When the weather forecast calls for days of single-digit temperatures and you're home from work because of a crazy amount of ice, you bundle in your warmest sweats and snuggly fleece slippers and make...ice cream, obviously.
Specifically double chocolate mint chip ice cream. Equal parts brrrrrr/mmmmm.
Asking me to pick a favorite ice cream flavor is kind of like asking me to choose a favorite pie flavor. Not gonna happen. Cookies and cream? Yes please. Strawberry with mega chunks of strawberries swirled in? You bet. Coffee? I'll take a big bowl withagallonofchocolatesyrup. Edy's-slash-Dreyer's makes a Slow-Churned Caramel Delight that I'll be obnoxious about and specifically scoop out the caramel swirl. Sorry, friends I share ice cream with. I'm that girl.
Of course, then there's mint chocolate chip. ♥♥ If there's ever a complaint to be had about mint chocolate chip, it's that there could be even MORE chocolate. This homemade version doesn't disappoint. Rich chocolate ice cream is flavored with just the right amount of mint, and there's no food coloring to boot!
This is my favorite homemade ice cream to date. It's super creamy, doesn't call for eggs, and is paaacked full of chocolate flavor. On top of the unsweetened cocoa powder and the dark chocolate chips, there's a smidge of (optional) instant espresso powder mixed in that give all of that chocolate a little extra one-two punch. Pow pow!
To take this rich chocolate ice cream to the next level, all you need is one-eighth teaspoon of pure peppermint extract. It adds a modest mint flavor that pairs perfectly with the chocolate. I promise it's not overpowering, and in NO way will you think you're eating a toothpaste-laden dessert. Blegh.
Up there in my kitchen impulse buy hall of fame is an ice cream maker
This ice cream has officially become our year-round frozen dessert of choice, no matter if we're on the couch bundled in our winter gear to eat it!
Double Chocolate Mint Chip Ice Cream
Ingredients
- 2 cups 1% milk divided
- 4 teaspoons cornstarch
- 1 ¼ cups heavy cream
- ⅔ cup granulated sugar
- 2 Tablespoons agave nectar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ⅓ cup plus 3 Tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon instant espresso powder (optional)
- ⅛ teaspoon pure peppermint extract
- ¾ cup dark chocolate chips
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together ¼ cup of the milk and cornstarch until cornstarch is dissolved. Set aside.
- In a medium saucepan (at least 4 quarts) set over medium to medium-high heat, pour in the remaining 1 ¾ cups milk, cream, sugar, agave nectar, salt, cocoa powder, and espresso powder. Whisk so that ingredients combine and sugar, cocoa powder, and espresso powder dissolve. Let mixture come to a boil, then let cook for a few minutes, occasionally stirring. After 4-5 minutes, pour in the milk/cornstarch mixture and stir. Let mixture come back to a boil and cook for an additional few minutes, stirring throughout until it thickens a bit more.
- Remove saucepan from heat and stir in peppermint extract. Pour into a large plastic bag (or two smaller ones) and seal. Place bags in a bowl of ice water so that ice cream mixture cools quickly. I also placed the ice water bowl in the refrigerator to speed the process up.
- After a few hours or whenever mixture is thoroughly chilled, pour milk/cream mixture into ice cream maker and prepare according to your ice cream maker's directions. Just before ice cream is finished, add chocolate chips. Ice cream will be soft. Transfer ice cream to a container and freeze.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional information is provided as an estimate. As it can vary due to many factors (brands used, quantities, etc.), we cannot guarantee its accuracy.
Food Safety and Nutrition DisclaimerBase recipe adapted from Jeni's Ice Cream Base, as written in Saveur.
Kimberly says
Where can i find chocolate chocolate chip mint ice cream?
Alyssa says
Hi Kimberly, there's a recipe for homemade double chocolate mint chip ice cream in the post above, but I don't think I've ever seen that specific variety for sale in the supermarket.
VReddy says
Ha, It must be nice to know that you're recipe is still inspiring, years after you posted it. I loved read the comments- and your enthusiastic/supportive responses. Nobody likes to eat mint chocolate chip with just guilt for company. hahaha. Thanks for your generousity. Wishing you many cold spoonfuls. Over to the printer, then off to the kitchen =^)
Adrienne says
Wondering if you have ever left out the sugar or if you can increase the agave to replace the sugar? Sugar gives me hives.
Alyssa says
Hi Adrienne, I've never tried this particular recipe without the sugar so I couldn't say for sure what it would do to the consistency. I did a little searching online though and found this recipe that uses solely agave nectar as the sweetener. The technique/ingredients are a little different, but I would imagine you can add instant espresso powder, peppermint extract, and/or dark chocolate chips to get the mint chocolate flavor, too.
Chris @ Shared Appetite says
UHM...... YESSSSSSSSSSSSS! This ice cream. Heck to the freaking yes. And I'm so with you on trying to pick a fave ice cream flavor. It's near impossible. But if I had to... if you made me... I would totally say mint chocolate chip. This ice cream looks so epic!
Alyssa says
Hahaha ice cream is just TOO good to have to pick a favorite. Glad I'm not alone there. 🙂
Kathrin says
This sounds yummy, but I don't think we can get agave nectar here - can I leave this out or what can it be substituted with?
Alyssa says
Thank you Kathrin! Light corn syrup would do the trick if you can't find agave.
Rachel @ Bakerita says
Yes, please!! I am all about this ice cream. It looks so decadently chocolately and I love the mint chips! Pinned 🙂
Alyssa says
Thanks Rachel! The more chocolate the better when it comes to ice cream. 🙂
Denise | Sweet Peas & Saffron says
Ahhh Mint chocolate chip has always been my favorite ice cream flavor and now you've taken it above and beyond!! This looks amazingly delicious!!
Alyssa says
Thanks Denise! Mint chocolate chip is SO one of my favorites, I couldn't resist fancying it up even more. 🙂
Raquel @ My California Roots says
So much yum! I've had super ice cream cravings lately but I've put off making any because of the weather. BUT. Weather or not, I'm going to make some. And this looks so so delicious! I'm so excited!
Alyssa says
Thanks Raquel! I have a hard time resisting my ice cream cravings - they're super strong! 🙂
Helen @ Scrummy Lane says
I totally approve of ice cream in the winter - especially when it's one of my favourite flavours.
Great photo at the top, too!
Alyssa says
Thanks Helen! Ice cream is an all year round treat for us. It's too good not to indulge!
Kathleen @ Yummy Crumble says
This looks amazing! I'm drooling because Mint chocolate chip ice cream is my absolute favorite. Pinned!
Alyssa says
Thanks Kathleen! I have a hard time passing up mint chocolate chip for at least one scoop when we go out for ice cream. Such a great combo!! And thanks for the pin! 🙂
Thalia @ butter and brioche says
Love mint and chocolate ice cream! This looks super creamy, rich and delicious - and i am SO craving a scoop now!
Alyssa says
Thank you Thalia! Chocolate + mint is one of my favorites, too. And then ice cream...perfect! 🙂
Christine @ Cooking with Cakes says
is it weird that I totally LOVE ice cream in the winter? Like I just bought a pint for myself on Weds and it's almost gone lol. totally digging this recipe girrrrl!
Alyssa says
Haha not weird at ALL!! Thanks Christine - hope you have a great weekend!! 🙂
Nostramomous says
OMG great in every way! I'm even thinking about getting one of those ice cream makers. Dangerous thinking that is.
Alyssa says
Thank you! They're dangerous but they're just so good!
Natalie @ Tastes Lovely says
I love making homemade ice cream! It just tastes better. I love this chocolate mint ice cream. Like a thin mint girl scout cookie. I am obsessed with these pictures too Alyssa! The lighting and focus is perfect!
Alyssa says
Ahh thin mint ice cream - yes!! I love them too but I never made the connection. Yes! And you are so sweet, thank you! 🙂
marcie says
Mint chocolate chip is one of my favorite ice creams, and this sounds even better because there's double the chocolate pleasure! And I love that it doesn't use eggs. This I gotta try. 🙂
Alyssa says
Double the chocolate is rarely (if ever!) a bad thing. 🙂 Thanks Marcie!