Mint chocolate chip ice cream is one of my all-time favorite desserts. There’s something about the cool, refreshing mint flavor combined with the rich, chocolatey taste that just hits the spot. Plus, it’s the perfect summer treat! Let me show you how to make homemade mint chocolate chip with fresh mint!

What is Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream

Mint chocolate chip ice cream is one of the most iconic flavors of ice cream. It’s a beautiful green color with an abundance of chocolate chips throughout. But what exactly is mint chocolate chip ice cream? 

Mint chocolate chip ice cream is typically made with a peppermint or spearmint flavor, and sometimes both. The green color comes from either food coloring or natural mint extract. The chocolate chips are usually milk chocolate, but can be dark or white chocolate as well. 

This ice cream is made with fresh mint leaves making it a refreshing and decadent flavor that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a summertime treat or a wintertime pick-me-up, mint chocolate chip ice cream is sure to hit the spot.

Chocolate Chip Mint Ice Cream Ingredients

For this recipe, you’ll only need 6-ingredients for a creamy delicious ice cream. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Heavy Cream– If you don’t have heavy cream, you can make it. To make 1 cup of cream, mix ¼ cup of melted butter with ¾ cup of milk. 
• Whole milk– Whole milk is best with ice cream. You could use 2%, but it won’t be as thick and creamy. 
• Fresh mint leaves– I think fresh mint leaves give the best minty flavor, but you could also use mint extract if you prefer. 
• Sugar– Use your measuring cup to scoop and pack the sugar. This will ensure you get the correct measurement. 
• Eggs– Eggs can be cold or room temperature for this recipe. 
• Chocolate chips– I use milk chocolate chips, but you can use dark or white chocolate chips as well. 

How to Make Fresh Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream

Ice cream actually isn’t that difficult to make especially if you have an ice cream maker! Follow the steps below for a delicious creamy ice cream!

Step 1: Blend Ingredients

First, place your milk, cream, and mint in a blender or food processor. Pulse until the mint leaves are fully incorporated. 

Step 2: Heat Milk Mixture

Pour the milk mixture into a saucepan and heat it over medium-high heat until it is almost boiling. Then, reduce the heat and simmer for about 7-minutes. 

Step 3: Beat Eggs and Sugar

In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and sugar together until thick and pale. Then, slowly beat the milk into the egg mixture. 

Step 4: Make a Double Boiler

Place the bowl over a saucepan with boiling water to create a double boiler. Allow the mixture to simmer until it coats the back of a spoon. 

Step 5: Remove From Heat

Remove from heat, cover immediately with plastic wrap (so a film doesn’t form).

Step 6: Let it Cool

Allow the ice cream mixture  to cool completely, then refrigerate for at least one hour.

Step 7: Churn the Ice Cream

Once the mixture has chilled, churn it in an ice cream maker for about 15 minutes.Then, add in the chocolate chips just before the ice cream has set – around the last 2-3 minute mark.

Serve immediately or cover and freeze for later. Enjoy!

Do I Need an Ice Cream Maker? 

Having an ice cream maker definitely makes it easier to make ice cream. However, if you don’t have one, it’s actually quite easy to churn ice cream without an ice cream maker.

All you need is a resealable plastic bag, some ice, and some salt. Simply fill the bag halfway with your ice cream mixture, seal it tightly, and then place it in a larger resealable bag filled with ice and salt. Then, simply shake the bag vigorously for about 5 minutes. The salt will cause the ice to melt, creating a slushy mixture that can be easily scooped and served.

Is Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Gluten Free? 

Yes, mint chocolate chip ice cream is typically gluten-free. Most ice cream flavors, including mint chocolate chip, are made with milk, cream, sugar, and eggs. These ingredients are all naturally gluten-free. However, it is always important to check the label to be certain, as some manufacturers may add ingredients that contain gluten.

What Type of Chocolate Do I Need? 

For my recipe, I used milk chocolate chips, but you could use any chocolate chips you prefer. Additionally, you could use chocolate pieces just make sure to chop it into small pieces before adding it to the ice cream base.

How to Store Leftovers 

First, scoop the ice cream into a sealable container, making sure to pack it in tightly. Place a piece of plastic wrap over the top of the ice cream, pressing it down so that there are no air pockets and top with a layer of parchment paper. This ensures that ice crystals don’t form on the surface of the ice cream. Then, put the lid on and place the ice cream in the freezer. 

Mint chocolate chip ice cream will keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, let the ice cream sit out on the counter for about 15 minutes to soften slightly

Other Mint Recipes to Try

• Mint Chocolate Cheesecake
• Double Chocolate Mint Crinkle Cookies
• Mint Muddy Buddies
• Mint Brownie Bark

Other frozen treats to try

Like this recipe?  Be sure to check out:

• Java chocolate chunk ice cream
• No bake frozen strawberry shortcake
• Frozen Tiramisu pie
• Frozen Peach pie
  

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