The Perfect Ice Cream Sandwich

How to Build the Perfect Ice Cream Sandwich (and a Look at Where It All Began)

Few desserts offer the pure joy and universal appeal of an ice cream sandwich. Cool, creamy, sweet, and just a little bit messy—in the best way possible—it’s a handheld treat that delivers nostalgia with every bite.

At Quintin’s Natural Premium Ice Cream & Sorbet, we’re celebrating this classic creation with our own flavorful twist: Screamers Ice Cream Sandwiches, made with our all-natural small-batch ice cream.

But before we show you how to craft the perfect version at home, let’s take a quick dip into the history of this iconic dessert.

🍦 A Quick Scoop on Ice Cream Sandwich History

The original ice cream sandwich dates back to New York City in the late 1890s, when street vendors reportedly sold slabs of vanilla ice cream pressed between thin graham-like wafers for a single penny. Portable, affordable, and wildly popular, the treat quickly spread in various forms across the U.S.

By the 1940s and 50s, the classic rectangular sandwich—with vanilla ice cream between two soft chocolate cookies—had become a frozen aisle staple. Over time, bakers and makers across the country began experimenting with gourmet cookies, exotic ice cream flavors, and even doughnuts or brownies as the base.

Today, the ice cream sandwich has come full circle: still simple at heart, but with endless potential for customization.

🍪 How to Build the Perfect Ice Cream Sandwich at Home

Here’s how to make your own Quintin’s-style sandwich masterpiece.

1. Choose the Right Cookie or Base

Look for cookies that are soft and chewy (not crunchy) so they hold up without crumbling.

Great options:

• Fresh-baked chocolate chip or snickerdoodles

• Brownie rounds or blondies

• Mini beignets (for a New Orleans-style twist)

• Pound cake slices or soft brioche buns

2. Pick Your Ice Cream (or Screamer!)

Quintin’s small-batch ice creams are naturally delicious and perfectly scoopable—or squeeze-able, if you’re using one of our Screamers.

Popular flavor picks:

• Creole Cream Cheese: tangy and rich

• Roasted Strawberry Creole Cream Cheese: sweet and bright

• Vanilla Bean: the versatile classic

• Double Chocolate: deep, dark, and decadent

• Southern Strawberry Sorbet: for a refreshing, dairy-free option

If you want an easy, mess-free way to assemble sandwiches, use our Screamers! Just snip the top and squeeze the perfect amount of ice cream right onto your cookie base—no scooping or softening required.

3. Press & Freeze

Top your ice cream with a second cookie and gently press down until it spreads evenly. Clean up the edges with a knife or spatula, then place your sandwiches on a tray in the freezer for 1–2 hours to firm up.

4. Dress It Up

Before freezing, roll the edges in:

• Mini chocolate chips

• Crushed nuts

• Sprinkles or cookie crumbs

• Toasted coconut

Or dip half of the sandwich in melted chocolate for a magic shell finish.

🍨 What Are Screamers Ice Cream Sandwiches?

At Quintin’s, we’ve taken the homemade magic of an ice cream sandwich and packaged it up into a ready-to-eat, grab-and-go treat called the Screamer Ice Cream Sandwich. These sandwiches feature our all-natural ice cream squeezed fresh from a Screamer pouch and layered between two gourmet-style cookies.

No artificial flavors. No preservatives. Just real ingredients and serious flavor. You’ll find rotating seasonal combinations and classic crowd-pleasers in our freezer case or at pop-up events around New Orleans.

🏆 Why We Love Ice Cream Sandwiches

They’re simple. They’re fun. They’re the ultimate customizable dessert. Whether you’re a classic vanilla-and-chocolate-chip type or a strawberry-sorbet-on-a-snickerdoodle adventurer, the ice cream sandwich is your blank (cookie) canvas.

From street carts in 1890s New York to scoop shops in New Orleans, the ice cream sandwich has earned its place in dessert history. And with Quintin’s Screamers Ice Cream Sandwiches, you don’t have to bake a thing to enjoy the perfect bite. But if you do want to DIY it at home? We’ve got the flavors—and the tips—to make it unforgettable.

Grab a Screamer, sandwich it up, and tag us @QuintinsPremium with your creations! Ready to taste the tradition? Visit quintinsnatural.com for the latest flavors, locations, and where to find your next Screamer sandwich.