Cook's Illustrated

Ice Cream Sandwiches Made Easy

Published July 1, 2002.

Why would you make an ice cream sandwich at home? Because it's easy, and it tastes a lot better than those flavorless sandwiches sold at the supermarket.

The Problem

People don't usually make ice cream sandwiches at home. Dealing with the ice cream can be a nightmare in the summer, and rolling out cookie dough that contains chocolate is a frustrating process that makes a sticky mess.

The Goal

A quick and easy process (even in the middle of July) that would produce both a substantial layer of ice cream and chocolatey, rich cookies that did not need to be rolled out like cookie dough.

The Solution

Bake a flat, pliable, brownie-like batter made with flour, cocoa powder, eggs, sugar, and chocolate syrup on a rectangular baking sheet and cut out the cookies with a biscuit cutter. Cut rounds of ice cream from round pint containers of ice cream using the same biscuit cutter. Assemble sandwiches and store in the freezer for up to a week before serving.

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