Easy Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream

By Paula

This Easy Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream is a creamy, refreshing homemade dessert perfect for summer days. Using 2% milk and heavy cream, it has a lighter texture while still being rich and satisfying. The peppermint extract provides a cooling flavor, and the mini chocolate chips add a delightful crunch in every bite. It’s simple to make with an ice cream maker and requires minimal prep time.

Essential Ingredients

To make this classic ice cream, you’ll need:

Dairy Base:
- 2 cups 2% milk
- 2 cups heavy cream
Sweetener & Flavoring:
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 3 drops green food coloring (optional)
Mix-ins:
- 1 cup miniature semisweet chocolate chips

Preparation Steps

Prepare the Base: In a large bowl, stir together milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, peppermint extract, and salt until the sugar is fully dissolved. Mix in green food coloring if desired.
Freeze in Ice Cream Maker: Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and freeze according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Add Chocolate Chips: About 10 minutes into churning, add the mini chocolate chips and continue mixing.
Continue Churning: Let the ice cream churn for another 20 minutes until it thickens.
Freeze Until Firm: Transfer the ice cream to an airtight container and freeze for about 2 hours until it reaches the desired consistency.
Serve and Enjoy: Scoop and enjoy a cool, minty, and chocolatey treat!

Health Benefits

Lighter Texture: The use of 2% milk makes this ice cream less heavy while maintaining creaminess.
Calcium Boost: Provides 120mg of calcium per serving, supporting bone health.
Rich in Antioxidants: Dark chocolate chips contain antioxidants that benefit heart health.
Low Sodium: With only 180mg sodium, this dessert is lower in salt than many store-bought options.

Serving Suggestions

Classic Style: Serve in a waffle cone or bowl for a nostalgic treat.
Ice Cream Sandwiches: Scoop between two chocolate cookies for a homemade ice cream sandwich.
Milkshake: Blend with milk and extra chocolate chips for a creamy mint chocolate chip milkshake.
Garnished with Chocolate Sauce: Drizzle with melted chocolate or hot fudge for extra decadence.

Creative Variations

Dairy-Free Version: Substitute coconut milk and almond milk for a plant-based alternative.
Extra Crunch: Add crushed peppermint candies or chocolate shavings.
Stronger Mint Flavor: Use fresh mint leaves instead of peppermint extract for a natural herbal flavor.
No-Churn Method: If you don’t have an ice cream maker, mix the ingredients and freeze in a shallow pan, stirring every 30 minutes until creamy.

Storage Tips

Keep Airtight: Store in an airtight container to prevent freezer burn.
Use Parchment Paper: Press a layer of parchment paper over the ice cream to maintain freshness.
Best Within 2 Weeks: Enjoy within two weeks for the best texture and flavor.

Pro Tips

Chill the Mixture: For a smoother consistency, chill the base in the refrigerator before churning.
Don’t Overfill the Ice Cream Maker: Leave room for expansion to ensure proper churning.
Mix in Chocolate at the Right Time: Adding chocolate chips too early may cause them to sink to the bottom.
Let it Soften Before Serving: If the ice cream is too hard, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before scooping.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use whole milk instead of 2%?
Yes! Whole milk will make the ice cream richer and creamier.

What if I don’t have an ice cream maker?
You can use a no-churn method by whipping heavy cream and folding it into the mixture before freezing.

Can I use dark chocolate instead of semisweet chocolate chips?
Absolutely! Dark chocolate will give a more intense cocoa flavor.

How do I make it more green naturally?
Blend the base with fresh spinach leaves for a natural green hue without altering the flavor.

Enjoy this Easy Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream, a homemade delight that’s refreshing, creamy, and bursting with cool minty flavor!