Description
This contest-winning Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream is a creamy, custard-based treat flavored with peppermint and studded with mini chocolate chips. Perfectly refreshing and indulgent, it’s a classic favorite made right at home.
Ingredients
- 1-3/4 cups whole milk
- 3/4 cup sugar
- Pinch of salt
- 3 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1-3/4 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 4 drops green food coloring (optional)
- 1/2 cup miniature semisweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, heat the milk to 175°F. Stir in sugar and salt until fully dissolved.
- Whisk a small amount of the hot milk mixture into the beaten eggs to temper them.
- Return the egg mixture to the saucepan, whisking constantly. Cook over low heat until the custard thickens and coats the back of a metal spoon (about 2–3 minutes) and reaches at least 160°F. Remove from heat.
- Cool quickly by placing the pan in a bowl of ice water. Stir for 2 minutes to reduce temperature.
- Stir in heavy cream, vanilla extract, peppermint extract, and food coloring if using. Press plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the custard and refrigerate for several hours or overnight.
- Stir in the miniature chocolate chips just before churning.
- Pour the chilled mixture into an ice cream maker, filling the cylinder two-thirds full. Freeze according to manufacturer’s instructions.
- Transfer the churned ice cream to a freezer-safe container and freeze for 2–4 hours before serving for best texture.
Notes
- Tempering the eggs properly prevents them from scrambling in the hot mixture.
- Chilling the base thoroughly improves texture and flavor development.
- Food coloring is optional and purely for the traditional green tint.
- Store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 weeks.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Churning
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 243
- Sugar: 19g
- Sodium: 56mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
