Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Recipe

The One Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Recipe You’ll Crave All Summer

There’s something about mint chocolate chip ice cream that instantly takes me back to summer days as a kid—feet dangling from a porch swing, sun warming my cheeks, and a big scoop of cool, creamy mint chip in my hand. It’s nostalgic, comforting, and incredibly refreshing.

But here’s the truth: not all mint chocolate chip ice cream is created equal. Some are too artificial, others too icy, and store-bought brands just never quite hit that “perfect” note. That’s why, after testing, tweaking, and (happily) tasting so many batches, I’m finally sharing the one mint chocolate chip ice cream recipe you’ll crave all summer. It’s rich, velvety, and speckled with just the right amount of chocolate crunch—and it’s so easy to make at home.

Whether you’ve got a fancy ice cream maker, a Ninja Creami, or just a simple hand mixer and some freezer space, this recipe is designed for anyone who loves a cold, refreshing treat that looks as good as it tastes. So let’s dive into the best homemade dessert of the season.

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Why You’ll Crave This Ice Cream All Summer

When the temperatures soar and you're daydreaming about something icy and indulgent, this mint chocolate chip ice cream delivers on every level:

It’s cold and creamy without being heavy.

The mint flavor is bright, not overpowering—like a cool breeze on a hot afternoon.

The chocolate? Rich and crunchy with every bite.

It’s aesthetic enough for your Instagram feed.

Most importantly—it’s truly the best balance of refreshing, sweet, and nostalgic.

Whether you’re planning a summer party, entertaining kids, or just craving a late-night scoop (we’ve all been there), this ice cream has you covered.

The Best Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Recipe (With Exact Measurements)

This recipe is crafted to be easily adapted for various ice cream machines—including the Ninja Creami, traditional churn-style makers, or even a no-churn version if you don’t have any equipment.

Ingredients:

2 cups heavy whipping cream

1 cup whole milk

¾ cup granulated sugar

1 teaspoon peppermint extract (NOT mint extract—it’s a different flavor)

½ teaspoon vanilla extract

1–2 drops green food coloring (optional, for that classic mint chip look)

¾ cup mini semi-sweet chocolate chips or finely chopped dark chocolate

Pinch of salt

This base gives you the creaminess of a custard without the fuss of egg yolks or tempering—easy, fast, and rich.

How to Make Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream (With or Without a Machine)

Option 1: Using an Ice Cream Maker

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine cream, milk, sugar, peppermint extract, vanilla extract, salt, and optional food coloring.

2. Whisk until the sugar dissolves completely.

3. Pour the mixture into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions (typically 20–30 minutes).

4. About 5 minutes before it’s done, add in the chocolate chips.

5. Transfer to a lidded container and freeze for at least 4 hours to firm up.

Option 2: Using a Ninja Creami

1. Mix all ingredients (except chocolate chips) until smooth.

2. Pour into a Ninja Creami pint container and freeze for 24 hours.

3. Process on the “Ice Cream” setting.

4. Stir in the chocolate chips after blending, then re-spin if needed.

Option 3: No-Machine (No Churn)

1. Whip 2 cups heavy cream until stiff peaks form.

2. In a separate bowl, mix sweetened condensed milk (14 oz can), peppermint extract, vanilla, and optional coloring.

3. Fold the whipped cream into the condensed milk mixture.

4. Stir in chocolate chips, pour into a loaf pan, and freeze for at least 6 hours.

Tips for Creamy Texture & Perfect Flavor

Start cold: Chill your mixture in the fridge before churning for best results.

Use real peppermint extract: Avoid “mint” or spearmint—it can taste like toothpaste.

Don’t over-churn: It’ll cause the mixture to become icy or buttery.

Freeze it flat: Store in a shallow container for faster and more even freezing.

3 Amazon Product Recommendations to Elevate Your Ice Cream Game

1. Ninja Creami Deluxe Ice Cream Maker

Why I Love It: This machine changed my summer dessert game. It’s sleek, easy to use, and perfect for those who want ice cream on demand. I especially love how you can customize mix-ins and it only takes a few minutes to spin out creamy results after freezing.

Great For: Women who want flexibility—this works for smoothies, milkshakes, and sorbet too!

Grab the Ninja Creami Deluxe here on Amazon

2. Ghirardelli Chocolate Chips

Why I Love It: Ghirardelli’s quality makes all the difference. These mini chips melt just enough in your mouth without disappearing in the churn. The flavor is rich and slightly bitter, balancing out the sweet minty base.

Great For: That classic mint-chocolate crunch in every bite.

Stock up on Ghirardelli chips here on Amazon

3. DOWAN Ceramic Dessert Bowls – Set of 6

Why I Love It: Let’s talk aesthetic. These pastel-colored ceramic bowls make every scoop look straight out of a Pinterest board. They’re dishwasher-safe, microwave-safe, and stackable, too.

Great For: Hosting summer get-togethers or just treating yourself in style.

Add to cart on Amazon here

Fun Ways to Serve It This Summer

This isn’t just a scoop-and-go kind of ice cream—it’s a whole vibe. Here are a few fun serving ideas that’ll elevate your dessert game:

Mint Chip Ice Cream Sandwiches: Use thin chocolate cookies for a chewy, minty delight.

Frozen Dessert Cups: Layer crushed Oreos, mint chip ice cream, and whipped cream in mason jars.

Sundae Bar for Girls’ Night: Set up bowls of toppings—think fudge sauce, sprinkles, and crushed Andes mints.

Waffle Cone Bowls: Extra crunch + aesthetic gold.

Snap a picture, tag it on Instagram, and make your feed as refreshing as your freezer.

Chef’s Notes: Why This Is the Only Mint Chip Recipe You’ll Ever Need

After years of tweaking, here’s what I’ve learned:

Skip the egg yolks. Unless you're going full custard, a Philadelphia-style base (no eggs) gives you silky texture without the fuss.

Add the chocolate at the end. If you add it too early, it sinks or gets gritty.

Chill everything. Even your container. A colder start = smoother finish.

Don’t overthink it. The beauty of homemade ice cream is in the small imperfections—and the fact that you made it with love.

Every time I make this mint chocolate chip ice cream, I think of how far I’ve come from my first gritty, overly minty attempts. Now it’s one of those recipes I keep returning to—especially when the weather warms up, or a friend pops by and asks, “You got any of that mint chip left?”

Final Thoughts

If you're looking for that one recipe to carry you through this summer—something easy, aesthetic, and absolutely refreshing—this is it. Whether you're enjoying it straight from the tub or scooping it into a cute bowl for a backyard get-together, this mint chocolate chip ice cream recipe delivers all the cold, creamy joy you’re craving.

And honestly? The fact that it’s homemade makes it even sweeter.

So go ahead—grab your maker (or just your freezer space), gather your ingredients, and make this the summer of the best dessert you’ve ever made.