The Ultimate Cookie for Ice Cream Sandwiches and Gluten Free Desserts
For anyone looking to enjoy nostalgic summer desserts without the gluten, these Gluten Free Soft Chocolate Wafer Cookies are a game-changer. Rich with deep cocoa flavor, perfectly soft in texture, and ultra-versatile, these cookies are designed for one glorious purpose—gluten free ice cream sandwiches.
Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, packing frozen snacks for the week, or simply looking for delicious gluten free sweets to satisfy your cravings, this recipe is sure to become a staple. And best of all, it’s adaptable to be sans gluten sans lactose, kid-friendly, and freezer-approved.
📝 What Are Chocolate Wafer Cookies?
Chocolate wafer cookies are thin, cocoa-rich cookies traditionally used for baking crusts or ice cream sandwiches. Classic wafer cookies are crisp—but this gluten free version delivers something even better: a soft, chewy texture that’s ideal for sandwiching gluten free ice cream.
These aren’t just any cookies—they’re:
- Flexible (won’t crack when frozen)
- Sturdy enough for filling
- Tender enough to bite through easily
- And deeply chocolaty for all the cocoa lovers out there
Perfect for those experimenting with gf desserts or building allergy-friendly dessert menus.
🌾 What Makes These Cookies Gluten Free?
We’re using a certified gluten free all-purpose flour blend in place of traditional wheat flour. This ensures the cookies stay soft and cohesive while remaining suitable for anyone with gluten sensitivity or celiac disease.
Look for flour blends that include xanthan gum, which helps provide elasticity and structure in gluten-free baking. If your mix doesn’t include it, add ½ teaspoon of xanthan gum to the recipe.
🧾 Full Ingredient List
Here’s everything you’ll need to make these rich and chewy gluten free chocolate wafer cookies:
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 cup gluten free all-purpose flour (with xanthan gum)
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt
Wet Ingredients:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, room temperature (or plant-based butter for dairy-free)
- ¾ cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons milk (dairy or any plant-based milk)
🍃 To make it sans gluten sans lactose, use vegan butter and almond, soy, or oat milk.
🍪 How to Make Gluten Free Chocolate Wafer Cookies (Step-by-Step)
🔥 Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
🧈 Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, cream butter and brown sugar together using a stand or hand mixer. Beat for 2–3 minutes until light, fluffy, and creamy. This step helps build the cookie’s soft structure.
🥚 Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla
Crack in the egg and add vanilla extract. Beat until fully incorporated.
🥣 Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the gluten free flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
🌧️ Step 5: Mix Dry into Wet
Slowly add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture. Mix on low speed until it forms a thick dough. If it feels too dense, add in the 2 tablespoons of milk to loosen it. The dough should be soft but not sticky.
🍪 Step 6: Shape and Flatten
Scoop the dough using a cookie scoop or tablespoon (about 1.5 tablespoons each). Roll into balls and place on the baking sheet. Flatten gently to ¼-inch thickness—wafer-style.
Tip: Use a small square of parchment paper and the bottom of a glass to flatten evenly.
⏲️ Step 7: Bake
Bake for 8 to 10 minutes. The cookies should look set on the edges but soft in the center. Remove from the oven and let cool on the tray for 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.
🍦 Assemble: The Ultimate Gluten Free Ice Cream Sandwich
Once your cookies are fully cooled, it’s time to build your dream ice cream cookie sandwich.
🥄 Step-by-Step Assembly:
- Soften the Ice Cream slightly so it’s scoopable.
- Flip one cookie over, scoop about 2 tablespoons of your favorite gluten free ice cream onto the flat side.
- Top with a second cookie and press gently.
- Use a knife to smooth the edges.
- Freeze sandwiches on a tray for at least 1 hour to firm up.
🥶 Pro Freezing Tips
- Wrap each sandwich in parchment paper or plastic wrap.
- Store in a freezer bag or airtight container.
- Keeps well frozen for up to 2 months.
🍨 Ice Cream Flavor Pairing Ideas
Want to create dreamy combinations? Try these pairings:
| Ice Cream Flavor | Pairing Description |
|---|---|
| Vanilla Bean | Classic pairing that lets the cocoa shine |
| Mint Chip | Cool and refreshing contrast |
| Salted Caramel | Sweet-salty balance with rich depth |
| Peanut Butter Swirl | Perfect for PB+chocolate lovers |
| Coconut Cream | Exotic and tropical twist |
| Raspberry Sorbet (dairy-free) | Bright, fruity acidity against chocolate |
Want a summer twist? Add a drizzle of strawberry jam or a thin layer of peanut butter inside the sandwich.
💡 Creative Serving Ideas
These wafer cookies go way beyond just sandwiches. Here are some fun ways to use them:
1. Crumbled Cookie Topping
Crush cookies over gluten free ice cream, mousse, or yogurt parfaits.
2. Cheesecake Crust
Use these in place of graham crackers to make a rich chocolatey cheesecake crust.
3. No-Bake Tiramisu Cups
Layer softened cookies with whipped cream, espresso, and cocoa powder.
4. S’mores Upgrade
Substitute graham crackers with these cookies for a next-level s’mores experience.
5. Frozen Sandwich Pops
Stick a popsicle stick into each ice cream sandwich before freezing for grab-and-go dessert pops!
🍽️ Dietary Adaptations
✔️ Gluten Free
Using certified gluten free flour is a must. Brands like King Arthur, Cup4Cup, or Bob’s Red Mill work well.
✔️ Dairy Free
- Use vegan butter (like Earth Balance or Miyoko’s).
- Substitute milk with almond, oat, or coconut milk.
- Choose dairy-free ice cream brands like So Delicious, Oatly, or NadaMoo.
✔️ Egg Free / Vegan
- Use 1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water (let sit 5 mins) to replace the egg.
Now you’ve got a sans gluten sans lactose version that everyone can enjoy!
📋 Nutrition Information (Per Cookie, approx.)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 110 |
| Fat | 6g |
| Carbs | 14g |
| Sugar | 8g |
| Protein | 1g |
| Gluten | 0g |
| Dairy | 0g (if subbed) |
❓ FAQ: Gluten Free Chocolate Wafer Cookies
Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can refrigerate the dough for up to 3 days or freeze it in scooped portions.
Q: What type of cocoa powder should I use?
Use unsweetened natural cocoa powder or Dutch-processed for a deeper flavor.
Q: Can I make them crisp instead of soft?
Yes—just bake 2–3 minutes longer and skip the milk in the dough.
Q: Do these work for sandwich bread recipes?
While these aren’t savory, they act as a sweet sandwich “bread” for desserts like ice cream sandwiches, marshmallow fluff stacks, or even Nutella-filled cookies.
🧺 Perfect For Every Occasion
These gluten free sweets aren’t just summer snacks. They’re great for:
- Picnics & BBQs – easy to pack and freeze ahead
- Birthday Parties – allergy-friendly dessert option
- Holiday Cookie Platters – sandwich with peppermint ice cream!
- Lunchbox Treats – tuck one in next to fruit or veggies
- Gifting – stack and wrap in cellophane for a homemade present
And because they’re so adaptable, these gf desserts are a go-to year-round.
📌 Final Thoughts
The joy of a good cookie never goes out of style—and with these Gluten Free Soft Chocolate Wafer Cookies, you don’t have to miss out on classic treats like ice cream cookie sandwiches. Made with simple, allergy-aware ingredients and endlessly customizable, they offer the best of indulgence and comfort in every bite.
If you’ve been craving the nostalgic taste of chocolate ice cream sandwiches—or looking for ways to elevate your gluten free ice cream creations—these soft wafers are the key.
Make a big batch, get creative with the fillings, and share the joy. After all, dessert should be for everyone—sans gluten, sans lactose, and full of love.
