This homemade Mint Chip Ice Cream is cool, creamy, refreshing, and loaded with rich chocolate chips in every bite. Made with a silky mint-flavored custard base and mini chocolate chips folded throughout, this classic frozen dessert delivers the perfect balance of refreshing mint and rich chocolate flavor. Every scoop is smooth, creamy, and packed with refreshing sweetness that melts beautifully on the tongue.
Mint chocolate chip has remained one of the most loved ice cream flavors for generations because of its refreshing mint flavor paired with crunchy chocolate pieces. The flavor became especially popular after Marilyn Ricketts created a mint chocolate dessert called “Mint Royale” for a royal wedding competition in 1973. This homemade version uses real cream, peppermint flavor, and rich chocolate chips to create a dessert that tastes fresher and creamier than store-bought mint chip ice cream.
Ingredients
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 4 large egg yolks
- 2 teaspoons peppermint extract
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 pinch salt
- 1 tablespoon honey or corn syrup for softer texture
- 5 drops green gel food coloring (optional)
- 3/4 cup mini chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup chopped dark chocolate or chocolate chunks
- 2 tablespoons crème de menthe syrup (optional)
Equipments
- Ice cream maker
- Medium saucepan
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Silicone spatula
- Fine mesh strainer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Freezer-safe container
- Electric mixer
- Wooden spoon
Instructions
- Place the mini chocolate chips and chopped chocolate into the freezer while preparing the custard base.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the whole milk, heavy cream, half of the sugar, and salt.
- Place the saucepan over medium-low heat.
- Stir continuously until the sugar completely dissolves.
- Heat the mixture until lightly steamy.
- Do not allow the mixture to boil.
- In a separate mixing bowl, whisk the egg yolks with the remaining sugar.
- Continue whisking until pale and creamy.
- Slowly pour about 1 cup of the warm cream mixture into the egg yolks while whisking constantly.
- Continue whisking carefully to temper the eggs.
- Gradually pour the tempered egg mixture back into the saucepan.
- Return the saucepan to low heat.
- Stir continuously using a silicone spatula while the custard cooks.
- Continue cooking until the custard thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat immediately once thickened.
- Stir in the peppermint extract and vanilla extract.
- Add the honey or corn syrup for a softer texture.
- If desired, add the green food coloring and whisk until evenly combined.
- Adjust the color for your preferred mint shade.
- Pour the custard through a fine mesh strainer into a clean bowl.
- Allow the mixture to cool slightly.
- Cover tightly with plastic wrap.
- Refrigerate the custard base for at least 4 to 6 hours or until completely chilled.
- Freeze your ice cream maker bowl according to manufacturer instructions if required.
- Pour the chilled mint custard into the ice cream maker.
- Churn according to your machine instructions for approximately 25 to 30 minutes.
- The ice cream should become thick and creamy like soft serve.
- During the final few minutes of churning, add the frozen mini chocolate chips and chopped chocolate.
- Mix until evenly distributed throughout the ice cream.
- Transfer the churned ice cream into a freezer-safe container.
- Smooth the top evenly using a spatula.
- Sprinkle additional chocolate chips on top if desired.
- Cover tightly with a lid or plastic wrap.
- Freeze for an additional 3 to 4 hours until firm.
- Allow the ice cream to soften slightly before scooping.
- Serve cold and enjoy the refreshing mint flavor with crunchy chocolate pieces.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Chill Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 50 minutes
- Servings: 8
- Cuisine: American
- Course: Dessert
Nutrition Information (Approximate)
- Calories: 355 kcal
- Protein: 5 g
- Carbohydrates: 31 g
- Fat: 24 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Sugar: 27 g
- Sodium: 105 mg
Flavor Profile Breakdown
- Cool refreshing mint flavor
- Rich creamy custard texture
- Crunchy chocolate chip bites
- Smooth velvety consistency
- Balanced sweet and minty finish
Tips for Best Results
- Chill the custard completely before churning
- Freeze chocolate chips before adding them
- Use peppermint extract for classic mint flavor
- Use gel food coloring for vibrant color
- Stir the custard continuously while cooking
- Freeze the ice cream maker bowl overnight
Variations & Substitutions
- Add crushed sandwich cookies for mint cookies and cream
- Use dark chocolate chunks for richer flavor
- Add brownie chunks for extra texture
- Replace peppermint with spearmint extract
- Add fudge swirls for more chocolate richness
- Use dairy-free cream alternatives if preferred
Mistakes to Avoid
- Do not boil the custard mixture
- Avoid adding too much peppermint extract
- Never skip chilling the base
- Do not over-churn the ice cream
- Avoid using warm chocolate chips
- Do not store uncovered in the freezer
Serving Suggestions
- Serve in waffle cones
- Top with chocolate syrup
- Garnish with fresh mint leaves
- Pair with brownies or cookies
- Add whipped cream topping
- Serve with extra chocolate chips
Storage Tips
- Store in an airtight freezer-safe container
- Keep frozen for up to 2 weeks
- Press plastic wrap directly onto the surface
- Allow to soften slightly before scooping
- Keep away from freezer door temperature changes
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Cool refreshing mint flavor
- Loaded with rich chocolate chips
- Ultra-creamy homemade texture
- Better than store-bought ice cream
- Perfect balance of mint and chocolate
- Easy to customize with mix-ins
- Great year-round frozen dessert
- Family-friendly classic flavor
How to Serve
- Scoop into chilled dessert bowls
- Serve in crispy waffle cones
- Pair with chocolate desserts
- Add chocolate drizzle on top
- Serve during parties and gatherings
- Enjoy as a refreshing homemade dessert
FAQs
What is Mint Chip Ice Cream made of?
Mint chip ice cream is made with mint-flavored ice cream and chocolate chips or chocolate chunks.
Why is mint chocolate chip ice cream green?
Green food coloring is often added for appearance, though it is optional.
Who invented mint chocolate chip ice cream?
Marilyn Ricketts is often credited with popularizing it in 1973 with her “Mint Royale” dessert.
Do I need an ice cream maker for this recipe?
An ice cream maker creates the creamiest texture, but manual freezing with stirring also works.
Can I use fresh mint leaves instead of extract?
Yes, fresh mint leaves can be infused into the milk mixture for natural mint flavor.
Why should I freeze the chocolate chips first?
Freezing helps prevent them from melting during mixing.
How long does homemade mint chip ice cream last?
It stays fresh for about 2 weeks when stored properly in an airtight container.
Can I use dark chocolate instead of mini chocolate chips?
Yes, dark chocolate chunks create a richer flavor and texture.
Can I make this recipe without eggs?
Yes, you can make a Philadelphia-style version without egg yolks.
How do I keep homemade ice cream creamy?
Use full-fat dairy, chill the mixture thoroughly, and store it properly in an airtight container.
