This Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream recipe is the perfect blend of creamy sweetness and refreshing mint, making it a must-have for every ice cream lover. Whether you’re using an ice cream maker or going for a no-churn method, you’ll discover how easy it is to create a classic treat that’s better than anything store-bought.
Table of Contents
Why Homemade Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Recipe is Better
When it comes to making dessert from scratch, nothing compares to a classic Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream recipe at home. The big advantage is control: you get to use the freshest cream, real mint extract, and high-quality chocolate. With each scoop, you enjoy a texture that is silky, smooth, and genuinely refreshing just what you want on a hot day.
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Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Recipe
- Total Time: 30minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
Ingredients
- 2 cups half n half
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ teaspoons mint extract
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- 4 –5 drops green food coloring
- 3 ounces Ghirardelli semisweet chocolate finely chopped
- 1 ounce dove milk chocolate finely chopped
Instructions
- Whisk together half and half and sugar until the sugar is dissolved. Whisk in cream, vanilla extract, mint extract, sea salt, and a little bit of green food coloring if desired.
- Pour the contents into the bowl of your ice cream maker and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. After 20 minutes, add the chopped chocolate. Churn for an additional 5-7 minutes before checking the ice cream, as it is possible to over-churn ice cream.
- Spoon the ice cream into an airtight container and press plastic wrap right onto the top surface of the ice cream to prevent ice crystals from forming. Freeze for several hours.
Notes
- Don’t cut down on the fat. The fat is what gives ice cream its smooth and creamy texture.
- This ice cream needs to be churned for about 25-35 minutes; however, you need to check on it after 25 minutes because it is possible to over-churn ice cream.
- Use good-quality semisweet, dark, or milk chocolate. Chop it finely so the chocolate melts in your mouth. Big chunks of chocolate are too hard to bite into when frozen.
- Food coloring is not a must, but it gives it that familiar mint color we are accustomed to.
- Prep Time: 5minutes
- Cook Time: 25minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 449kcal
- Sugar: 38g
- Sodium: 135mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 88mg
Choosing homemade also means you avoid preservatives or artificial flavors. This Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream recipe uses only seven simple ingredients. With homemade ice cream, you always know exactly what goes in every scoop.
Texture is another major benefit when you follow a homemade mint chocolate chip ice cream recipe. Using a blend of half-and-half and heavy cream guarantees each bite is ultra-creamy, avoiding the icy texture you often find in lower-fat versions. Adding the chocolate at just the right time keeps it suspended through the churn, delivering tiny, melt-in-your-mouth bits with every bite. Don’t forget that a touch of green food coloring gives that nostalgic minty look just like the color in a scoop from your favorite parlor.
If you’re looking for more ways to enjoy homemade treats, try making a batch of Chocolate Brownie Cookies to crumble over your ice cream. With a simple process and the ability to customize each ingredient, you can see why homemade Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream is an upgrade over anything you’ll find in a store. Whether you use a traditional ice cream maker or opt for a quick, no-churn method, homemade ice cream always delivers a cool, creamy, and delicious summer treat.
Key Ingredients and Step-by-Step Process
To create the best Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream recipe, start with top-quality ingredients. You’ll need half-and-half, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, mint extract (not peppermint), sea salt, green food coloring if desired, and a blend of semisweet and milk chocolate. The focus is always on flavor and texture, two reasons homemade Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream stands out from store-bought.
Mint extract is essential in any Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream recipe. This extract blends both spearmint and peppermint, offering the signature taste you expect. For an authentic result, avoid substituting with peppermint extract alone it can be too intense.
Choosing chocolate is also key. Always chop chocolate finely, just like you would in our Quinoa Chocolate Crisps recipe, so it melts in your mouth rather than forming hard bits. This small step elevates your Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream recipe, making each bite a delight.
To prepare the ice cream, whisk half-and-half and sugar until fully dissolved. Stir in the cream, vanilla, mint extract, sea salt, and green food coloring if you want that familiar color. Pour the mixture into your ice cream maker and churn according to the instructions. After about 20 minutes, add the chopped chocolate, then churn 5–10 more minutes. Keep an eye on the texture over-churning can ruin the smoothness.
Once the Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream thickens, transfer it into a freezer-safe container. Place plastic wrap directly on the surface to prevent ice crystals. Freeze until firm at least a few hours. Your finished dessert will rival any scoop from an ice cream parlor.
By focusing on each step, this Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream recipe guarantees a homemade treat with vibrant flavor, smooth texture, and true mint-chocolate satisfaction.
Expert Tips and Creative Variations
For the richest Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream recipe, don’t cut down on the cream or skip high-quality chocolate. Full-fat dairy is the secret to smooth, luxurious texture never settle for less. Always chop your chocolate finely, so every bite melts perfectly.
Want more variety? Try mixing in different types of chocolate white, dark, or even chocolate-covered mint candies add a unique spin. Swirl in fruit sauces, or pair a scoop for a creative dessert.
Color is another area you control. A drop or two of green food coloring gives that classic ice cream shop look, but skipping it lets the natural cream shine through. And for a new twist, add a mint chocolate chip scoop to a Strawberry Cheesecake Ice Cream recipe sundae.
Keep your Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream recipe creative, fresh, and fun every batch is a chance to experiment and impress.
Conclusion
Making your own Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream recipe means you can enjoy real, fresh flavor and a creamy, dreamy texture in every scoop. With just a few quality ingredients and an ice cream maker, you’ll create a dessert that rivals anything from the store plus, you can customize the color, chocolate, and even add your favorite creative twists. Homemade ice cream is more than a treat; it’s a summer tradition you’ll want to make again and again.
FAQ about Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Recipe
How to make mint choc chip ice cream at home?
To make mint chocolate chip ice cream at home, whisk together half-and-half and sugar until the sugar dissolves. Add heavy cream, vanilla extract, mint extract, sea salt, and green food coloring if you want that classic hue. Pour the mixture into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions. After 20 minutes, add finely chopped chocolate and churn until thickened. Transfer to a freezer-safe container, cover, and freeze until firm.
What extract is used in mint chocolate chip ice cream?
The best Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream recipe uses mint extract, not peppermint extract. Mint extract is a blend of spearmint and peppermint, which creates the familiar, refreshing flavor. Using only peppermint extract gives a much stronger, sharper taste that can overpower the ice cream.
What kind of mint is in mint chocolate chip ice cream?
Most mint chocolate chip ice cream recipes use a combination of spearmint and peppermint flavors through mint extract. Some homemade recipes use fresh mint, but for the most authentic flavor, bottled mint extract offers the right balance and consistency in taste.
Why is mint chocolate chip ice cream not green anymore?
Not all brands add green food coloring these days, so the ice cream sometimes appears white or cream-colored. Adding a few drops of green food coloring to your Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream recipe is optional but delivers the classic look many remember from childhood.