There’s something uniquely satisfying about a cookie sandwich. It takes the humble, beloved cookie and elevates it into a multi-textured, doubly delicious experience. And when those cookies are warm, chewy chocolate chip cookies embracing a luscious, creamy filling? Pure dessert heaven. This recipe for Chocolate Chip Cookie Sandwiches is designed to bring that joy right into your kitchen. Whether you fill them with ice cream, a rich buttercream, or even a simple cream cheese frosting, these sandwiches are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and a perfect treat for any occasion.

Why I Love This Recipe

I’m a firm believer that some of the best desserts are the ones that spark a little bit of nostalgia, and cookie sandwiches do just that. What I particularly love about this recipe is its versatility. You can make classic chocolate chip cookies that are perfectly soft and chewy – the ideal vessel for any filling. The act of bringing two perfectly baked cookies together with a generous dollop of creamy goodness in the middle is just inherently fun and utterly delicious. They’re perfect for a summer BBQ, a birthday party, or just a sweet pick-me-up. Plus, making them at home means you control the quality of ingredients and can customize to your heart’s content!

List of Ingredients

For the Chocolate Chip Cookies:

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

For the Filling (Classic Buttercream Option):

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 2-3 cups powdered sugar (confectioners’ sugar), sifted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2-3 tablespoons milk or cream
• Pinch of salt

Swaps and Notes

• Cookies: For extra chewiness, use more brown sugar than granulated. For a crispier cookie, use more granulated sugar. You can also mix in milk chocolate chips, dark chocolate chips, or even white chocolate chips.
• Butter: If using salted butter for cookies, omit the added salt.
• Flour: A good quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend can often be substituted 1:1 for a GF option.
• Filling Variations:
  • Ice Cream Sandwich: Use your favorite store-bought or homemade ice cream! Vanilla, chocolate, mint chip, or even strawberry would be amazing.
  • Cream Cheese Frosting: Beat 4 oz softened cream cheese with 1/2 cup softened butter, 2 cups powdered sugar, and 1 tsp vanilla.
  • Nutella Frosting: Add 1/4 cup Nutella to the buttercream recipe.
  • Peanut Butter Filling: Beat 1/2 cup softened butter with 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter, 2 cups powdered sugar, and a splash of milk. (Inspired by The Best Peanut Butter Brownies I’ve Ever Made)
• Cookie Size: For sandwiches, aim for cookies that are about 2-2.5 inches in diameter for easier handling.

List of Steps for the Recipes

For the Chocolate Chip Cookies:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
2. Cream Butter & Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
3. Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt.
5. Combine All: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix.
6. Stir in Chocolate Chips: Fold in the chocolate chips until evenly distributed.
7. Scoop Cookies: Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between cookies. For sandwiches, try to make your scoops as uniform in size as possible.
8. Bake: Bake for 9-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are still slightly soft. Do not overbake for best chewiness.
9. Cool: Let cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This is crucial for assembly!

For the Filling (Classic Buttercream Option):

1. Cream Butter: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
2. Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing on low speed until incorporated, then increasing to medium.
3. Add Flavor & Liquid: Beat in the vanilla extract, salt, and 2 tablespoons of milk/cream. Continue beating until light and fluffy. If the frosting is too thick, add the remaining tablespoon of milk/cream, one teaspoon at a time, until desired consistency is reached.
4. Assemble Sandwiches: Once the cookies are completely cool, pair up cookies of similar size. Spread a generous amount of frosting (about 1-2 tablespoons) onto the flat side of one cookie. Gently top with another cookie, pressing down slightly to create a sandwich.
5. Chill (Optional): For firmer sandwiches and cleaner eating, chill the assembled cookie sandwiches in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Tips for Success

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and egg are at room temperature for the best cookie dough consistency and even baking.
• Don’t Overbake Cookies: For chewy cookie sandwiches, slight underbaking is preferred. The cookies will continue to set as they cool.
• Cool Cookies Completely: This is the most important step for assembly. If cookies are warm, the filling will melt.
• Uniform Cookie Size: When scooping, try to make your cookies as uniform as possible so they pair up nicely for sandwiches.
• Sift Powdered Sugar: For the smoothest, lump-free buttercream, sift your powdered sugar before adding it.
• Chill Before Serving: Chilling the assembled sandwiches helps the filling set and makes them much easier to handle and eat, especially with ice cream.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

These Chocolate Chip Cookie Sandwiches are a treat all on their own! They’re perfect for:

• Birthday parties or celebrations
• Summer barbecues (especially with ice cream filling!)
• Dessert for family dinners
• A fun baking project with kids

Pair them with a cold glass of milk, a warm cup of coffee, or even a refreshing iced tea.

If you’re a chocolate chip cookie enthusiast, you might also love my recipe for These Copycat Neiman Marcus Chocolate Chip Cookies for another indulgent take on the classic.

Storage and Leftover Tips

Storage depends on your filling:

• Buttercream/Cream Cheese Filling: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Let them sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving for optimal texture.
• Ice Cream Filling: Wrap individually in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 1-2 weeks. For best texture, let them sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before enjoying.
• Unfilled Cookies: Store unfrosted cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.

More Recipes You Will Love

If you enjoyed these delightful cookie sandwiches, here are a few more sweet treats from my collection you’re sure to adore:

• For another decadent chocolate indulgence, try These Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Brownie Bombs – they’re seriously addictive!
• If you love simple, bite-sized sweets, my Chocolate Chip Cookie Bites are perfect for anytime cravings.
• And don’t let those ripe bananas go to waste! My Chocolate Chip Banana Bread is a comforting classic for breakfast or dessert.

Final Thoughts

These Chocolate Chip Cookie Sandwiches are more than just a dessert; they’re a little bite of pure happiness. The combination of perfectly baked chocolate chip cookies and a creamy, delicious filling makes for an unforgettable treat that’s perfect for sharing (or not!). Give them a try, experiment with your favorite fillings, and get ready for some serious smiles. What’s your go-to cookie sandwich filling? Let me know in the comments below! And don’t forget to follow Chef Maniac for more delectable recipes and baking inspiration!