Description
This Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream recipe is a creamy, refreshing homemade treat combining cool mint flavor with rich chocolate pieces. Perfectly balanced and easy to make using an ice cream maker, it’s a delightful dessert to enjoy on warm days or any time you crave a sweet, minty dessert.
Ingredients
Scale
Ice Cream Base
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon mint extract
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon green food coloring (optional)
Add-ins
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chunks or mini chocolate chips
Instructions
- Mix the base ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, whole milk, and granulated sugar until smooth and the sugar is fully dissolved to ensure a creamy texture.
- Add flavorings: Stir in the mint extract, vanilla extract, and pinch of salt. If using green food coloring, add it now and mix until the color is evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
- Chill the mixture: Place the mixture into the refrigerator and chill for at least 2 hours or until it is completely cold, which helps with better churning and texture.
- Churn the ice cream: Pour the chilled mixture into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions, approximately 20 to 25 minutes, until it thickens to a soft-serve consistency.
- Incorporate chocolate pieces: During the last 5 minutes of churning, add the semi-sweet chocolate chunks or mini chocolate chips so that they are evenly mixed into the ice cream.
- Transfer and freeze: Spoon the ice cream into an airtight container, smoothing the top. Press a piece of parchment paper directly onto the surface to prevent ice crystals.
- Final freezing: Freeze the ice cream for at least 4 hours or until it becomes firm and scoopable.
- Serve: Before serving, let the ice cream soften slightly at room temperature for easier scooping and a creamier texture.
Notes
- Ensure the ice cream base is thoroughly chilled before churning for the best texture.
- The green food coloring is optional and only used for visual appeal.
- You can substitute chocolate chunks with mini chocolate chips for a slightly different texture.
- Use an airtight container and parchment paper to minimize ice crystal formation during freezing.
- Allow the ice cream to soften for a few minutes at room temperature before scooping to make serving easier.
