The festive season should be full of delight, not anxiety. We’ve realized that the best holiday dessert ideas, like decorating the Christmas tree and preparing the dining table, are those that allow you to actually enjoy your guests and cocoa.

When dessert is handmade, incredibly smooth, and takes only a few minutes to be ready, then hosting becomes both easy and unforgettable. Our cookie and ice cream sandwiches come with an irresistible taste of the bakery as handmade small-batch ice cream made with 16% butterfat and no preservatives is used, and each bite is just pure nostalgic feel-good.

This time, we are bringing our top winter desserts for each type of gathering, be it cozy couples or big family feasts. In this blog, you will discover our make-ahead plan, a DIY dessert bar, five stunning plating ideas, and a ready-to-shop list so you can have frozen desserts for Christmas that are as beautiful as professional ones with almost no trouble.

 

Why Ice Cream Sandwiches Win Holiday Hosting:

 

We're not kidding when we say these are easy and awesome. Holiday desserts usually mean hours in the kitchen, but our sandwiches do all the work.

• Efforts to Impact: Think bakery cookies meet amazing ice cream in one perfect bite. Made by hand in Michigan, every sandwich tastes fresh out of the oven (without all the mess).

• The Texture is Key: That high butterfat makes the ice cream super creamy. You get a dessert that looks and tastes professionally made.

• Perfect for the Season: Flavors such as Jack Frost (double chocolate with mint chip) and Cozy Jack (oatmeal cookie with cinnamon ice cream) are ready for the holidays.

• Great for Any Group: Having two people over? Twenty? Cut the sandwiches in half or into little squares for fancy finger food or serve them whole for a simple presentation.

Our Criteria for Great Holiday Dessert Ideas:

Here's our top rule for desserts: they should be simple and satisfying, not a pain to make.

1.Can be Made ahead: Get parts ready early, then decorate just before you serve.

2.Freezer-friendly: We picked desserts that stay nice and can be sliced easily even when frozen.

3.Looks great: Because everyone snaps photos at the holidays (These treats always get attention).

4.Everyone loves them: Easy, fun, and you can change them up to suit anyone. There's something for everyone.

Set Up a DIY Ice Cream Sandwich Dessert Bar:

Want to make holiday desserts easy and fun? Try a DIY dessert bar! It's great for parties and simple to put together. Here's what we do:

1.Base: Put out different Cool Jacks flavors on a cold plate, both whole and cut in half.

2.Toppings: Think crushed peppermint, chocolate shavings, toffee, candied nuts, and holiday sprinkles.

3.Sauces: Offer warm fudge, caramel, and even espresso for an affogato feel.

4.Final Touches: Add powdered sugar, mini candy canes, or orange zest for a citrus zing.

Pro Tips:

 

• Keep extra Cool Jacks in the freezer and refill the bar a bit at a time to keep them cold.

• Score the sandwiches ahead of time with a warm knife so people can easily make smaller portions.

Hosting in Michigan? Treat your guests by booking our Cool Jacks cart or truck for your holiday event!

5 Plated Ice Cream Sandwich Desserts That Wow:

If you prefer fancy holiday meals instead of crazy buffets, we can assist. These ideas are quick, festive, and based on our customers’ favorite tastes.

1.Peppermint-Bark Jack Frost: Cut Jack Frost in half. Dip the cut side in hot fudge and roll the sides in crushed peppermint. Put it on a plate with chocolate and a peppermint stick.

2.Cozy Jack Parfait Cups: Dice Cozy Jack and put it in clear cups with cinnamon-sugar crumbs and caramel. Put a small cinnamon stick or star anise on top.

3.Classic Jack “Affogato” Idea: Put a Classic Jack on a plate. Pour hot espresso on top at the table, then add shaved chocolate and a bit of salt. Everyone will be happy.

4.Jumping Jack PB-Chocolate Bites: Cut Jumping Jack into small squares, drizzle with chocolate sauce, and top with peanuts for a crunchy taste.

5.Super Jack Kids’ Ornament Sundaes: Put little Super Jack pieces in bowls, add festive sprinkles and cream, and hook a small candy cane on the edge.

Wrap up your meal with one of these plated treats, and you’ll have everyone smiling before the plates even hit the table. Dessert doesn’t get easier or happier than this.

 

Make-Ahead and Day-Of Timeline:

Hosting is even smoother when you plan just a little ahead. Here’s a quick timeline to keep dessert stress-free and photo-ready.

• Two days before :

  Grab your favorite Cool Jacks; put serving plates in the fridge; get toppings and sauces ready.

• One day before: Slice sandwiches, stick the cut sides together, wrap them up, and freeze. This way, they're easy to plate later.

• On the day: Work a little bit at a time, like every 15 to 20 minutes. Keep small tongs and napkins close by, so everything looks good for photos.

Stick to this simple plan, and you’ll have more time to relax, mingle, and actually enjoy your own holiday party.

 

Holiday-Ready Shopping and Setup List:

Now that your make-ahead plan is set, it’s time to gather everything you need for a picture-perfect dessert spread. Here’s a quick checklist to make your setup effortless and festive.

1.Flavors: You've got Classic Jack, Jack Frost, Cozy Jack, Jumping Jack, Super Jack. There’s a flavor for whatever you're feeling.

2.Garnish: Fudge, caramel, peppermint, toffee, chocolate shavings, cinnamon sugar, and fun sprinkles.

3.Serveware: Cold dessert plates, scoops, little bowls, labels, and napkins.

4.Back-Of-House: Have sheet pans, parchment paper, and extra freezer space ready for more. Keep things moving and cold.

With your ingredients, serveware, and space ready to go, you’re set to create a dessert moment that’s as smooth and joyful as the ice cream itself. For Cool Jacks’ local availability, find us in Michigan retailers near you.

 

Make Your Holiday Table a Michigan Moment:

Take it home and make your holiday table a little sweeter with Cool Jacks. Each bite is Michigan-made happiness wrapped between two fresh-baked cookies and packed with creamy 16% butterfat ice cream.

Shop your favorite flavors and stock your freezer with handcrafted delights, ready to serve in minutes. Hosting is easy when dessert is already perfect.

Explore the full Cool Jacks collection and bring home a little frozen joy this holiday season.