The Best Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream (No Churn Recipe)

Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream doesn’t get much better than this easy no churn recipe! With a deliciously smooth and creamy texture and just the right combination of mint and chocolate, this homemade ice cream recipe will have you hooked!

When summertime gets here, we’ve all got ice cream recipes on the brain! I mean, is there any better dessert for summer? It’s pretty perfect no matter where you live but when you live in Florida like we do, it’s almost a necessity. Give me the choice between a glass of water and an ice cream cone and well, it’s no contest!

From Easy Ice Cream Sandwiches to Harry Potter Butterbeer Ice Cream there’s really no wrong way to eat it. That’s why I’m loving this mint chocolate chip ice cream so much, it’s whole new spin on regular ice cream. The best part? No ice cream maker needed!

The real taste of mint is subtle but SO refreshing and it gives this ice cream the perfect combination of mint flavor that compliments the creamy base and the chocolate. Once you take that first bite, it’s sure to become your favorite ice cream flavor! It is just that great!

💖Why We Love this Recipe

Super easy: This recipe only uses 6 basic ingredients and because it’s a no churn ice cream, it’s super easy to make. You don’t need an ice cream machine, just a saucepan and a glass container!

Mint chip flavor: Between the subtle peppermint flavor and the rich chocolate shavings, you just can’t get any tastier. It’s seriously a match made in heaven!

Better than store-bought: Not only does homemade ice cream taste better, but it also has better ingredients. Ice cream you get at ice cream shops or in grocery stores has preservatives and other ingredients to extend its shelf life. This recipe uses all fresh ingredients.

What’s Needed for this Mint Chocolate Chip Homemade Ice Cream Recipe

• Heavy Cream: Gives the ice cream a creamy texture. Don’t substitute half and half in this recipe.
• Butter: Really add richness to the ice cream base.
• Sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens the ice cream
• Peppermint extract: Make sure it’s peppermint and not just real mint extract. Real mint can have notes of spearmint that will totally change the flavor
• Semi sweet chocolate: You can use your favorite rich chocolatey chips or chop up a bar for chunks of chocolate
• Green food coloring: Gel food coloring it best. It gives the ice cream a pretty light minty green color, like you see at scoop shops, without effecting the way the ice cream taste

How to Make Mint Chip Ice Cream

Step 1: Start by combining two cups heavy whipping cream, sugar and butter in a medium saucepan. Simmer, stirring frequently, until butter melts and sugar dissolves.

Step 2: Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring every few minutes. Pour into a glass container and cool to room temperature.

Step 3: Once it cools, add peppermint extract and green food coloring.

Step 4: Take the remaining two cups of heavy whipping cream and whip until stiff peaks form. 

Step 5: Fold the peppermint mixture into the whipped cream.

Step 6: Gently fold in the shaved chocolate.

Step 7: Freeze and enjoy!

Store in an airtight, freezer-safe container for up to a couple of weeks.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Toppings Go Well with Chocolate Peppermint Ice Cream?

Making a tasty and pretty presentation is easy with these simple toppings:

Whipped Cream: You can use a dollop of cool whip, real whipped cream in the can or even make your own. Everything is better with whipped cream! Garnish with a fresh mint leaf for an extra special touch.
Melted Chocolate Syrup: You can use the ready-made kind you get at the grocery store, or you can make your own. Just drizzle it right over the top of a big scoop of this ice cream for extra chocolatey goodness!
Andes Mints: Nestle one right on the top of the scoop. You could also use Junior Mints, or you could even take a York Peppermint Patty and break it into smaller pieces.
Other toppings: Toasted coconut roasted nuts, such as almonds, cashews, or walnuts are all great and add even more texture and crunch.

Why is My No Churn Ice Cream Icy?

The most common reason homemade ice cream can become icy is because of water content in the dairy products used to make it.

That’s why it is important not to substitute the heavy whipping cream with whole milk, coconut milk or even half and half. Heavy cream has much lower water content and gives a much creamier result.

Can I Make this Recipe Soft Serve Ice Cream?

There are two easy ways to accomplish this. The first is by adding a tablespoon of vodka to the mixture before freezing. You can’t taste it, so it won’t intrude on the flavors in the ice cream.

Another easy, kid-friendly way is to add the mixture to a freezer bag instead of the glass container. When you are ready to serve it, just squeeze the bag a few times to soften it up. The warmth of your hands helps soften it as well. It really is that easy.

Variations and Add-in’s for Homemade

Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream is one of the most popular ice cream flavors but there are a few ways you can change it up and give it a new spin. Here are some great ideas:

• Chocolate Bar: You can cut it into chocolate chunks for more of a mint chocolate chunk ice cream, or you can shave the chocolate bar where there are tiny flecks of chocolate all throughout the ice cream.
• Chocolate chips: Instead of a chocolate bar you can mini chocolate chips. Dark chocolate chip and milk chocolate chips work great. You can also make white mint ice cream by using white chocolate chips.
• Fresh mint: If you love fresh cool mint flavor, you can add just a little bit of chopped fresh mint leaves. It gives it such a nice natural flavor.
• Mini marshmallows: Throw in a handful while you’re mixing everything together before freezing. Kids will LOVE this!
• Natural peppermint oil: For a much stronger peppermint flavor, you can use peppermint oil instead of the extract. Make sure if you are using essential oil, it is food grade.

Want More Frozen Treat Recipes?

• Birthday Cake Milkshake
• Brownie Ice Cream Cake
• Galaxy Ice Cream
• Unicorn Milkshake
• Peppermint Ice Cream with White Chocolate
• Chocolate Mermaid Milkshake
• Strawberry Milkshake
• Orange Creamsicle Milkshake