Name: Chocolate Chip Mint Ice Cream
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 4 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups heavy cream; 1 cup whole milk; ¾ cup granulated sugar; 1 tsp peppermint extract; 1–2 drops green food coloring (optional); ½ cup mini chocolate chips; Pinch of salt

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When I’m craving something cool, creamy, and just a little bit nostalgic, I turn to this Chocolate Chip Mint Ice Cream. It’s a classic flavor that never goes out of style—and when I make it at home, I get to control everything: the richness, the mint level, and of course, how much chocolate goes in (the answer is always plenty). This refreshing dessert is the perfect way to chill out on a hot day or end a meal on a bright, minty note.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s the perfect combination of light and indulgent. Each scoop delivers a refreshing peppermint chill with sweet bursts of chocolate crunch, all wrapped in a silky, rich texture. Here’s why it’s a keeper:

Cool and creamy with a fresh minty taste
Loaded with crunchy mini chocolate chips
Easy to make at home with simple ingredients
A hit with both kids and adults
Perfect for summer (or mint lovers year-round)

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 cups heavy cream
1 cup whole milk
¾ cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon peppermint extract
1–2 drops green food coloring (optional)
½ cup mini chocolate chips
A pinch of salt

Directions

Mix the Ice Cream Base:
I whisk together the heavy cream, whole milk, sugar, peppermint extract, food coloring (if using), and a pinch of salt in a large bowl until the sugar dissolves completely.
Churn the Ice Cream:
I pour the mixture into my ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions. It usually takes about 20–25 minutes to reach a soft-serve consistency.
Add the Chocolate Chips:
In the last few minutes of churning, I add the mini chocolate chips. This ensures they’re evenly distributed without clumping.
Freeze Until Firm:
I transfer the churned ice cream to an airtight container, smooth out the top, and freeze it for at least 4 hours until scoopable.
Scoop and Serve:
I serve it in bowls or cones, and let the bright, fresh mint flavor and crunchy chocolate bits do all the talking.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields 4 to 6 servings and takes about 30 minutes of active time, plus at least 4 hours of freezing. It’s a great make-ahead treat that’s always ready when I want something cool and sweet.

Variations

I like to change it up depending on my mood or what I have in the pantry:

Use dark chocolate chunks for deeper, richer bites
Add crushed peppermint candies for a winter spin
Fold in Oreo crumbs for a cookies-and-mint mashup
Leave out the green food coloring for a natural white mint look
Mix in swirls of hot fudge before freezing for a decadent twist

Storage/Reheating

Freeze: I store the ice cream in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
Soften before scooping: Let it sit at room temperature for 5–10 minutes for easy serving.
Do not re-freeze melted ice cream—it affects the texture.

FAQs

Do I need an ice cream maker?

Yes, for the creamiest results. But if I don’t have one, I freeze the mixture in a shallow pan and stir every 30 minutes until it reaches a scoopable consistency (about 2–3 hours).

Can I use spearmint instead of peppermint extract?

I recommend sticking with peppermint for a cleaner, fresher flavor. Spearmint can be too sweet and subtle.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes! I substitute coconut cream and almond milk or oat milk for the dairy. The texture is slightly different, but still delicious.

Can I skip the food coloring?

Absolutely. It’s just for that classic green look—leaving it out doesn’t change the flavor at all.

What’s the best way to keep chocolate chips from sinking?

Adding them in the last 2–3 minutes of churning helps them stay evenly distributed.

Conclusion

Chocolate Chip Mint Ice Cream is one of those flavors that always hits the spot. Cool, sweet, and just a little indulgent, it’s the ultimate refreshment for hot days, cozy nights, or whenever I want a dessert that’s equal parts fun and delicious. Once I started making this at home, I never looked back. With simple ingredients and a bright, bold flavor, it’s one frozen treat I’ll keep coming back to.