happy® ice cream sandwich recipe

We know coffee is more than a beverage — it’s a spark of joy, a ritual, and yes, even a secret ingredient. Beyond your morning mug, coffee can transform everyday dishes into something bold, flavorful, and seriously delicious™.

So, we created this 3-part recipe series in collaboration with Detroit-based chef Sarah Mikulski (aka @chefsarahmick) to show off how happy coffee can bring depth, fun, and yum to the kitchen. This is part 2.

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happy ice cream sandies

What’s better than coffee? Coffee and dessert. These Coffee Ice Cream Sandwiches combine creamy, homemade coffee ice cream with a crunchy cookie crust. They’re part nostalgic summer treat, part grown-up indulgence, and 100% happiness.

Recipe

• 4 cups crushed cookies of your choice (chocolate, sugar, snickerdoodle - your choice!)
• 3 Tbsp happy® ground coffee
• 2 packets happy® instant coffee
• ½ cup butter, melted 
• 2 cups heavy cream
• ¾ cup sweetened condensed milk

Press cookie layer, whip cream with condensed milk + instant coffee, spread, freeze, then top with more cookie crumble. Slice into squares and share (or keep them all for yourself). 

Step by Step: 

1. Blend your cookies in a food processor, blender, or crush by hand
2. Combine the blended cookies, ground coffee (save the instant!), and melted butter
3. Line an 8x8 dish with parchment paper
4. Add 2 cups of the cookie mixture to the dish and press it down. Then, place it in the freezer 
5. Keep the remainder of the cookie mixture covered and place it somewhere warm 
6. To make the ice cream filling, start by whipping the heavy cream until stiff peaks form 
7. Gently fold the sweetened condensed milk and instant coffee into the heavy cream
8. Take the dish out of the freezer and spread the ice cream filling on top - freeze for an additional 3 hours 
9. Add the remaining cookie mixture to the top of the dish and press it down - freeze for an additional 6 hours (we know, we know. your patience will pay off!)
10. To cut the ice cream sandwich bars, start by using a knife to score where you’ll cut
11. Run a knife under hot water and you’re ready to slice! 

Why it works: Coffee adds boldness to balance sweetness — making these more than just a sugary treat.