Description

This homemade Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream is a creamy, refreshing treat bursting with cool mint flavor and rich chocolate chips. Made with a combination of cream cheese, heavy cream, and mint extract, this easy-to-make dessert can be churned in an ice cream maker or simply frozen while stirring regularly, resulting in a smooth and deliciously minty ice cream perfect for warm days or anytime you crave a classic favorite.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

3/4 cup sugar
4 oz cream cheese, softened
Pinch of salt
1 cup cold milk
2 cups cold heavy cream
1 1/2 tsp mint extract
4 oz semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
2 drops green food coloring

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Instructions

Blend sugar and cream cheese: In a mixing bowl, blend the sugar and softened cream cheese together until the mixture is smooth and creamy, ensuring no lumps remain.
Add mint extract, salt, and food coloring: Mix in the mint extract, a pinch of salt, and green food coloring until all ingredients are well combined for vibrant color and flavor.
Incorporate milk and cream: Gradually add cold milk and heavy cream to the mixture, stirring thoroughly until everything is fully incorporated and smooth.
Churn or freeze the mixture: Pour the ice cream base into an ice cream maker and churn following the manufacturer’s instructions. If you don’t have an ice cream maker, transfer the mixture to a freezer-safe container and freeze, stirring every 30 minutes to prevent ice crystals and ensure a creamy texture.
Add chopped chocolate: During the last few minutes of churning or just before the final stir if freezing manually, fold in the chopped semi-sweet chocolate to distribute crunchy chocolate chips evenly throughout the ice cream.
Freeze until firm: Transfer the churned ice cream to an airtight container and freeze for several hours or overnight to allow it to set solid and develop its flavors fully.
Serve: Scoop the ice cream into bowls or cones and garnish with fresh mint leaves for an added touch of color and aroma.

Notes

This recipe requires an ice cream maker for best results, but the no-churn method works as an alternative with regular stirring.
Adjust the amount of mint extract according to your personal preference for mint intensity.
To make it vegan, substitute dairy ingredients with plant-based alternatives such as coconut cream and vegan cream cheese.
Adding a pinch of salt enhances the overall flavor profile by balancing sweetness and mint.
For a stronger green color, safely increase the food coloring drops as desired.