Ice cream sandwiches, fresh and made at home! Once you’ve made them from scratch, you’ll never want to buy the boxed kind again!
I got the best email the other day. It pretty much read, “would you like to sample some ice cream?” Um, yeah. Do you really need ask a girl if she wants to sample some ice cream? Might as well just send it and assume no one will turn down the mail man when he comes knocking.
Graeter’s Ice Cream quickly shipped out 6 pints of their signature flavors in a sturdy styrofoam cooler with dry ice and it arrived pretty much over night and really …uh, annoyed Handsome by telling him we couldn’t eat any until I could figure out how to review it. Not one bite.
I read that this ice cream was featured on Oprah, and if she says it’s good, the whole world knows about it and wants it. But I don’t watch Oprah, and I’m not down with reading her magazine reviews, so I was clueless.
What I can say about Graeter’s is that it’s the only time I’ve ‘sampled’ more than a spoonful of chocolate ice cream. Normally, I hate it, but there is something about their chocolate that isn’t too thick or artificial tasting. There are chunks of delicious chocolate that are soft to the bite, and yet still tact and firm. Not like that one time I broke a tooth…
The black raspberry flavor has large chunks of black raspberries in it. No difference with strawberry, and the vanilla is so simple and smooth, it’s just pleasant to enjoy one spoonful at a time.
This ice cream is also very, very scoop-able, making it really hard to prep for photographs. It’s so soft, there is no struggle with the spoon. I thought maybe my freezer had just changed its setting, but I had another brand in the same freezer and well, we’ll just say my spoon was not as happy to be in that container.
I did check the Graeter’s website after licking the bowl clean to find out if it was stocked any where near me. It’s not. 🙁
But they do offer mail order, and if it is nearly as quick and efficient as my samples, I’m sure it won’t disappoint.
Now let’s make some homemade ice cream sandwiches with it!
Preparation:
In the bowl of an electric mixer, combine the butter, vegetable oil and brown sugar. Beat on medium speed until combined. Blend in the eggs one at a time, and the vanilla extract until smooth. In a separate bowl combine the cocoa powder, flour, baking powder and salt; whisk to blend. With the mixer on low speed, add the dry ingredients to the bowl with the wet ingredients and mix just until incorporated and a soft dough forms. Gather the dough into a disc, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until well chilled, at least 1 hour.
Preheat the oven to 350˚ F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. On a lightly floured work surface, roll out the dough to about ¼-inch thick. Use a cookie cutter to cut out as many pieces as you can, transferring the cut outs to the prepared baking sheet. Gather and re-roll the dough scraps as needed. If desired, use a wooden skewer to make a dotted pattern on the cookies. Bake 8-10 minutes. Let cool on the baking sheet a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
To assemble the sandwiches, use the same cookie cutter that was used for the cookies to cut out pieces of ice cream. Layer one piece of ice cream between two of the cookies and return to the freezer immediately. Wrap the sandwiches individually as desired. Keep frozen until ready to serve.
I used black raspberry, mint chocolate chip and vanilla for these ice cream sandwiches.
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The giveaway originally noted in this post has ended.
Kita is a world traveled photographer and writer with over a decade of experience. An award-winning cocktail developer and not-so-secret BBQ aficionado.
122 Comments
Best giveaway! I love any ice cream with chocolate and peanut butter in it:-)
My favorite flavor is vanilla–I know people think it’s a boring flavor but I really think it’s simple, classic and, if done well, has a lot of depth of flavor.
I also have subscribed to your RSS, liked you on Facebook and liked Graeter’s on Facebook.
What a yummy sandwich you have there! My fav is good ole rocky road, I love those marhsmallows 🙂 So happy summer is here so that Ice Cream can make a regular apperance again
Your ice cream sandwiches are beautiful, even if the ice cream was soft! Wow. I have to admit that my favorite is the basic vanilla. There’s just nothing that beats its purity. Congrats on getting the free sample!
How cool! Nothing perks up your day like getting asked to try free ice cream. Free is,after all, the best price. Also, I follow you on Twitter and will definitely tweet about this upon my arrival home. 🙂
Grew up eating Graeters’ ice cream and I love it. Sadly I don’t live near it anymore. My favorite flavor it their Strawberry Chip ice cream. The huge dark chocolate chips are awesome.
Mint Chocolate Chip, of course!
Those sandwiches are absolutely adorable but I wouldn’t have the patience to put them together– I would just eat the ice cream straight from the container ^_^
Oh man I have to pick a favorite? I say peanut butter cup. But any flavor (especially something different) is good by me! Also an excellent source of calcium!
I follow you on Facebook, I now follow Graeter’s on Facebook too. I subscribe to emails and I follow your RSS whenever I am looking for a good recipe. I follow you (religiously!) on Twitter. I also retweeted so my friends will hopefully enter this giveaway and share the ice cream with me if they win. 🙂
i follow you on twitter! my favorite ice cream EVER and i do mean EVER is from a little shop i found one day while rock climbing in Wisconsin with my family. It was your typical chocolate bear track ice cream, except for the fact that it practically gave me a mouthgasm! such a sweet rich chocolate and smooth peanut butter i almost died! love ya!- Taylor
Graeter’s is from southern Ohio just like me and it’s the absolute best! I miss the black raspberry chip so much. It’s awesome when you find an enormous slab of chocolate “chip”!
mmmm…. I looooove all ice cream!! My all time favorite is Sea Salt and Caramel ice cream, but good ol vanilla bean ice cream hits the spot every time too. :)*
-I follow Pass the Sushi on Facebook
-I follow Grater’s on Facebook 🙂
-I just joined Pass the Sushi’s subscription list!
-Following Graeter’s on Twitter
-Tweeted about the giveaway: https://twitter.com/abitnerdy/status/65217630520348673
-Just subscribe to the RSS feed via google reader 🙂
I subscribe via Google Reader. And now I see you did not want separate comments~ Please let me know if I should consolidate all of my entries into one comment! (I won’t blame the girlfriend, but she WAS talking to me as I was entering 😉 Sorry for the confusion!
OMG, I love Graeter’s and I’ve totally missed it since moving to California! Their black raspberry chip is definitely the best ice cream flavor EVER! 🙂
I also…
like Graeters on FB
like Pass the Sushi on FB
follow Graeters on twitter
subscribe to Pass the Sushi on RSS feed
Favourite flavour of ice cream? That’s tough, because I love so many. But I am partial to those that have lots of chunks and inclusions, and peanut butter!
My favorite ice cream would have to be chocolate with peanut butter swirled in. I know what you mean about chocolate ice cream often tasting funny, which is why I make my own! 🙂
It’s funny that they put real black raspberries in their black raspberry because I was just thinking the other day that I’ve never had any with real raspberries in it!!
As for favorite flavors, I lovvve anything with peanut butter in it, but I also like fruity flavors (think orange pineapple) and random strange flavors that I’ve never heard of. I’m adventerous sometimes!
I can’t resist banana ice cream, especially if it has chunks of chocolate and nuts in it!
I am —
Following Pass the Sushi on Facebook
Following Pass the Sushi on Twitter
Following Graeter’s on Facebook
Following Graeter’s on Twitter
Have subscribed to your RSS feed via Google Reader
favorite ice cream flavor would be pumpkin or mint chocolate chip. anything with brownies, peanut butter cups, or chocolate flecks are all great as well!!!
Favorite would have to be Vanilla Bean, I also get your e-mail subscription, follow on facebook, and check sushi every day. (Yes, I know I have a problem. haha)
YUM! I love Graeters! Their black raspberry chip is so sinful…It is one of those ice creams I have to force myself to stop eating. I have been meaning to try more of their flavors but I always go back and get the same one… Great job on the ice cream sandwiches, they look so pretty and tasty.
I am also following Graeters on Twitter/Facebook.
I follow you on Twitter/Facebook.
And I tweeted the giveaway.
Practically my entire family lives in Cincinnati, so I grew up eating Greater’s and it’s still one of my favorite things to get when I visit twice a year. My favorite is the peanut butter chocolate chip, but around the holiday’s they have the most amazing peppermint ice cream (which I don’t normally like, but I make an exception for Greater’s). It’ll always hold a special place in my heart.
4 tbsp. unsalted butter, at room temperature
4 tbsp. unsalted butter, at room temperature
Best giveaway! I love any ice cream with chocolate and peanut butter in it:-)
I follow you on Twitter.
My favorite flavor is vanilla–I know people think it’s a boring flavor but I really think it’s simple, classic and, if done well, has a lot of depth of flavor.
I also have subscribed to your RSS, liked you on Facebook and liked Graeter’s on Facebook.
These look so good! I love black rasberry! Beautiful pictures, wish I could grab one to eat!
Cake Batter is the best!!
Ice cream is my favorite food. I like this certain one called “Swamp” from a local place.
I follow you on the book…
And twitter!
And subscribe via RSS!
MMm, I want some of that Black raspberry ice cream, it’s my fave!
And I follow you on facebook!
My favorite would have to be peanut butter – bonus if they’re are chocolate sprinkles on top!
Liked pass the sushi on fb
And subscribed to sushi!
Yeah, I’m thinking blackberry ice cream would be a new favorite!
I would very much like to win some iced cream. 😀
YUM, ice cream sandwiches make me think of summers as a kid. These look so great!
Blackberry chip!
I like Pass The Sushi on FB
I like Graeter’s on FB
I follow Pass The Sushi on Twitter
I follow Graters on Twitter
Oo, sorry I just realized you said you don’t have to make separate comments for all of these things. But to end it, I also subscribe to your RSS feed.
These ice cream sandwiches look delicious. And, that totally is the best email ever:)
I love chocolate pb and mint chocolate chip!! But I can be forced to eat any flavor 🙂
Yum! My favorite ice cream is coffee flavored!
I love buttered pecan ice cream…and coffee ice cream…and chocolate with peanut butter ice cream…and…
I follow Pass the Sushi on twitter
What a yummy sandwich you have there! My fav is good ole rocky road, I love those marhsmallows 🙂 So happy summer is here so that Ice Cream can make a regular apperance again
Your ice cream sandwiches are beautiful, even if the ice cream was soft! Wow. I have to admit that my favorite is the basic vanilla. There’s just nothing that beats its purity. Congrats on getting the free sample!
Sampling ice cream would be my dream job!! 🙂 I think my favorite ice cream flavor is vanilla!
How cool! Nothing perks up your day like getting asked to try free ice cream. Free is,after all, the best price. Also, I follow you on Twitter and will definitely tweet about this upon my arrival home. 🙂
Three words…Mint Chocolate Chip!
Black licorice is my all time favorite, followed by ginger.
Yummy!!! Do we have to pick just one?? Vanilla with peanut butter and some bits of chocolate mixed in does it for me.
Ben & Jerry’s new flavor Bonnaroo Buzz… OM NOM NOM!!!! jklsuiofeklSO GOODsjakfoeuoa!
Grew up eating Graeters’ ice cream and I love it. Sadly I don’t live near it anymore. My favorite flavor it their Strawberry Chip ice cream. The huge dark chocolate chips are awesome.
Mint Chocolate Chip, of course!
Those sandwiches are absolutely adorable but I wouldn’t have the patience to put them together– I would just eat the ice cream straight from the container ^_^
Sweeeet. The purple one really caught my attention. Beeeautiful. Can`t wait for summer weather!
Awesome giveaway! I looove chocolate peanut butter ice cream. Mmmm. I’m already subscribed and follow you on fb and twitter 🙂
Oh man I have to pick a favorite? I say peanut butter cup. But any flavor (especially something different) is good by me! Also an excellent source of calcium!
I follow you on Facebook, I now follow Graeter’s on Facebook too. I subscribe to emails and I follow your RSS whenever I am looking for a good recipe. I follow you (religiously!) on Twitter. I also retweeted so my friends will hopefully enter this giveaway and share the ice cream with me if they win. 🙂
I hope you are having a good Monday!
i follow you on twitter! my favorite ice cream EVER and i do mean EVER is from a little shop i found one day while rock climbing in Wisconsin with my family. It was your typical chocolate bear track ice cream, except for the fact that it practically gave me a mouthgasm! such a sweet rich chocolate and smooth peanut butter i almost died! love ya!- Taylor
Graeter’s is from southern Ohio just like me and it’s the absolute best! I miss the black raspberry chip so much. It’s awesome when you find an enormous slab of chocolate “chip”!
Black raspberry in a waffle cone. I liked you and Graeter’s on facebook.
~thechildcooks
Mint chocolate chip all the way! Creamy, cool, yum!
Oh man, my husband would love these ice cream sandwiches! I especially love the bright purple middle:)
Oh the torture of having to wait to sample. 😉 The black raspberry calls to me.
Hands down: Mint chocolate chip!
Pumpkin ice cream is my favorite! This giveaway is the best 🙂
My favourite would be cherry or banana.
mmmm…. I looooove all ice cream!! My all time favorite is Sea Salt and Caramel ice cream, but good ol vanilla bean ice cream hits the spot every time too. :)*
-I follow Pass the Sushi on Facebook
-I follow Grater’s on Facebook 🙂
-I just joined Pass the Sushi’s subscription list!
-Following Graeter’s on Twitter
-Tweeted about the giveaway: https://twitter.com/abitnerdy/status/65217630520348673
-Just subscribe to the RSS feed via google reader 🙂
Cheers! *crossing fingers* Love the site.
Mint chocolate chip is my favorite ice cream~!
I like you on FB as Jay Cee.
I like Graeter’s on FB as Jay Cee.
I subscribe to your e-mail.
Favorite icecream is the black raspberry
I follow you on Twitter as @bikeohio.
I follow Graeter’s on Twitter as @bikeohio.
Following Graeter’s on Twitter
Reweeted about the giveaway: @jterts
Tweeted: https://twitter.com/#!/bikeohio/status/65224811756011520
I subscribe via Google Reader. And now I see you did not want separate comments~ Please let me know if I should consolidate all of my entries into one comment! (I won’t blame the girlfriend, but she WAS talking to me as I was entering 😉 Sorry for the confusion!
Opera, or Oprah?
green tea!!!!!
OMG, I love Graeter’s and I’ve totally missed it since moving to California! Their black raspberry chip is definitely the best ice cream flavor EVER! 🙂
I also…
like Graeters on FB
like Pass the Sushi on FB
follow Graeters on twitter
subscribe to Pass the Sushi on RSS feed
Thanks!!! 🙂
my favorite flavor is mint chocolate chip…actually mint anything is great! 😛
Favourite flavour of ice cream? That’s tough, because I love so many. But I am partial to those that have lots of chunks and inclusions, and peanut butter!
i’m following graeters on twitter
my FAVORITE ice cream is cookiss and cream. I love, love, love it!
i’m suscribed to your RSS feed in my google reader
I follow you on Twitter
I like you on FB!
I tweeted about the giveaway!
We actually have a Graeter’s w/in walking distance (seriously less than 2 minutes) from our house…. but, didn’t mean to rub that in =)
I’d have to say my favorite flavor is the Raspberry Chip. Definitely a solid choice! =)
I am an ice cream fanatic, pick me! My Fave ice cream is Cookie Dough I think, but its hard to choose just one!
I am – Following Pass the Sushi on Facebook
I am – Following Graeter’s on Facebook
Just found your site on taste spotting, love it!
-KK
IceCreemDreem.com
Oh how I love ice cream. My favorite flavor is definitely Cookie Dough with chocolate ice cream instead of vanilla.
My favorite ice cream would have to be chocolate with peanut butter swirled in. I know what you mean about chocolate ice cream often tasting funny, which is why I make my own! 🙂
It’s funny that they put real black raspberries in their black raspberry because I was just thinking the other day that I’ve never had any with real raspberries in it!!
As for favorite flavors, I lovvve anything with peanut butter in it, but I also like fruity flavors (think orange pineapple) and random strange flavors that I’ve never heard of. I’m adventerous sometimes!
Following you &Graeters on Facebook!
Chocolate. plain and simple.
My favorite ice cream is coconut pineapple. 🙂
loooove coffee ice cream 🙂
I can’t resist banana ice cream, especially if it has chunks of chocolate and nuts in it!
I am —
Following Pass the Sushi on Facebook
Following Pass the Sushi on Twitter
Following Graeter’s on Facebook
Following Graeter’s on Twitter
Have subscribed to your RSS feed via Google Reader
Test some ice-cream?! Hmmm, yes please. I’m a vanilla girl! Definitely vanilla!
Oh my word ice cream!!!! My favorite is rocky road. But I love all ice cream 🙂
Follow you on facebook!
Follow Graeter’s on Facebook
Follow you on twitter!
Follow Graeter’s on Twitter!
favorite ice cream flavor would be pumpkin or mint chocolate chip. anything with brownies, peanut butter cups, or chocolate flecks are all great as well!!!
My favorite flavor of ice cream is strawberry…especially when it’s in milk shake form!
Ooh! Yum! Love the idea of making your own sandwiches for ice cream sandwiches 🙂
My favorite flavor is pistachio gelato.
Strawberry!
My favorite ice cream flavor is Birthday Cake. Yummy!!!
I joined your email subscription.
Anything with chunky bits in it- brownies, cookie dough, cake pieces, nuts, etc. MM! I would love to win this. Thanks for the chance.
my favorite flavor has to be simple cookies and cream :). I am following Pass the Sushi and Graeter on twitter.
Pecan praline! I love ube ice cream, too, but that’s harder to come by unless you’re near an Asian market that carries it.
My favorite flavor is chocolate ice cream. Thanks!
Favorite would have to be Vanilla Bean, I also get your e-mail subscription, follow on facebook, and check sushi every day. (Yes, I know I have a problem. haha)
I am a big fan of vanilla ice cream.
I follow you on Facebook.
I get your emails.
I follow you on Twitter.
I am now following Graeter’s on Facebook.
YUM! I love Graeters! Their black raspberry chip is so sinful…It is one of those ice creams I have to force myself to stop eating. I have been meaning to try more of their flavors but I always go back and get the same one… Great job on the ice cream sandwiches, they look so pretty and tasty.
I am also following Graeters on Twitter/Facebook.
I follow you on Twitter/Facebook.
And I tweeted the giveaway.
Have a great day!
My favorite flavor is banana.
•Following Pass the Sushi on Facebook
charity s
•Following Graeter’s on Facebook
charity s
•Following Pass the Sushi on Twitter
ccboobooy
tweet
https://twitter.com/ccboobooy/status/67245493373251584
Your posts always make me smile. Love the ice-cream sandwich idea! 🙂
this is delicious looks wonderful
Practically my entire family lives in Cincinnati, so I grew up eating Greater’s and it’s still one of my favorite things to get when I visit twice a year. My favorite is the peanut butter chocolate chip, but around the holiday’s they have the most amazing peppermint ice cream (which I don’t normally like, but I make an exception for Greater’s). It’ll always hold a special place in my heart.
Adore the ice cream sandwiches!
My favorite flavor is Salted Caramel!
how could you not love ice cram and Graeters looks incredible!!
thanks for sharing it with us, now just keep one of those sandwiches waiting for me!
Ben & Jerry’s Half Baked, hands down!
Following you through RSS-google (mmporta).
Found you on Pinterest! Looks so yummy.
You’re spelling Oprah wrong. Not Opera but Oprah. 🙂
I love chocolate! I follow you and Graeter’s on FB and subscribe to your emails. 🙂