Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Ice Cream Sandwiches (Gluten Free, Dairy Free)

Let's upgrade the classic Chipwich and make a completely gluten free and dairy free Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Ice Cream Sandwich! Creamy salted caramel ice cream is sandwiched between gluten free chocolate chip cookies for the perfect summer treat.

Welcome to my healthy ice cream sandwich series where I'm taking ice-cream truck classics and fun flavor combos and making healthier ice cream sandwich versions! I have lots of delicious and unique recipes, so make sure you are subscribed to my newsletter or are following me on Instagram, TikTok, and/or Pinterest so that you don't miss a flavor. I can't wait for you to make some of these healthy ice cream sandwiches. Be sure to share a photo on social media and tag me if you do make these!

For today's ice cream sandwich makeover, we are taking the classic Chipwich and turning it into a gluten free and dairy free version with salted caramel. A salted caramel Chipwich, if you will.. The Chipwich is a classic ice cream truck dessert, so you knew it would show up in this series, but just making a gluten free and dairy free version wasn't enough. I had to upgrade it by adding some salted caramel, which really takes these healthy ice cream sandwiches to the next level.

These homemade ice cream sandwiches are made of a dairy free and healthier salted caramel ice cream sandwiched between gluten free chewy chocolate chip cookies and rolled in plenty of chocolate chips. These gluten free ice cream sandwiches can also be made completely refined sugar free depending on the chocolate chips you use. 

What Makes These Ice Cream Sandwiches Healthier

• My homemade Chipwich recipe is made gluten free, dairy free, and nut free so they may taste decadent, but they are completely allergy friendly!
• These ice cream sammies can be made fully refined sugar free too, depending on the chocolate chips you use. 
• We're making an easy and healthy homemade caramel using dates and coconut milk to lower the glycemic index and increase the nutrient density. Yes, they are still ice cream sandwiches, but they'll have slightly more fiber and nutrients than the average sandwich.

Salted Caramel Ice Cream Sandwich Ingredients

Ice Cream

• Homemade vanilla ice cream or store-bought vanilla ice cream: either will work for this recipe. I've linked my homemade dairy free vanilla ice cream recipe, but you can also use my Ninja Creami recipe if you have one.
• Medjool dates: used to make the healthy salted caramel.
• Coconut milk: this adds creaminess to our homemade caramel sauce.
• Flaky salt: I love using Maldon Sea Salt for the best sea salt caramel.

Cookies

• (Vegan) butter or coconut oil: any or all will work in the cookie recipe!
• Coconut sugar: the unrefined sweetener used for baking these cookies.
• Egg: you'll need one egg a room termperature.
• Gluten free flour: be sure to use a 1:1 all purpose gluten-free flour with xanthan gum.
• Chocolate chips: stick to mini chocolate chips for the best outcome.
• Vanilla extract, baking soda, salt

How to Make Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Ice Cream Sandwiches

Ice Cream

• Combine the dates, coconut milk, and salt in a blender and blend until you have a smooth caramel. 
• If you are making my homemade ice cream in a regular ice cream maker, at the end of churning, add the caramel to mix in with the ice cream. Then transfer the ice cream to a freezer safe container and freezer until ready to use.
• If you are using a store-bought vanilla ice cream, soften it until you can swirl in the caramel. Then place back in the freezer to set before using.

Cookies

• Preheat oven to 350F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
• Whisk together the melted butter/oil and sugar until combined in a large bowl. 
• Whisk in the egg and vanilla.
• Add the dry ingredients and whisk until combined.
• Fold in the chocolate chips.
• Use a large cookie scoop to scoop cookie dough onto prepared cookie sheet. You may need to bake one batch of cookies at a time.
• Bake on the middle rack for 10-12 minutes, until edges are golden brown. Sprinkle the top of the cookies with flaky sea salt when they come out of the oven.
• Let cookies cool for 5-10 minutes on the pan before removing to a wire rack to finish cooling. 

Assembly

• Use a large ice cream scoop to scoop ice cream onto one cookie then top with another cookie and press down to spread ice cream evenly. Use a spoon or offset spatula to even out the edges if desired.
• Roll the cookie sandwiches in mini chocolate chips then place on a freezer safe cutting board or plate. 
• Let the ice cream sandwiches set in the freezer for at least 3 hours before eating.

Substitutions and Variations

• Ice cream: you can also add chocolate chips to the ice cream or purchase a chocolate chip ice cream then swirl in the caramel for even more chocolate flavor!
• Cookies: the cookies use butter or coconut oil. I use a dairy free butter and highly suggest using either butter or dairy free butter. Coconut oil hardens a lot when cold, so the cookies become quite firm in the freezer. Butter tends to hold a bit of a chew, even when frozen.
• Add-ins: add caramel chips to the ice cream or roll your ice cream sandwiches in the caramel chips for even more caramel flavor.
• Variations: take these gluten-free ice cream sandwiches up a notch by making brown butter cookies. If using butter, brown the butter and cool to room temperature before using in this recipe.

How To Serve and Store These Salted Caramel Chipwich Ice Cream Sandwiches

Serve: Let these homemade ice cream sandwiches sit for a couple of minutes at room temperature for the best texture so they aren't too hard when trying to eat. Just don't let them sit out too long or they'll melt! 

Store: After initially freezing them, you can wrap each sandwich individually in plastic wrap, parchment paper, or wax paper if desired. Place all of the chocolate chip ice cream sandwiches into a large ziplock bag or freezer safe, airtight container and store in the freezer until ready to eat. You can store them for up too 3 months.

Baking Tips for the Best Gluten Free Ice Cream Sandwiches

• Don't be afraid of salt. Salt helps balance sweetness and these ice cream sandwiches are quite sweet. Don't be afraid to use enough salt in the caramel.
• Don't over bake the cookies! It's easy to over bake gluten free baked goods, but remember that the cookies will continue cooking some as they cool. For the perfect cookie, take them out right before they seem done.
• Use high quality ice cream. If you are buying the ice cream, be sure to buy a good quality ice cream (whether it's dairy free or regular).

Do I Have to Make Homemade Ice Cream?

The base for these dairy free ice cream sandwiches is a vanilla ice cream. I utilize my homemade version for this recipe, but you don’t have to make your own ice cream. If you want, you can just use a store-bought vanilla ice cream of your choice. You’ll soften it enough to swirl in the homemade date salted caramel before assembling the ice cream sandwiches.

Can I Make These Vegan?

Although the salted caramel ice cream can be made vegan, I have not tested a vegan chocolate chip cookie. You can certainly try replacing the egg in the cookies with a flax egg or egg replacer. Or, use your favorite vegan chocolate chip cookie recipe! You can use whatever cookies you like and then sandwich the salted caramel ice cream between them.

More Ice Cream Sandwich Recipes

Classic Ice Cream Sandwich

Banana Pudding Ice Cream Sandwiches

Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Sandwiches

PB&J Ice Cream Sandwiches

Golden Milk ice Cream Sandwiches

Blackberry Swirl Ice Cream Sandwiches

If you try this recipe, let me know what you think by leaving a rating and review below. I'd love to hear what ice cream sandwich flavor you want to see next. Happy baking!