Churro Ice Cream Sandwiches

Short Description

Experience the perfect marriage of crispy, cinnamon‑sugar churros and creamy, cold ice cream with these delightful churro ice cream sandwiches. A fun and indulgent treat, they bring together the best of dessert flavors and textures.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These churro ice cream sandwiches offer a playful twist on two beloved desserts—churros and ice cream. The sugary exterior of the churros adds a satisfying crunch, while the rich, creamy ice cream fills the center for a cool contrast. They’re simple to assemble yet make for an impressive treat perfect for warm days, entertaining guests, or a cozy family dessert night.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Churros (homemade or store‑bought)

• Ice cream (your choice of flavor)

• Ground cinnamon

• Granulated sugar

• Melted butter

Directions

1. Prepare the churros: If you’re making churros from scratch, roll the cooked churros in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar while still warm. If using store‑bought churros, lightly brush them with melted butter and then roll in the cinnamon‑sugar mixture to coat evenly.

2. Soften the ice cream: Let your chosen ice cream sit at room temperature for a few minutes until it’s soft enough to scoop but not melted.

3. Assemble the sandwiches: Place a churro on a clean surface. Scoop a generous scoop of softened ice cream and press it gently onto the churro. Top with another churro to form a sandwich.

4. Shape and finish: Lightly press the two churros together so the ice cream spreads evenly between them. For a neat appearance, you can roll the edges of the ice cream in crushed nuts, sprinkles, or extra cinnamon-sugar if desired.

5. Freeze before serving: Lay the assembled sandwiches on a parchment-lined tray and freeze for at least 30 minutes to firm up the ice cream and help hold the shape.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6–8 ice cream sandwiches (depending on the size of the churros and scoops)

• Preparation time: 15 minutes (assuming churros are already made or pre-purchased)

• Active time: 10 minutes

• Chilling time: At least 30 minutes in the freezer before serving

Variations

• Flavored churro coating: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon‑sugar mixture for added warmth and depth.

• Ice cream alternatives: Try cookie dough, salted caramel, pistachio, or even fruit sorbet for different flavor profiles.

• Chocolate‑dipped version: Dip one end of the assembled sandwich into melted chocolate and allow it to set on parchment paper—adds a decadent flair.

• Vegan or dairy‑free version: Use plant‑based churros (made with non‑dairy milk and butter) and a non‑dairy ice cream substitute such as coconut, almond, or oat milk–based ice cream.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store churro ice cream sandwiches in an airtight container, layered with parchment paper to prevent sticking, and keep in the freezer for up to one week for optimal freshness.

• Reheating: If you’d like a warm‑cold contrast, microwave the sandwich on low power for about 5–10 seconds—just enough to slightly soften the churro without melting the ice cream inside.

FAQs

1. How long can I freeze these sandwiches?

You can freeze churro ice cream sandwiches for up to a week in an airtight container. Beyond that, the quality may decline.

2. Can I make churros ahead of time?

Yes—homemade churros can be prepared a day ahead, stored in an airtight container once completely cooled, and then refreshed by briefly baking before assembly.

3. What’s the best way to prevent soggy churros?

Ensure churros are fully cooled before wrapping with ice cream, and briefly freeze assembled sandwiches to keep structure and crispness intact.

4. Can I use popsicle molds?

You could, if you cut churros into shorter lengths and press them into molds with softened ice cream—but assembly is easier with flat surfaces.

5. What about portion sizes?

Adjust scoop size and churro length—smaller churros work well for kid‑friendly portions, while longer ones suit adult-sized servings.

6. Can I prepare these in advance for a party?

Absolutely. Assemble and freeze them ahead of time. Keep in the freezer until ready to serve for convenience.

7. Can I use gluten‑free flour for churros?

Yes—use a gluten‑free blend in place of regular flour when making churros, and monitor the dough consistency closely for best results.

8. Are there sugar‑free options?

You can use sugar substitutes suitable for baking in the churro dough and coating, and choose sugar‑free or reduced‑sugar ice cream for a lower‑sugar alternative.

9. How do I achieve crunchy texture?

Coat the churros immediately after they come out of the oil (or apply melted butter to store‑bought ones), and freeze the assembled sandwich thoroughly before serving to maintain crunch.

10. Can I add fillings between churros besides ice cream?

Absolutely—consider sweet spreads like Nutella, dulce de leche, peanut butter, or fruit preserves in place of or along with ice cream for creative variety.

Conclusion

Churro ice cream sandwiches are a delightful, playfully indulgent fusion of textures and flavors—crispy on the outside, creamy in the center. With infinite variations, easy assembly, and fun presentation, they’re an ideal treat for hot days, gatherings, or anytime you’re craving something memorable. Feel free to mix and match ice cream flavors and toppings to make these treats uniquely yours.