I love a good seasonal dessert, especially when it's maple-themed. So when I spotted the Trader Joe's Maple Leaf Ice Cream Sandwiches in the freezer aisle, they went straight into my cart without hesitation. They look like the frozen version of TJ's popular Maple Leaf Cookies - but instead of maple cream inside, there's maple ice cream. Cozy fall vibes, frozen.
Where to find them
These live in the frozen desserts section, near the ice cream novelties and mochi. They come in a tidy little box, and at first glance, the sandwiches look a little small - cute, but definitely more of a treat-yourself size rather than a shareable dessert.
Taste and real experience
Right out of the freezer, the maple aroma hits you - like a mix of maple candy and breakfast at a diner. The cookie is soft enough to bite into without cracking, which is important because the whole sandwich stays intact. The maple ice cream inside is creamy, rich, and tastes like real maple syrup, not pancake syrup flavoring.
The balance works: the cookie melts a bit into the ice cream, and the ice cream melts faster than you expect - so don't leave it sitting around. I ate one with my afternoon coffee, and the pairing made it feel like a tiny seasonal celebration. If fall had a signature frozen dessert, this would be it.
I also tried one straight from the freezer and another after letting it soften for a couple minutes - softened wins. The flavors open up more, and the cookie texture becomes a little more tender, which makes every bite smoother.
What makes them special
These don't taste like a regular ice cream sandwich. Maple brings a kind of warmth that reminds me of New England fall trips - the type where every shop sells fresh maple candy and hot apple cider. The leaf shape also adds a fun seasonal feel. It's the kind of dessert you'd serve after a cozy dinner or pull out when you want something sweet but not huge.
How I like to serve them
- With black coffee or a maple coffee for a fall treat
- As a dessert after soup or chili - something savory first, then this little sweet moment
- Quick freezer grab when kids (or I) want dessert without waiting
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Final thoughts
These Maple Leaf Ice Cream Sandwiches make me smile. They're small, but packed with real maple flavor and the perfect texture for a frozen sandwich. I'll keep a box in my freezer all season long - mainly because they feel like a little moment of fall comfort, ready whenever I need it.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆ (and I'd buy them again without thinking twice)
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