Delightful Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Recipe

Name: Delightful Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup fresh mint leaves; 3/4 cup granulated sugar; 2 cups heavy cream; 1 cup whole milk; 1 cup dark chocolate chips; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract

Recipe By:

Ava Mack

Posted:

February 22, 2025

Updated:

February 22, 2025

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There’s something utterly magical about the first bite of creamy mint chocolate chip ice cream. Imagine a cool breeze on a hot summer day as the sweet, minty freshness dances on your tongue. The chunky bits of rich chocolate burst with flavor as you savor each scoop. It’s a moment of bliss that transports you back to carefree childhood summers spent in the backyard.

I remember those days vividly—dashing inside after playing tag, my cheeks flushed and thirsting for something cold. My mom would whip up her famous mint chocolate chip ice cream, and just like that, everything felt right in the world again. Whether it’s a family gathering or a solo Netflix binge session, this treat is perfect for any occasion!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This recipe for mint chocolate chip ice cream offers simple steps that anyone can follow.
Bursting with vibrant flavor, it’s visually appealing with its bright green hue and dark chocolate specks.
You can easily customize it to suit your taste buds—add more mint or even some crushed cookies for extra crunch!
Perfect for cooling off on hot days or impressing guests at parties.

I still remember my friend’s face when he took his first bite—it was pure joy!

Recipe preparation

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Fresh Mint Leaves: Use bright green leaves for maximum flavor; they should be fragrant and vibrant.
Granulated Sugar: This helps enhance the sweetness; adjust based on your taste preference.
Heavy Cream: Opt for high-fat content to achieve that rich, creamy texture everyone loves.
Whole Milk: Adds smoothness; feel free to use low-fat if that’s more your style.
Chocolate Chips: Dark or semi-sweet chips are best; they add a lovely contrast to the sweet mint flavor.
Vanilla Extract: A dash of vanilla complements the other flavors beautifully; don’t skip it!
Peppermint Extract: This packs an extra punch of minty goodness; adjust according to your preference.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

Start by gathering all your ingredients so you’re ready to create this delightfully cool treat.

Create the Mint Base: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine whole milk and granulated sugar until dissolved. Stir occasionally until it’s warm but not boiling.

Add Fresh Mint: Toss in fresh mint leaves and let them steep while cooling down. The longer they sit, the stronger the flavor becomes—about 30 minutes should do nicely.

Strain the Mixture: After steeping, strain out the mint leaves using a fine mesh sieve. Don’t forget to press them gently to extract all that delicious flavor!

Mix in Cream and Extracts: Add heavy cream, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract into the strained mixture. Whisk until well combined—your kitchen will smell heavenly!

Chill Time!: Cover the mixture and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight if possible. This step allows all those flavors to meld together beautifully.

Churn Away!: Pour your chilled mixture into an ice cream maker following manufacturer instructions. Churn until it thickens—this usually takes about 20-25 minutes.

Add Chocolate Chips: Once churned, fold in the chocolate chips gently but thoroughly—your taste buds will thank you later!

Freeze Until Firm: Transfer your ice cream into an airtight container and freeze for at least 4 hours before serving. Patience is key here!

And there you have it—a delightful batch of homemade mint chocolate chip ice cream! Enjoy scooping this frozen treat into bowls or cones while basking in nostalgia.

You Must Know

The creaminess of your base is crucial; use full-fat dairy for the best texture.
I learned this the hard way after a watery disaster that tasted like regret.
Add fresh mint leaves to enhance the mint flavor, making it fresher and more vibrant.
I once used extract only and ended up with a green monster that tasted like toothpaste!
Chill your mixture thoroughly before churning; it leads to a smoother finish.
Trust me, impatiently churning a warm mixture is an ice cream crime.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by heating the milk and cream together, then steep in fresh mint leaves before straining. This method ensures a rich mint flavor while avoiding any gritty bits in your ice cream.

Serving and storing

Add Your Touch

Consider swapping out chocolate chips for dark chocolate chunks or even white chocolate for a sweeter twist. You could also sprinkle in some crushed Oreos for an unexpected crunch!

Storing & Reheating

Store your mint chocolate chip ice cream in an airtight container to prevent freezer burn. For best results, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before scooping.

Chef's Helpful Tips

Use only fresh mint leaves to achieve a more authentic flavor profile that elevates your ice cream.
Don’t rush the chilling process; it’s key to getting that creamy texture we all love.
If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding crushed candy canes for extra holiday flair!

I remember the first time I made homemade ice cream; my friends devoured it in seconds and begged for the recipe. Their smiles were worth every minute spent churning!

FAQs

FAQ

What is the best way to store mint chocolate chip ice cream?

Store in an airtight container to keep it fresh and avoid freezer burn.

Can I use peppermint extract instead of fresh mint?

Yes, but use sparingly as it can be overpowering compared to fresh mint.

How long will homemade ice cream last in the freezer?

Homemade ice cream can last about two weeks if stored properly in an airtight container.