This Easy Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream is a cool treat that’s full of fresh mint flavor and yummy chocolate chips. Perfect for hot days or just because!
Making this ice cream is a breeze! I mix everything together, freeze, and it’s like a minty dream come true. Trust me, you’ll want to share… or maybe not! 😉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Heavy Cream: This gives the ice cream a rich and creamy texture. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or a combination of milk and cream, but the texture may not be as creamy.
Whole Milk: Provides the liquid base. 2% milk can be a good substitute if you’re aiming for a lighter treat, though the ice cream may be slightly less creamy.
Peppermint Extract: Pure peppermint extract gives that bold mint flavor. In a pinch, you could use mint extract, but be aware it’s generally stronger, so start with a little less.
Chocolate Chips: Mini chocolate chips are great for smaller bites, but you could use regular chocolate chips or even chopped chocolate bars for a different texture. Dark chocolate or white chocolate chips are delicious alternatives too!
How Do You Get the Best Texture When Making Ice Cream?
The chilling step is critical for a smooth texture. Make sure your mixture is really cold before churning in the ice cream maker. This helps incorporate air and reduce ice crystallization.
- Chill your mixture for at least 1-2 hours. Overnight is even better!
- Churn the ice cream according to your machine’s instructions to get it as fluffy as possible.
- Don’t skip the freezing step after churning. This lets it solidify to a scoopable consistency.
How to Make Easy Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp pure peppermint extract
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
- Green food coloring (optional, about 5-6 drops)
- 1 cup mini chocolate chips or regular chocolate chips
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus at least 1-2 hours for chilling and another 2 hours for freezing after churning. So, overall, it’s ready in about 4 hours, but most of this time is waiting for it to chill and freeze!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Ice Cream Mixture:
In a large bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, salt, whole milk, peppermint extract, vanilla extract, and green food coloring (if you’d like a fun minty green color). Make sure the sugar is fully dissolved, so the ice cream turns out smooth.
2. Add the Cream:
Now, stir in the heavy cream and mix everything together until it’s well combined. This creates a rich and creamy base for your ice cream.
3. Chill the Mixture:
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid, and pop it into the refrigerator. Chill the mixture for at least 1-2 hours so it’s nice and cold before churning.
4. Churn the Ice Cream:
Once chilled, pour the mixture into your ice cream maker. Churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions, which usually takes about 20-25 minutes. You’ll see it start to thicken and turn into ice cream!
5. Add Chocolate Chips:
During the last few minutes of churning, carefully add the chocolate chips. This way, they’ll be evenly distributed throughout the ice cream.
6. Freeze to Firm Up:
Transfer the soft ice cream to an airtight container. Smooth the top with a spatula, and cover it tightly. Put it in the freezer for at least 2 hours to firm up until it’s scoopable.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Once the ice cream is firm, scoop it into cones or bowls. Enjoy your delicious homemade mint chocolate chip ice cream! Perfect for a hot day or a sweet treat anytime!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Low-Fat Milk Instead of Whole Milk?
Yes, you can substitute low-fat milk or even almond milk for whole milk if you’d like a lighter version. Just keep in mind that using lower fat dairy products may result in a slightly less creamy texture.
What If I Don’t Have an Ice Cream Maker?
No worries! You can still make this ice cream without a machine. Pour the mixture into a shallow dish and freeze it for about 1 hour. Stir it vigorously with a fork every 30 minutes until it reaches a creamy consistency. Repeat until it’s firm enough to scoop, about 3-4 times.
How Should I Store Leftover Ice Cream?
Store your leftover mint chocolate chip ice cream in an airtight container in the freezer. It can last for about 2-3 weeks, but it’s best enjoyed within the first week for optimal flavor and texture!
Can I Add Other Mix-Ins?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize your ice cream. Crushed Oreos, brownie bits, or even crushed peppermint candies would be delicious additions. Just be sure to mix them in during the last few minutes of churning!
