If combining two desserts into one is wrong then we don't want to be right. And without face melting temperatures coming on the regular, something sweet and soft stuffed with something sweet and cold is the perfect antidote to the sweaty subway platforms that are about to be our reality for the next four months. Below, a few of our favorite spots to indulge in the classic childhood summer treat known as the ice cream sandwich.
Blondie Ice Cream Sandwiches (courtesy of Magnolia)
MAGNOLIA BAKERY: They may be known for their over-hyped cupcakes, but Magnolia Bakery also bakes up other sweet treats like their selection of seasonal, ice cream-filled blondies, brownies and cookies. Traditionalists should opt for the lemon bar and red velvet versions, puffy cookies filled with Ronnybrook Dairy's ice cream. For something more substantial, try out a blondie or brownie version, filled with either chocolate or vanilla ice cream, per your preference.
Magnolia Bakery has multiple locations in NYC; sandwiches start at $6
Macaron Ice Cream Sandwiches (courtesy Francois Payard)
FRANCOIS PAYARD: Lighter and softer than the traditional cookie, macaron make a fine French substitute to a heavy ice cream filled sammie. Franois Payard brings back his popular version for the season, offering haute flavors like Salted Caramel, Pistachio Raspberry and Coconut Mango. In addition to being a light and airy treat, these little buggers are works of art to boot; take that, chocolate chip.
Francois Payard has multiple locations in NYC; sandwiches are $5
Pain Gelato (courtesy A.B. Biagi)
PAIN GELATO: Don't be intimidated by the multi-lingual name, which is really a fancy way of saying bread ice cream. Gelato maker Antonio Biagi has teamed with Brooklyn's Bien Cuit to create this ice cream-filled pocket of pastry, made with warm brioche in three flavors: traditional, chocolate chocolate nibs and orange blossom. Inside, the little bread will be filled with a rotating selection of gelato, including mint chocolate chip, hazelnut and vegan almond butter. One bite and you'll be transported to France or Italy...whichever sounds like it might be cooler.
Pain Gelato will be available at A.B. Biagi, as well as Bien Cuit in Brooklyn starting in a few weeks; sandwiches are $8 each
COOLHAUS: With ice cream flavors like Fried Chicken & Waffles and Whiskey Lucky Charms and cookies like Oatmeal and Snickerdoodle, this roving ice cream sandwich truck is a far cry from the gummy, paper-wrapped freezer versions of our camp years. And because they're made to order, you can choose whatever combo makes your mouth water in the moment. Gin & Tonic ice cream with Vegan Carrot Cake cookies? No judgements here!
Find CoolHaus sandwiches at their food truck or prepackaged at many stores
MELT BAKERY: These perfectly-sized sammies are just the ticket when you need a sweet cool down but don't want the accompanying drowsiness when you've gorged on two desserts in one. Flavors like the Cinnamax (snickerdoodles with cinnamon ice cream) and the Thick Mint (crackly chocolate cookies with peppermint ice cream) are also a reason to make a beeline for their confections, even if you've already rocked a sandwich from nearby Little Muenster.
Find Melt Bakery at their Orchard Street shop or at the High Line and Chelsea Market; sandwiches $5
PETER PAN: The "White Whale" of ice cream sandwiches lives at this legendary Greenpoint donut shop, where they will fill any of its cake-style donuts with luscious ice cream; because you deserve it. Their ridiculously good donuts need no more lauding—just listen to Tina Fey—and they've got a decent ice cream selection to boot, with flavors including chocolate, pistachio, cherry and banana.
Peter Pan Donuts is located at 727 Manhattan Avenue in Greenpoint; sandwiches are $3.75
