Name: Funfetti Cookie & Birthday Cake Ice Cream
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 5 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 tsp baking soda; 1/2 tsp salt; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 3/4 cup granulated sugar; 3/4 cup brown sugar; 2 large eggs; 2 tsp vanilla extract; 1/2 cup rainbow sprinkles; 2 cups heavy cream; 1 cup whole milk; 3/4 cup granulated sugar; 3/4 cup yellow cake mix (dry, heat-treated); 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1/3 cup rainbow sprinkles

Funfetti Cookie & Birthday Cake Ice Cream

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe brings out the kid in everyone. With its vibrant sprinkles, soft cookie texture, and nostalgic birthday cake flavor, it’s a guaranteed hit for both kids and adults. It’s easy to make, visually fun, and perfect for preparing in advance for parties. The contrast between the warm, chewy cookies and cold, creamy ice cream creates a perfect dessert harmony that you’ll want to enjoy over and over again.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Funfetti Cookies:

All-purpose flour
Baking soda
Salt
Unsalted butter
Granulated sugar
Brown sugar
Eggs
Vanilla extract
Rainbow sprinkles

Birthday Cake Ice Cream:

Heavy cream
Whole milk
Granulated sugar
Yellow cake mix (dry)
Vanilla extract
Rainbow sprinkles

Directions

Prepare the funfetti cookie dough: In a bowl, mix flour, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, cream the butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla, then gradually mix in the dry ingredients. Fold in the rainbow sprinkles.
Bake the cookies: Scoop the dough onto a lined baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden. Let them cool completely.
Make the birthday cake ice cream: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, milk, sugar, vanilla, and dry cake mix until well combined. Churn in an ice cream maker according to the manufacturer’s instructions. In the last few minutes, add the sprinkles.
Assemble the sandwiches: Once the cookies are cooled and the ice cream is firm, scoop a generous amount of ice cream onto the flat side of a cookie and top with another cookie to form a sandwich. Press gently.
Freeze to set: Place the ice cream sandwiches in the freezer for at least 1-2 hours to firm up before serving.

Servings and timing

Servings: 8–10 ice cream sandwiches
Prep time: 30 minutes
Cook time: 10–12 minutes
Chill time: 2–4 hours (including ice cream churning and sandwich setting)
Total time: Approximately 3–5 hours

Variations

Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend and ensure the cake mix is also gluten-free.
Different Ice Cream Flavors: Try using vanilla bean, strawberry, or chocolate ice cream for a fun twist.
Mix-In Fun: Add mini white chocolate chips or crushed cookies into the ice cream base.
Cookie Flavor Swap: Use chocolate chip, sugar, or peanut butter cookies instead of funfetti.
Mini Version: Make smaller cookies for bite-sized ice cream sandwiches.

Storage/Reheating

Store assembled ice cream sandwiches in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 weeks. To prevent freezer burn, wrap each sandwich individually in plastic wrap before placing them in the container. Do not reheat—these are meant to be served cold. Let them sit at room temperature for 2-3 minutes before eating if they’re too firm straight from the freezer.

FAQs

How far in advance can I make these ice cream sandwiches?

You can prepare them up to two weeks in advance. Just keep them stored properly in the freezer.

Can I use store-bought cookies?

Yes, store-bought funfetti or sugar cookies work in a pinch, but homemade yields the best flavor and texture.

Do I need an ice cream maker for this recipe?

Yes, an ice cream maker is ideal for achieving the smoothest texture, though you could use a no-churn ice cream method as an alternative.

Can I make the cookies softer?

Slightly underbake the cookies to keep them extra soft and chewy, which is ideal for ice cream sandwiches.

What type of sprinkles should I use?

Use jimmies (the long, soft type) rather than nonpareils, which can bleed color into the dough and ice cream.

Is it safe to eat raw cake mix in the ice cream?

Yes, but for safety, you can heat-treat the cake mix by baking it at 350°F for 5 minutes and letting it cool before adding it to the mixture.

Can I make these dairy-free?

Yes, use plant-based butter, milk, and cream alternatives, and choose a dairy-free cake mix if needed.

How do I prevent the ice cream from melting too fast?

Work quickly when assembling and freeze the sandwiches immediately after putting them together.

Can I add food coloring to the ice cream?

Absolutely. Add a drop or two of gel food coloring for a festive touch that matches your party theme.

What’s the best way to serve these at a party?

Keep them in the freezer until just before serving, and display them on a chilled tray or over a bed of ice to prevent melting.

Conclusion

Funfetti Cookie & Birthday Cake Ice Cream is the perfect sweet treat for celebrations and everyday indulgences alike. With its bright, festive appearance and irresistible flavor combo, this dessert is sure to bring smiles to every face. Whether you’re throwing a birthday bash or just treating yourself, this recipe delivers both fun and flavor in every bite.