Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Recipe

Mint chocolate chip ice cream gets its character from a simple combination of cool peppermint, rich dairy, and small pieces of chocolate throughout the base. Churning the mixture gives it a smooth texture, while the chocolate adds a little bite to each scoop.

Keeping the cream, milk, and ice cream maker bowl properly chilled helps the mixture thicken as it churns. The chocolate goes in near the end so it stays evenly distributed instead of sinking to the bottom.

After a few hours in the freezer, the soft churned mixture firms into a scoopable dessert with a clean mint flavor and plenty of chocolate in every serving.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

This ice cream has a cool peppermint flavor, a creamy texture, and plenty of chocolate in every scoop.

• Texturally perfect: Churning the heavy cream makes it incredibly light and smooth, while the chopped chocolate provides maximum crunch without being too hard to chew.
• Highly customizable: You can easily load it up with dark chocolate chunks, a swirl of thick fudge, or a splash of vanilla extract.
• Made with basic staples: You only need heavy cream, whole milk, sugar, peppermint extract, and chocolate.
• Visually gorgeous: The pale green color peppered with dark chocolate flakes looks like it came straight out of a high-end ice cream parlor.

Ingredients You Will Need

A cold cream-and-milk base, peppermint extract, sugar, and chocolate make up the core of this homemade ice cream.

• 2 cups heavy whipping cream, very cold
• 1 cup whole milk, very cold
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon pure peppermint extract
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (or finely chopped dark chocolate)
• A few drops of green food coloring (optional, for that classic parlor look)

Step-by-Step Instructions for Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream

Follow these easy steps. I’ve broken them down into quick, bite-sized pieces so you can achieve maximum refreshment without any stress.

• Step 1: Prep the Base. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the heavy whipping cream, whole milk, and granulated sugar. Whisk thoroughly for 1 to 2 minutes until the sugar is completely dissolved.
• Step 2: Flavor the Cream. Stir in the pure peppermint extract. If you want that classic mint green color, add 2 to 3 drops of liquid green food coloring now and mix until it reaches your desired shade.
• Step 3: Churn the Ice Cream. Pour the cold liquid mixture into your ice cream maker. Churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions, usually for about 20 to 25 minutes, until it looks like thick soft-serve.
• Step 4: Add the Chocolate. During the last 2 minutes of churning, pour in the chocolate chips or chopped chocolate so they are evenly distributed throughout the thick ice cream.
• Step 5: Freeze and Serve. Transfer the soft ice cream to a freezer-safe container. Cover it tightly and let it chill in the freezer for at least 4 hours to firm up before scooping and serving.

Pro Tips for the Ultimate Ice Cream

Small adjustments can take your homemade dessert from good to absolute perfection.

• Chill your equipment: Make sure the freezer bowl of your ice cream maker is fully frozen according to the manufacturer’s instructions so the mixture churns and thickens properly.
• Chop your own chocolate: Standard chocolate chips can turn into rock-hard frozen pebbles. Chopping a high-quality dark chocolate bar creates beautiful, melt-in-your-mouth flakes that distribute perfectly.
• Dissolve the sugar: Take the time to ensure your sugar is completely dissolved in the milk and cream before churning to avoid a grainy, sandy texture in the final scoop.

What to Serve with Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream

This versatile little dessert pairs beautifully with almost any sweet addition.

• As a sundae: Serve it alongside warm hot fudge sauce, a dollop of fresh whipped cream, and a bright red cherry.
• As an ice cream sandwich: Press a large, cold scoop between two chewy double chocolate cookies for an incredible handheld treat.
• Loaded style: Before serving, top each bowl with a sprinkle of crushed chocolate sandwich cookies or a drizzle of magic chocolate shell for extra crunch!

How to Store Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream

Have leftovers? It is incredibly easy to save for later.

• In the Freezer: Store the completely firm ice cream in a shallow, airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 weeks.
• How to Serve: Please skip bending your spoon on rock-hard ice cream! Instead, let the container sit on the kitchen counter for about 5 minutes to soften slightly before scooping.
• Prevent Freezer Burn: Press a piece of parchment paper or plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the ice cream before putting the lid on to keep ice crystals from forming on top.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How long should I freeze the ice cream before serving? After churning, freeze the ice cream for at least 4 hours so it firms up enough to scoop cleanly.
• What is the best extract to use? Peppermint extract gives the ice cream a clean, cool mint flavor. Start with the measured amount, since extracts can vary in strength.
• Can I prep this ahead of time? Yes! You can whisk the milk, cream, and sugar together and keep the base covered in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you are ready for dessert, just churn, add chocolate, and freeze.

Final Thoughts

The texture of this ice cream depends heavily on starting with cold ingredients and a properly frozen machine bowl. Add the chocolate near the end of churning, then give the finished ice cream enough freezer time to firm up before scooping. Let the container sit out briefly if it becomes too hard straight from the freezer.