Oh, friends, I’m so glad you’re here today! I have to share this with you because it’s one of those recipes that instantly makes you smile. Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream has been my go-to dessert for years, and every time I make it, I’m reminded of why it’s such a classic. Creamy, refreshing, and studded with irresistible chocolate pieces—this treat is a game-changer for hot summer days (or honestly, any day you need a sweet pick-me-up!).

If you love easy, homemade ice cream recipes, you’re in for a treat. Subscribe to my newsletter to have this recipe delivered right to your inbox so you’ll never miss out on creamy goodness again!

Why You’ll Love This Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream

This recipe isn’t just delicious—it’s also surprisingly simple to whip up. You don’t need any fancy ingredients or complicated steps. The fresh mint flavor paired with the richness of cream creates a beautiful balance that’s both refreshing and indulgent.

Creamy texture: No icy crystals here—just smooth and dreamy spoonfuls.
Perfect balance of flavors: Cool mint meets bittersweet chocolate in the best way.
Make-ahead friendly: Freeze it, scoop it, love it whenever!
Customizable: Adjust the mint strength, chocolate chunk size, or even add a swirl of fudge!

Table of Contents

What Does Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Taste Like?

Imagine the cool, invigorating flavor of fresh mint blended into a rich, creamy base—each bite refreshes your palate and leaves you craving more. Add in chunks of chocolate that melt slightly as you savor them, and you’ve got a dessert that’s anything but boring!!

Benefits of Homemade Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream

Making this ice cream at home has so many perks:

You control the ingredients (no artificial flavors unless you want to use extract).
You can tweak the sweetness and chocolate ratios to your liking.
Homemade just tastes fresher—and you can brag about making it from scratch!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to make the magic happen:

2 cups heavy cream
1 cup whole milk
¾ cup granulated sugar
Pinch of salt
1 teaspoon pure peppermint extract (or fresh mint leaves steeped in milk)
3–4 drops green food coloring (optional, but fun!)
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate, finely chopped or mini chips

Tools Needed for Preparation

You won’t need much—just a few kitchen basics:

Mixing bowls
Whisk
Saucepan (if infusing with fresh mint)
Ice cream maker (optional, but recommended)
Freezer-safe container

Ingredient Additions and Substitutions

Want to mix things up? Try these ideas:

Swap semi-sweet chocolate for dark chocolate or white chocolate.
Use coconut milk instead of whole milk for a dairy-free version.
Add crushed peppermint candies for extra crunch.
Fold in brownie chunks for a decadent twist!

How to Make Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream

Here comes the fun part—let’s make this creamy dream!

Step 1: Prepare the Base

In a medium bowl, whisk together the milk, sugar, and salt until the sugar dissolves. Stir in the heavy cream and peppermint extract. (If using fresh mint, heat the milk with mint leaves, steep, strain, and cool.)

Step 2: Chill

Cover and refrigerate the mixture for at least 2 hours or overnight—this step is key to a smooth texture!

Step 3: Churn

Pour the chilled mixture into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Step 4: Add Chocolate

In the last few minutes of churning, add in the chopped chocolate so it distributes evenly.

Step 5: Freeze

Transfer to a freezer-safe container, cover, and freeze for at least 4 hours or until firm. Scoop and enjoy!

What to Serve with Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream

This ice cream is divine on its own, but you can also:

Serve it on top of brownies for an irresistible dessert.
Sandwich it between chocolate cookies for homemade ice cream sandwiches.
Add a drizzle of hot fudge and whipped cream for a sundae.

Tips for Making the Best Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream

Chill the base well before churning—cold base equals creamy texture.
Use high-quality chocolate for the best flavor.
Don’t overdo the peppermint extract; a little goes a long way!
For softer chocolate pieces, melt the chocolate slightly and drizzle it into the churning ice cream.

Storage Instructions

Store the ice cream in an airtight, freezer-safe container. Press a piece of parchment paper directly on the surface before sealing to prevent ice crystals. It keeps well for up to 2 weeks (if it lasts that long!).

General Information

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Chilling/Freezing time: 6 hours
Servings: About 6

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make this without an ice cream maker?
Yes! Simply pour the mixture into a freezer-safe container, freeze for 30 minutes, stir vigorously, and repeat every 30 minutes until creamy.

Is peppermint extract the same as mint extract?
Not quite—peppermint has a sharper, cooler flavor, while mint extract often contains spearmint as well. Either works depending on your taste preference.

Can I use chocolate syrup instead of chocolate pieces?
You can swirl it in for a different texture, but for classic mint chip, chopped chocolate is best.

Conclusion

Making Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream at home is such a rewarding experience. You get that creamy, cool, and chocolatey goodness without any artificial extras. Plus, you can personalize it to your heart’s content! So grab your ingredients and give it a try—I promise you’ll fall in love with every scoop.

If you loved this recipe, don’t miss my other ice cream-inspired desserts—like Peach Ice Cream and Butterscotch Ice Cream.

I’d love to hear how your Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream turns out! Leave a review in the comments, and don’t forget to share your photos on Pinterest so we can all admire your delicious creation.

Go ahead—grab a spoon and dive in!