Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Recipe is a refreshing, creamy treat that combines the invigorating coolness of mint with the irresistible crunch of chocolate chips. It’s the kind of dessert that instantly brightens a summer day or adds a fun twist to any gathering. Whether you’re an ice cream enthusiast or a home cook looking to impress friends with a homemade specialty, this recipe is straightforward and oh-so-satisfying. I’ve made it plenty of times, and I love how approachable it is — you’ll notice the bright mint flavor paired with that nostalgic chocolate crunch really makes it a crowd-pleaser.
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What Makes This So Good
This Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Recipe hits all the right notes because it achieves the perfect balance between creamy texture and refreshing mint flavor, studded generously with chocolate chips that add a delightful crunch every spoonful.
- Big Flavor, Minimal Fuss: The recipe keeps things simple with just a handful of ingredients but delivers classic homemade charm without complicated steps.
- Family-Friendly: Everyone from kids to adults loves this cool combo, making it a reliable crowd-pleaser for parties or quiet nights in.
- Simple Ingredients: You won’t need anything fancy — just cream, milk, sugar, peppermint extract, and chocolate chips, all easy to find.
- Works Any Night: Once your ice cream maker is ready, you can whip this up anytime you’re craving a fun dessert dessert with a minty twist.
Ingredient Guide
Choosing the right ingredients makes all the difference when you want that creamy, refreshing flavor to shine through in your Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Recipe. I always suggest using fresh, quality dairy and pure peppermint extract — and of course, don’t skip the chocolate chips for that signature texture.
- Heavy Cream: Look for a carton that hasn’t been sitting on the shelf for weeks; fresh cream yields the richest, smoothest ice cream.
- Whole Milk: Use full-fat milk to keep your ice cream luxuriously creamy rather than icy or thin.
- Granulated Sugar: Regular white sugar melts perfectly and sweetens just right without overpowering the mint.
- Peppermint Extract: Pure peppermint extract packs a better punch than mint-flavored syrups; start with a teaspoon and adjust to taste.
- Green Food Coloring: Optional, but just a drop or two gives that classic minty color without messing with flavor.
- Mini Chocolate Chips: The smaller size lets you get those crispy chocolate bites scattered throughout evenly — so good!
- Salt: Just a pinch helps balance the sweetness and brighten the mint flavor, trust me on this.
Quick Reminder: Full measurements and step-by-step instructions are neatly laid out in the recipe card below to keep you on track.
How to Make Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Recipe
Step 1 — Prep & Ready
Before diving in, gather all your ingredients so the process can flow smoothly. It’s helpful to chill your mixing bowl and ice cream maker bowl if you can—this speeds up the churning and gives a creamier texture. Be sure to measure your peppermint extract carefully; too much can be overpowering, so I recommend starting with 1 teaspoon and adjusting if needed. If you’re using food coloring, just 1 or 2 drops do wonders for that perfect minty hue.
Step 2 — Cook with Confidence
Mix the heavy cream, whole milk, sugar, peppermint extract, a pinch of salt, and food coloring (if using) gently but thoroughly until the sugar dissolves. Pour this luscious mixture into your ice cream maker and start churning. You’ll notice as it spins, the mixture thickens and the sweet mint aroma fills your kitchen — such a cozy signal that you’re on the right track! When it reaches a soft-serve consistency, add in the mini chocolate chips so they distribute evenly without sinking to the bottom.
Step 3 — Finish & Serve
Once the chocolate chips are mixed through, transfer the ice cream to an airtight container and pop it into the freezer for at least 4 hours. This extra chilling step lets the flavors deepen and the texture firm up nicely. When you’re ready, scoop generously and enjoy that perfect balance between creamy, minty, and chocolaty crunch. I like to serve it with a little fresh mint leaf or a drizzle of dark chocolate sauce if I’m feeling fancy.
Extra Helpful Tips
Making homemade ice cream can feel a little intimidating, but with a few tricks, you’ll be serving up creamy minty goodness like a pro in no time.
- Watch for This Sign: When churning, the ice cream should be thick enough to hold its shape but still soft enough to fold in chocolate chips smoothly.
- Temperature Trick: Warm or room-temperature ingredients can slow freezing down; keep your dairy as cold as possible before mixing.
- Prep-Ahead Option: You can make the base mixture a day ahead and refrigerate it, which actually helps flavors deepen.
- Avoid This Common Mistake: Don’t skip the salt — it brightens the mint and balances sweetness.
Serve & Enjoy
Easy Enhancements
Want to elevate your Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Recipe? Try stirring in crushed peppermint candies or a swirl of fudge sauce right before freezing. Fresh mint leaves chopped finely can add a subtle herbal kick, or sprinkle flaky sea salt on top for a surprising flavor pop. These little twists add layers and keep things exciting without complicating the recipe.
Tasty Pairings
This ice cream pairs beautifully with a warm brownie or a crisp waffle cone for textural contrast. A cup of rich hot chocolate or a minty cocktail are natural partners that bring out that cooling mint even more. Hosting a party? Serve it alongside fresh berries or a light fruit salad for a balanced ending to the meal.
Quick Plating Tips
Scoop neat balls using an ice cream scooper and arrange them in chilled bowls or cones. Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint or a sprinkle of extra mini chocolate chips on top. For an elegant touch, drizzle lightly with chocolate sauce or dust a little cocoa powder. This instantly makes your homemade dessert look like a treat from your favorite parlor.
Store, Freeze & Reheat
Fridge Storage
Since this is ice cream, keep it tightly sealed in an airtight container in the freezer rather than the fridge. If you do leave it in the fridge (say, for softening), expect it to melt quite quickly. For the best texture, store it in the coldest part of your freezer to prevent ice crystals forming.
Freezer Friendly?
This Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Recipe freezes wonderfully for up to 2 weeks. To thaw without sogginess, set the container out on the counter for 5-10 minutes before scooping—it softens just enough to scoop easily but stays creamy and delicious.
Reheat Like New
Ice cream isn’t something you reheat traditionally, but if you want to serve it soft, briefly let it sit at room temperature or microwave for just 10-15 seconds in a large bowl. This keeps it creamy without melting completely. Avoid reheating for any savory recipes — keep it chilled instead!
Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Recipe FAQs
Yes! You can pour the mixture into a shallow container and freeze it, stirring every 30 minutes until creamy and firm. It won’t be as smooth but still delicious.
Start with 1 teaspoon. Peppermint extract is potent, so you can adjust after tasting the ice cream base before freezing. More than 1.5 teaspoons can get overpowering.
Mini semisweet chocolate chips are classic here. They provide the perfect size and sweetness without melting too fast.
Whole milk is best for creamy texture, but you can try 2% or even plant-based milk. Just expect a lighter texture and adjust sugar if needed.
Final Flavor Thoughts
I hope this Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Recipe becomes a go-to for you whenever you want a cool, minty treat that’s easy to make but feels special. Feel free to leave a comment sharing your favorite variations or how it turned out — I love hearing your kitchen stories! And if you give it a try, a ⭐ rating would make my day. Here’s to many delicious scoops ahead!
Print📖 Recipe
Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Recipe
This refreshing homemade peppermint chocolate chip ice cream is a delightful blend of creamy texture and cool minty flavor, perfectly balanced with mini chocolate chips throughout. Easy to make with an ice cream maker, it’s a festive treat ideal for holiday indulgence or anytime you crave a cool, minty dessert.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes (churning)
- Total Time: 4 hours 40 minutes (including freezing time)
- Yield: Approximately 1 quart (4 servings)
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Ice Cream Maker
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Ice Cream Base
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1-2 drops green food coloring (optional)
- A pinch of salt
Add-ins
- ½ cup mini chocolate chips
Instructions
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the heavy cream, whole milk, granulated sugar, peppermint extract, green food coloring if using, and a pinch of salt. Stir well until the sugar is fully dissolved and the mixture is smooth and uniform.
- Churn Ice Cream: Pour the prepared mixture into your ice cream maker. Churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions, usually about 20-30 minutes, until the ice cream reaches a soft-serve consistency.
- Add Chocolate Chips: During the last few minutes of churning, slowly add the mini chocolate chips so they are evenly distributed throughout the ice cream without melting.
- Freeze to Firm: Transfer the churned ice cream into an airtight container. Place it in the freezer and let it freeze for at least 4 hours, or until firm enough to scoop.
- Serve: Scoop the peppermint chocolate chip ice cream into bowls or cones and enjoy the cool, minty freshness combined with bursts of chocolate.
Notes
- If you do not have an ice cream maker, you can pour the mixture into a shallow container and freeze, stirring every 30 minutes to break up ice crystals until smooth and firm.
- The green food coloring is optional and only for visual effect to enhance the mint theme.
- Adjust the peppermint extract amount to taste if you prefer a milder or stronger mint flavor.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream and milk with coconut cream and almond milk, but texture will vary.
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