.
Step 9: Place one cookie flat-side down on your work surface. Using an ice cream scoop, place a generous portion of pistachio ice cream on top of the cookie. Top with a second cookie, flat-side facing the ice cream, and gently press together.
Step 10: If using chopped pistachios for decoration, roll the edges of each sandwich in the nuts, pressing gently to ensure they adhere to the ice cream.
Step 11: Immediately transfer each completed sandwich to the freezer before assembling the next one. This prevents melting and maintains the sandwich structure.
Step 12: Freeze the completed sandwiches for at least 1 hour before serving to ensure they’re completely set.
Nutritional Information and Timing
Preparation Time: 30 minutes Chilling Time: 15 minutes (dough) + 1 hour (assembled sandwiches) Baking Time: 14-16 minutes Total Time: 2 hours
Nutritional Information (per sandwich, makes 6 sandwiches):
- Calories: 385
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Sugar: 45g
- Protein: 8g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sodium: 420mg
Recipe Variations and Substitutions
Flavor Variations
Transform your pistachio ice cream sandwiches with these creative alternatives. Replace the pistachio ice cream with vanilla bean ice cream for a classic combination, or try salted caramel ice cream for a sweet-salty contrast. For chocolate lovers, dark chocolate or chocolate chip ice cream creates an indulgent twist.
Dietary Substitutions
Make these treats gluten-free friendly by ensuring your ice cream is certified gluten-free, as the cookies are naturally wheat-free. For a vegan version, substitute the egg with 3 tablespoons of aquafaba (chickpea liquid) and use your favorite plant-based ice cream. Those with nut allergies can replace pistachios with sunflower seeds, though the flavor profile will change significantly.
Cookie Modifications
Add extra texture by incorporating 2 tablespoons of mini chocolate chips or dried cranberries into the cookie dough. For a more intense pistachio flavor, add 1 teaspoon of pure pistachio extract to the dough mixture. Create colorful variations by adding a few drops of natural food coloring to achieve different hues.
Assembly Options
Instead of rolling edges in chopped nuts, try rolling them in coconut flakes, crushed freeze-dried strawberries, or mini chocolate chips. For special occasions, drizzle melted white or dark chocolate over the assembled sandwiches before the final freeze.
Storage and Serving Tips
Store your pistachio ice cream sandwiches in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 months. Layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Before serving, let the sandwiches sit at room temperature for 3-5 minutes to soften slightly, making them easier to bite into without the cookies cracking.
For entertaining, prepare the sandwiches up to one week in advance. Wrap each sandwich individually in plastic wrap for longer storage or when gifting. These treats are perfect for summer parties, birthday celebrations, or as an elegant dessert for dinner parties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the cookies ahead of time? Yes, you can bake the pistachio cookies up to 3 days in advance. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Make sure they’re completely cool before storing to maintain their crispy texture. You can also freeze the baked cookies for up to 1 month before assembling the sandwiches.
What if my cookies are too fragile to handle? If your cookies break easily, they may have been underbaked or handled while still warm. Ensure you bake them until the edges are golden brown and allow them to cool completely on the baking sheet. If they’re still fragile, you can freeze the cookies for 10-15 minutes before handling, which will firm them up.
Can I use store-bought cookies instead? While homemade pistachio cookies provide the best flavor match, you can substitute with store-bought shortbread cookies or sugar cookies in a pinch. Look for cookies that are sturdy enough to hold ice cream without breaking and have a complementary flavor profile.
How do I prevent the ice cream from melting during assembly? Work quickly and keep your ice cream as cold as possible. Assemble one sandwich at a time, immediately returning each completed sandwich to the freezer before starting the next. Consider using a slightly harder ice cream or letting it soften just enough to scoop easily without becoming too soft.
What’s the best way to cut clean slices if serving at a party? For clean presentation, use a sharp knife that’s been warmed in hot water and dried between cuts. Alternatively, serve the sandwiches whole on individual plates with small spoons or forks for easier eating. The natural round shape makes them perfect for individual servings.