Nothing says summer quite like a scoop of cool, creamy, and delightfully minty ice cream studded with chocolate chips. This Homemade Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Recipe is a celebration of all things refreshing and sweet, perfect for anyone who adores that classic combination of fresh mint and rich chocolate. Whether you’re whipping up a batch for a special gathering or treating yourself on a warm afternoon, this ice cream is a true crowd-pleaser that’s surprisingly easy to make right in your own kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Just a handful of simple, real ingredients come together to create magic in this Homemade Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Recipe. Each one plays a starring role, from lending creaminess and sweetness to infusing vibrant flavor and that iconic green hue.
- Heavy cream: The backbone of any great ice cream, heavy cream makes every scoop decadently smooth and rich.
- Whole milk: Balances the cream, lightening the texture just enough for that perfect scoopability.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the base and helps achieve a soft, creamy mouthfeel.
- Salt: A pinch elevates all the flavors, making the mint and chocolate really pop.
- Pure peppermint extract: The secret to that clean, refreshing minty flavor—make sure it’s peppermint, not generic mint.
- Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth, rounding out the icy freshness of peppermint.
- Green food coloring (optional): Just a drop or two gives your ice cream that classic pastel green look, but feel free to skip if you love a natural hue.
- Mini chocolate chips or finely chopped dark chocolate: Each bite delivers the perfect chocolate crunch—choose your favorite for a personalized touch.
How to Make Homemade Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Ice Cream Base
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, whole milk, granulated sugar, and salt. Take your time to ensure the sugar is completely dissolved; this will give your ice cream that wonderfully silky texture. Don’t forget to give it a quick taste—this is your chance to adjust the sweetness before moving on!
Step 2: Add the Flavors
Stir in the pure peppermint extract and vanilla extract. If you want to capture that nostalgic mint chip color, add a few drops of green food coloring and mix until evenly blended. The aroma at this stage is absolutely irresistible, hinting at the frosty treat to come.
Step 3: Chill the Mixture
Cover your bowl and refrigerate the base for at least 2 hours, though overnight is even better. This step is crucial for developing deep, well-blended flavors and ensures your mixture is cold enough to churn efficiently.
Step 4: Churn the Ice Cream
Pour the chilled mixture into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions, usually about 20 to 25 minutes. In the last 5 minutes, sprinkle in the mini chocolate chips or chopped chocolate so they distribute evenly without sinking to the bottom.
Step 5: Freeze Until Firm
Once it reaches a soft-serve consistency, transfer the churned ice cream to a lidded container. Smooth the top, seal, and freeze for at least 4 hours, or until the Homemade Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Recipe is firm enough to scoop. The anticipation is real at this point, but trust me—it’s worth the wait!
How to Serve Homemade Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Recipe
Garnishes
Go the extra mile with a flourish of garnishes! A sprinkle of extra mini chocolate chips, a few fresh mint leaves, or even a drizzle of chocolate sauce can make each bowl feel special. If you’re feeling festive, try crushed peppermint candies for a crunchy, colorful finish.
Side Dishes
This ice cream sings on its own, but it’s also fantastic alongside warm brownies, fudgy chocolate cake, or crispy chocolate chip cookies. The contrast of hot and cold is pure dessert bliss—don’t be surprised if it becomes your new favorite combo!
Creative Ways to Present
Think beyond the bowl. Scoop your Homemade Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Recipe into waffle cones, sandwich it between chocolate cookies for ice cream sandwiches, or layer it in parfait glasses with whipped cream and chocolate shavings. For a party, serve mini scoops in chocolate cups for a bite-sized treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Transfer any leftover ice cream to an airtight container, pressing a piece of parchment or wax paper directly onto the surface before sealing. This simple trick helps prevent ice crystals from forming, so every scoop stays creamy and fresh.
Freezing
Your Homemade Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Recipe will keep beautifully in the freezer for up to two weeks. For the best texture, let the container sit at room temperature for 5 to 10 minutes before scooping—this makes it easier to serve and brings out the flavors.
Reheating
While you won’t need to reheat ice cream, if it’s frozen very hard, simply let it rest on the counter for a few minutes until it softens slightly. Resist the urge to microwave it, as this can create uneven melting and iciness.
FAQs
Can I make this ice cream without an ice cream maker?
Absolutely! After chilling the base, pour it into a freezer-safe container, freeze for about an hour, then stir vigorously with a fork or hand mixer. Repeat every 30 minutes for a few hours to break up ice crystals, then freeze until firm. The texture won’t be quite as creamy, but it’s still delicious!
What’s the difference between peppermint and mint extract?
Peppermint extract has a bright, crisp flavor that’s perfect for this recipe. Mint extract often contains spearmint, which can give an earthy, herbal note that doesn’t taste quite like classic mint chip ice cream. For the true Homemade Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Recipe experience, stick with pure peppermint extract.
Can I use low-fat milk or cream alternatives?
You can experiment with lower-fat milk or non-dairy creamers, but keep in mind the texture will be less rich and may become icier. Full-fat dairy is key for that ultra-creamy, dreamy consistency everyone loves in homemade ice cream.
How do I prevent chocolate chips from getting too hard in the ice cream?
Chop your chocolate finely or use mini chips to keep the pieces small and easy to bite. Some bakers even toss the chips with a little vegetable oil before adding, which helps keep them softer when frozen.
Is the green food coloring necessary?
Not at all! The coloring is purely for that classic look. If you prefer an all-natural ice cream, simply leave it out—the flavor will be just as minty and delicious, and the pale color has its own homemade charm.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something magical about making your own ice cream from scratch, and this Homemade Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Recipe is sure to become a staple in your dessert rotation. Give it a try the next time you’re craving a sweet, frosty treat—you’ll taste the difference in every creamy, mint-chocolatey bite!
Print
Homemade Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Ice Cream Maker
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Homemade Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream is a creamy, refreshing dessert bursting with cool peppermint flavor and rich chocolate chips. Perfect for summer or any time you crave a classic frozen treat made with simple, high-quality ingredients.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Flavorings
- 1 teaspoon pure peppermint extract
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- A few drops of green food coloring (optional)
Add-ins
- 3/4 cup mini chocolate chips or finely chopped dark chocolate
Instructions
- Prepare the Base: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, whole milk, granulated sugar, and salt until the sugar is completely dissolved. This ensures a smooth, sweet base for the ice cream.
- Add Flavorings and Chill: Stir in the peppermint extract, vanilla extract, and green food coloring if using. Cover the mixture tightly and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or ideally overnight, which helps the flavors to meld and the base to thicken.
- Churn the Ice Cream: Pour the chilled mixture into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions—usually about 20 to 25 minutes. During the last 5 minutes of churning, add the mini chocolate chips so they incorporate evenly throughout the ice cream.
- Freeze to Set: Transfer the churned ice cream into a lidded container and freeze for at least 4 hours or until firm. This step allows the ice cream to fully set and develop its creamy texture.
- Serve and Enjoy: Scoop the ice cream into bowls or cones and serve cold. Enjoy the refreshing mint and rich chocolate combo in every bite.
Notes
- Use high-quality peppermint extract for the best flavor—avoid using mint extract, which often contains spearmint and can alter the taste.
- You can substitute chocolate chips with chopped Andes mints or crushed peppermint candy for a different texture and flavor variation.
- For a more intense green color, add a few additional drops of green food coloring, but it is optional.
- If you prefer a softer ice cream, allow it to sit at room temperature for 5 minutes before scooping.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 55mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
