Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Recipe is one of those timeless treats that instantly transports you to happy, carefree days. Creamy, minty, and studded with little bursts of chocolate, it’s a refreshing dessert that’s perfect any time you want a cool, indulgent pick-me-up. Whether you’re making it for a sunny afternoon, a cozy evening, or a festive gathering, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser for kids and adults alike. I love how easy it is to make at home, and you’ll notice the fresh mint flavor sings beautifully with the crisp chocolate chips.
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What Makes This So Good
This Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Recipe strikes just the right balance of vibrant minty freshness and creamy richness. It’s not too sweet, letting the natural flavors shine through with every bite. The texture is velvety smooth with those delightful bursts of crisp chocolate chips in every scoop. Plus, it’s straightforward enough that you can whip it up with confidence, even if you’ve never made ice cream at home before.
- Big Flavor, Minimal Fuss: You get fresh mint flavor without complicated ingredients or steps.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults rave about the cool, creamy taste.
- Simple Ingredients: Pantry staples and a few extras mean you can start anytime.
- Works Any Night: Perfect for a weekend treat or a special homemade dessert.
Ingredient Guide
Picking the right ingredients is the secret to making this Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Recipe taste like a dream. Let’s break down what to look for and why it matters.
- Heavy Cream: Go for good-quality heavy cream to get that luxuriously smooth texture. Freshness here really shines through.
- Whole Milk: Adds creaminess without being too rich. Don’t substitute skim milk, or you’ll lose that mouthfeel.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweetness balances the mint, but you can slightly adjust to taste if you prefer a less sweet treat.
- Peppermint Extract: The heart of the mint flavor—make sure it’s real peppermint, not artificial oil, for the best bright, cool taste.
- Green Food Coloring (Optional): Just a drop or two for that classic minty color, but it’s totally fine to skip if you’d rather keep it natural.
- Chocolate Chips: Use mini chocolate chips or finely chopped semi-sweet chocolate for perfect little bursts of crunch.
- Pinch of Salt: A small pinch enhances flavor depth and keeps everything balanced.
Quick Reminder: Full measurements are in the recipe card below.
How to Make Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Recipe
Step 1 — Prep & Ready
Before you dive in, gather all your ingredients so you’re not scrambling later. I always like to whisk my cream, milk, sugar, salt, and peppermint extract together until the sugar is completely dissolved—this helps create that smooth sweetness throughout. If you want the classic mint green tint, add just one or two drops of green food coloring now. Make sure your ice cream maker's bowl is nicely frozen if required—this is key for getting the perfect texture later.
Step 2 — Cook with Confidence
Once your mix is ready, pour it into your ice cream maker and start churning. You'll want to let it run until the ice cream thickens to a soft-serve consistency—that usually takes around 20-25 minutes, depending on your machine. Keep an eye (and nose!) out for that sweet, minty aroma developing—it’s such a great indicator that you’re on track. For the last few minutes of churning, sprinkle in the chocolate chips so they distribute evenly without melting into the base. That crunchy contrast is everything.
Step 3 — Finish & Serve
When your ice cream looks thick and creamy, transfer it right into an airtight container to freeze for at least 4 hours so it firms up perfectly. When you serve it, you'll notice the creamy texture alongside those playful crisp chocolate chip bites. A quick tip: let it sit out a few minutes to soften slightly before scooping for the best spoon glide. Scoop it into bowls or cones, and enjoy that refreshing burst of mint with every creamy lick!
Extra Helpful Tips
To get you feeling extra confident, here are some tips I’ve learned from making this Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Recipe more times than I can count. They’ll help you nail the texture and flavor every time.
- Watch for This Sign: When the ice cream thickens and sticks to the sides of the churner without running down easily, it’s ready.
- Temperature Trick: Ensure your cream and milk are cold to start—warmer liquids slow down freezing and affect texture.
- Prep-Ahead Option: Mix the base one day ahead and chill in the fridge overnight for even better flavor melding.
- Avoid This Common Mistake: Don’t add chocolate chips too early—they’ll melt and turn your ice cream into a chocolate swirl instead of lovely chips.
Serve & Enjoy
Easy Enhancements
Looking to jazz up your Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Recipe? Try drizzling chocolate syrup or a splash of hot fudge on top for extra richness. A sprinkle of crushed peppermint candies adds delightful crunch and intensifies the mint. For a grown-up twist, a splash of crème de menthe liqueur can make it feel extra special. Fresh mint leaves as garnish add a beautiful, herbal burst too.
Tasty Pairings
This ice cream pairs wonderfully with warm chocolate brownies, giving you a great contrast between hot and cold. Another favorite is a simple bowl of fresh berries alongside, which makes the mint pop even more. For drinks, a cup of rich espresso or a peppermint tea makes an elegant, refreshing pairing to follow your cool treat.
Quick Plating Tips
Serve scoops in pretty glass bowls or waffle cones for a classic look. Top with a sprig of fresh mint or some finely grated dark chocolate for an elegant touch. If you want to get playful, serve with colorful paper straws or fun sprinkles—presentation can be as simple or fancy as you like, and it always tastes better when it looks inviting!
Store, Freeze & Reheat
Fridge Storage
This ice cream isn’t really meant for fridge storage since it will melt quickly. If you have leftovers or want to chill the base before churning, the mix can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 2 days in a sealed container. Just give it a quick stir before using again.
Freezer Friendly?
Absolutely! Store your finished Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream in an airtight container and freeze for up to 2 weeks for best flavor and texture. To thaw, move it to the fridge for 10 to 15 minutes before scooping. This gentle thawing helps keep it creamy and avoids icy patches.
Reheat Like New
This recipe shines cold, so reheating isn’t recommended. Instead, just let it sit at room temperature a few minutes before scooping to enjoy that perfect creamy softness. If you're looking to serve with something warm, try pairing a scoop alongside brownies or warm cookie sundaes for a dreamy contrast.
Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Recipe FAQs
Yes! Although an ice cream maker gives the best texture, you can pour the mixture into a shallow container and freeze it. Every 30 minutes, stir vigorously with a whisk or fork to break up ice crystals until it's creamy. This manual method takes a few hours but works well.
Mini semi-sweet chocolate chips or finely chopped good-quality dark chocolate work best here. They hold their shape during churning and add a pleasant texture contrast without overwhelming the mint flavor.
You can infuse fresh mint leaves into the cream and milk by gently heating and letting it steep, then chilling before churning. However, peppermint extract provides a more intense and classic mint flavor that’s hard to replicate.
Using high-fat dairy, properly chilling your base mixture before churning, and ensuring your ice cream maker’s bowl is well-frozen help prevent crystal formation. Also, gentle and thorough churning distributes ice crystals evenly for smoothness.
Final Flavor Thoughts
Thanks for joining me to make this Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Recipe! I hope you enjoyed the process as much as the result. If you try it, please let me know what you think - a quick star rating or comment really brightens my day. Next time, you could experiment by adding a swirl of chocolate fudge or some chopped nuts for extra texture. Homemade ice cream is such a joyful treat—enjoy every cool, creamy, minty bite!
Print📖 Recipe
Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Recipe
This refreshing Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream recipe combines creamy homemade ice cream with the perfect blend of cool peppermint and rich chocolate chips. Made with simple ingredients and churned to creamy perfection, this classic dessert is perfect for cooling down on a warm day or indulging in a sweet minty treat any time.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes (churning time)
- Total Time: 4 hours 40 minutes (including freezing time)
- Yield: Approximately 6 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Blending
- 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 chocolate chips
Instructions
- Mix Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, whole milk, granulated sugar, peppermint extract, a pinch of salt, and green food coloring if using. Whisk until the sugar is fully dissolved and the mixture is smooth and even in color.
- Churn the Ice Cream: Pour the prepared mixture into an ice cream maker. Churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions, typically 20-30 minutes, until the mixture reaches a soft-serve consistency.
- Add Chocolate Chips: In the last few minutes of churning, add the chocolate chips gradually so they are evenly distributed throughout the ice cream.
- Freeze to Firm Up: Transfer the churned ice cream into an airtight container. Freeze for at least 4 hours to allow it to firm up to the perfect scoopable texture.
- Serve and Enjoy: Scoop the firm ice cream into bowls or cones and enjoy the cool, refreshing mint chocolate chip flavor.
Notes
- For best texture, use an ice cream maker according to its instructions.
- You can adjust the peppermint extract amount to make the mint flavor stronger or milder.
- Green food coloring is optional and adds a traditional minty color to the ice cream.
- Substitute chocolate chips with mini chocolate chunks for a slightly different texture.
- Store airtight ice cream in the freezer and consume within 1-2 weeks for optimal freshness.
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