Catch the sweet scent of fresh mint mingling with rich chocolate chips as it wafts through your kitchen. Imagine taking a scoop of this creamy delight, where the coolness of mint meets the sweetness of chocolate in a frosty embrace that makes your taste buds dance with joy.

Jump to:
- <strong>Essential Ingredients</strong>
- <strong>Let’s Make it together</strong>
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- <strong>FAQ</strong>
- How can I make my mint chocolate chip ice cream healthier?
- Can I use other flavors besides mint?
- How long will my homemade ice cream last?
- 📖 Recipe Card
I remember the first time I made homemade mint chocolate chip ice cream. My kids were running around like caffeinated squirrels, and when I finally scooped out that green goodness, they turned into angels—well, at least for five minutes. Perfect for hot summer days or just when you need a little pick-me-up!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This recipe offers an incredibly refreshing flavor that’s perfect for warm weather.
- It’s surprisingly simple to prepare and can be customized to your liking.
- The vibrant green color makes it visually appealing and adds fun to any gathering.
- Enjoy it in cones or bowls for versatile serving options!
I still chuckle thinking about my friends’ faces when they first tasted this homemade goodness; they were convinced I had some secret culinary wizardry going on.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Fresh Mint Leaves: Choose bright green leaves as they provide the best flavor and aroma.
- Granulated Sugar: Regular sugar works fine here; it helps balance the minty freshness.
- Heavy Cream: Use high-quality heavy cream for a rich and creamy texture.
- Whole Milk: Whole milk adds smoothness and a delightful silkiness to your ice cream.
- Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet chocolate chips are ideal; they melt beautifully against the cool mint.
- Vanilla Extract: A splash enhances the overall flavor, making everything taste even better!
- Salt: Just a pinch brings out all those delicious flavors in this refreshing treat.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Prep Your Mint Infusion: Start by washing about 1 cup of fresh mint leaves. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine 1 cup of heavy cream and 1 cup of whole milk. Gently heat until steaming but not boiling. Add the washed mint leaves and stir well.
Sweeten It Up: Sprinkle in 3/4 cup of granulated sugar while stirring continuously until completely dissolved. Remove from heat and let the mixture steep for at least 30 minutes so those lovely flavors can mingle.
Strain and Chill: After steeping, strain out the mint leaves using a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth; discard them (they’ve done their job). Stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and a pinch of salt before transferring the mixture to a bowl. Cover and chill it in your refrigerator for about 2-3 hours.
Churn Away!: Once chilled, pour your creamy concoction into an ice cream maker according to manufacturer instructions. Churn until you achieve a soft-serve consistency—about 20-25 minutes should do it!
Add Chocolate Chips: In the last few minutes of churning, fold in 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips so they distribute evenly throughout your beautiful green ice cream.
Freeze Until Firm: Transfer your churned ice cream into an airtight container and freeze for at least 4 hours or overnight if you’re feeling patient. The longer it sits, the firmer it will become!
Now grab that scoop because it’s time to enjoy your homemade mint chocolate chip ice cream! Serve it up with some extra chocolate chips on top if you’re feeling adventurous!
This delightful treat is sure to impress friends at gatherings or simply satisfy your sweet tooth after dinner. Don’t forget to share—if you can resist devouring every last bite!
You Must Know
- Fresh mint enhances flavor; it’s vibrant and aromatic, making your ice cream irresistible.
- Chill your mixing bowl and beaters before whipping cream; this helps achieve the perfect airy texture.
- Don’t rush the freezing process.
- Allow your mint chocolate chip ice cream to chill thoroughly for a creamy finish.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by infusing milk with fresh mint leaves on low heat, then mix in sugar before chilling. This sequence ensures the mint flavor fully integrates into your ice cream.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out regular chocolate chips for dark chocolate or even white chocolate chunks. Adding crushed cookies can also elevate your mint chocolate chip ice cream experience!
Storing & Reheating
Store your ice cream in an airtight container to prevent freezer burn. Let it soften at room temperature for about 10 minutes before scooping for easy serving.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Keep your ingredients cold to ensure a creamy texture in your ice cream.
- Use high-quality chocolate for maximum flavor impact.
- Don’t skip the chilling step; it makes all the difference!
I remember that one summer when my friends declared my homemade mint chocolate chip ice cream as “the best ever.” Their enthusiasm made every scoop taste sweeter!
FAQ
How can I make my mint chocolate chip ice cream healthier?
You can substitute heavy cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
Can I use other flavors besides mint?
Absolutely! Try adding vanilla or almond extract for unique variations.
How long will my homemade ice cream last?
Properly stored, it can last up to two weeks in the freezer.
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
Print
Homemade Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 4 servings 1x
Description
Mint chocolate chip ice cream is a creamy, refreshing dessert that combines the coolness of mint with rich chocolate chips, making it a perfect summer treat.
Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh mint leaves
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Wash the mint leaves and combine them with heavy cream and whole milk in a saucepan. Heat gently until steaming but not boiling.
- Stir in granulated sugar until dissolved. Remove from heat and steep for at least 30 minutes.
- Strain out the mint leaves, stir in vanilla extract and salt, then chill in the refrigerator for 2-3 hours.
- Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to instructions until soft-serve consistency is achieved (about 20-25 minutes).
- In the last minutes of churning, fold in chocolate chips.
- Transfer to an airtight container and freeze for at least 4 hours or overnight before serving.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with Greek yogurt.
- Experiment with different chocolate types or add crushed cookies for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Churning
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup (125g)
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 70mg