If you have a soft spot for refreshing desserts that pack a punch of flavor and a hint of nostalgia, then you are going to absolutely adore this Homemade Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Recipe. It’s the kind of treat that feels like a cool breeze on a summer afternoon—refreshing mint infused in silky cream paired perfectly with sweet, crunchy mint chocolate chips. This recipe is not only easy to follow but it also lets you experience the freshest, most vibrant mint flavor possible, elevating your homemade ice cream game to a whole new level. Trust me, once you make it, you’ll wonder why you ever settled for store-bought versions!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every great ice cream starts with a handful of simple yet essential ingredients. Each one here has a role to play—from creating a rich, creamy texture to delivering that perfect fresh mint flavor and a delightful hit of chocolate crunch.
- 2 cups whole milk: Provides the creamy body and smooth mouthfeel essential for any decadent ice cream.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Adds richness and the luxurious texture that makes your ice cream satisfyingly silky.
- ⅔ cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the ice cream just right, balancing the fresh mint’s brightness.
- ½ teaspoon sea salt: Enhances all the flavors, cutting through sweetness and bringing out depth.
- 3 egg yolks: The secret ingredient for a custard base that’s luxuriously smooth and creamy.
- 3 cups fresh mint leaves (about 2 ½ ounces): Infuses the ice cream with bright, garden-fresh mint flavor that’s way better than any extract.
- 4 ounces mint chocolate, chopped (about 1 cup): Adds a cool, minty crunch with every bite, making each spoonful extra special.
How to Make Homemade Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Recipe
Step 1: Whisk Together Your Base
Start by combining the milk, heavy cream, sugar, salt, and egg yolks in a small pot. Whisk everything together until it’s smooth and the sugar begins to dissolve, setting the stage for a perfectly creamy texture.
Step 2: Infuse with Fresh Mint
Add those 3 cups of fresh mint leaves directly into the warm mixture. Heat the pot over medium heat while whisking often, just until it starts to gently simmer. Remove it from the heat and let the mint steep in the mixture for a full hour, allowing those incredible fresh flavors to soak in deeply.
Step 3: Strain and Chill the Cream
Now strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve to remove all the mint leaves. This step ensures your ice cream will be luxuriously smooth with no leafy bits. Pop the rich cream base into the fridge to chill until cold—this is critical for that dreamy, creamy churn.
Step 4: Churn to Creamy Perfection
Pour your chilled mint-infused cream into an ice cream maker. Churn it for about 30 minutes, or until it thickens into the perfect, creamy texture that makes you want to dive right in.
Step 5: Add the Mint Chocolate Crunch
Toss in the chopped mint chocolate chunks into the churning ice cream and let the ice cream maker mix them evenly for about another minute. This will spread those irresistible crunchy chocolate morsels throughout.
Step 6: Freeze and Stir for Ultimate Creaminess
Transfer the churned mix into a large baking dish and place it in the freezer. Every 30 minutes, take it out and use a fork to scrape and stir the frozen edges back into the mix. Repeat this process for at least two hours to keep the texture creamy and prevent ice crystals from forming.
Step 7: Final Mix and Serve
Once your ice cream feels perfectly frozen yet creamy, stir in a bit more chopped mint chocolate for extra texture just before serving. Now you’re ready to enjoy the freshest, most delicious homemade treat!
How to Serve Homemade Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Recipe
Garnishes
Top your mint chocolate chip ice cream with a few fresh mint leaves or a sprinkle of shaved mint chocolate for a beautiful presentation that also enhances the refreshing flavors. A drizzle of chocolate sauce makes it even more indulgent and appealing.
Side Dishes
This ice cream pairs wonderfully with warm desserts like chocolate lava cake or a simple brownie. The cool, minty creaminess perfectly contrasts and complements the rich warmth of baked goods, creating a balanced, satisfying dessert experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve it in a classic waffle cone for a nostalgic touch or alongside a fruity sorbet for a colorful, refreshing summer treat. You can also make mint chocolate chip ice cream sandwiches by pressing the ice cream between two chocolate cookies—what a crowd-pleaser!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any ice cream left (though let’s be honest, that’s tough!), keep it in an airtight container in the freezer. This ensures it stays fresh and prevents any freezer burn or unwanted flavors from sneaking in.
Freezing
When freezing homemade ice cream, maintaining cold temperatures is key. Be sure your freezer is set to 0°F (-18°C) or lower for optimal storage. Stirring periodically during the initial freezing, like in the recipe, makes a world of difference in maintaining a creamy texture.
Reheating
Ice cream is meant to be enjoyed cold, so reheating is not recommended. Instead, simply let your frozen ice cream sit out for a couple of minutes to soften slightly if it’s too hard straight from the freezer, making it scoop-friendly and perfect for eating.
FAQs
Can I use dried mint instead of fresh mint leaves?
Fresh mint is what gives this recipe its signature bright and vibrant flavor, so while you might substitute dried mint in a pinch, it won’t deliver the same freshness and can make the ice cream slightly bitter.
Do I really need an ice cream maker?
An ice cream maker simplifies churning and helps achieve the smooth texture but if you don’t have one, the manual freezing and stirring method described in the recipe will still produce an amazing result.
Can I substitute egg yolks for a vegan or egg-free version?
You can skip the egg yolks or use egg substitutes, but keep in mind the custard base gives the ice cream richness and creaminess that’s hard to replicate without eggs.
How long does homemade mint chocolate chip ice cream keep in the freezer?
For the best flavor and texture, enjoy your ice cream within two weeks, although it can safely keep up to a month if stored properly in an airtight container.
What if I don’t have mint chocolate chips—can I use regular chocolate chips?
Absolutely! Regular chocolate chips work just fine, but the mint chocolate chips add an extra layer of cooling minty chocolate flavor that perfectly complements the mint-infused ice cream.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something truly special about making ice cream at home, especially when it’s as delightfully refreshing and chocolaty as this Homemade Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Recipe. I encourage you to give it a try—you’ll be amazed at how fresh and vibrant the flavors are. Homemade ice cream brings such joy, and sharing a bowl of this with friends or family is simply magic. Dive in, enjoy every spoonful, and savor the love that only homemade treats can bring!
Print
Homemade Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 6-6.5 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Homemade Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream recipe offers a refreshing and creamy treat infused with fresh mint leaves and studded with rich mint chocolate pieces. Using a custard base with egg yolks and a steeping technique, this no-machine-required recipe delivers smooth, flavorful ice cream with a delightful minty crunch. Perfect for cool summer desserts or anytime you crave a classic mint chocolate chip delight.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- â…” cup granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- 3 egg yolks
Mint Flavoring
- 3 cups fresh mint leaves (about 2 ½ ounces)
- 4 ounces mint chocolate, chopped (about 1 cup)
Instructions
- Prepare Custard Base: In a small pot, whisk together the whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, sea salt, and egg yolks until smooth and well combined. Stir in the fresh mint leaves to infuse the flavor.
- Heat Mixture and Steep Mint: Place the pot over medium heat and whisk often to prevent curdling. Heat the mixture until it gently simmers without boiling. Remove from heat and allow the mint leaves to steep in the hot custard for 1 hour to extract maximum flavor.
- Strain and Chill: Strain the custard mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean bowl to remove the mint leaves. Refrigerate the strained custard until completely cold, which helps in achieving a smooth texture when frozen.
- Churn the Base: Pour the chilled custard base into an ice cream maker. Churn for approximately 30 minutes until the texture becomes creamy and thick, resembling soft serve ice cream.
- Incorporate Mint Chocolate: Add the chopped mint chocolate to the ice cream and churn for an additional minute to distribute the pieces evenly throughout the mixture.
- Freeze and Stir: Transfer the churned ice cream to a large baking dish and place it in the refrigerator freezer. Every 30 minutes, use a fork to scrape and stir the edges that start to freeze, mixing them back into the center. Repeat this process for at least 2 hours to achieve a creamy, frozen texture without large ice crystals.
- Final Mix and Serve: Before serving, stir in any remaining chopped mint chocolate for extra texture and flavor. Scoop and enjoy your homemade mint chocolate chip ice cream!
Notes
- Steeping the mint leaves in the hot custard is essential for a fresh and vibrant mint flavor.
- Using an ice cream maker simplifies the churning process, but the manual stirring method ensures no ice crystals form in the freezer.
- Be careful not to boil the custard mixture to prevent curdling the eggs.
- Allow the ice cream to soften slightly after freezing before scooping for the best texture.
- For a more intense chocolate flavor, use high-quality mint chocolate or add extra chips as desired.
