Green Mint Chocolate Chip

My nephew announced he was scared of mint until I made this, claiming it tasted like toothpaste. I challenged him to one spoonful, and then watched in amusement as he went back for fourths. The bright green swirl and chocolate chunks won him over instantly.

Last summer I set up a little ice cream station at a backyard gathering, scooping this into sugar cones while kids ran through sprinklers. Something about watching it melt slightly in the July heat made every bite taste like pure childhood magic.

Ingredients

• Heavy cream and whole milk: The dairy combination creates that luxurious custard base that feels like velvet on your tongue
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens perfectly while helping the yolks create that silky structure we want
• Egg yolks: Four yolks might seem like a lot, but theyre what transform this from frozen milk into real ice cream
• Peppermint extract: Pure extract gives that clean, cool mint flavor without any artificial aftertaste
• Vanilla extract: A quarter teaspoon rounds out the mint and adds depth behind the cooling sensation
• Green food coloring: A few drops create that classic mint chip look everyone expects
• Semisweet chocolate chips: Chopping them slightly creates varied chocolate sizes throughout every scoop

Instructions

Warm the dairy base:

Combine cream, milk, and half the sugar in a saucepan over medium heat until you see steam rising but bubbles havent formed yet

Prepare the yolks:

Whisk egg yolks with remaining sugar until they turn pale yellow and fall from the whisk in thick ribbons

Temper the eggs:

Slowly stream about one cup of hot milk into the yolks while whisking furiously to prevent scrambling

Cook the custard:

Return everything to the saucepan and stir over low heat until it coats the back of your spoon and leaves a clear line when you drag your finger through it

Add the flavor:

Remove from heat immediately and stir in peppermint, vanilla, and food coloring until the color is evenly distributed

Chill thoroughly:

Pour through a fine mesh sieve into a bowl, cover, and refrigerate at least four hours or until completely cold

Churn it up:

Freeze according to your ice cream makers directions, adding chocolate during the final two minutes of churning

Set the texture:

Transfer to a freezer container and freeze for two hours before scooping

Pin Recipe

My friend who swears she hates dessert took one bite during game night and proceeded to eat straight from the container. Watching someone completely change their mind about mint ice cream is the kind of kitchen victory I live for.

Making It Naturally Green

Blend a handful of fresh spinach with the milk before heating, then strain it out. The chlorophyll gives a beautiful earthy green that feels less artificial than food dye and nobody will ever taste the difference.

Chocolate Choices

Ive tried every chocolate variation imaginable, from chopped dark chocolate bars to white chocolate chunks and even crushed peppermint candies folded in at the end. Dark chocolate creates the most sophisticated flavor profile that cuts through the sweet cream.

Serving Ideas

This ice cream shines brightest when served simply, maybe with a fresh mint leaf garnish if you want to feel fancy. I love scooping it into waffle bowls that have been slightly warmed so the edges start melting immediately.

• Try sandwiching it between homemade chocolate cookies
• Top with hot fudge while the ice cream is still soft
• Serve alongside a warm brownie for temperature contrast

Pin Recipe

Theres something about homemade mint chip that feels like a small act of love, even when youre just scooping it for yourself on a Tuesday evening.

Recipe FAQs

→ How is the green color naturally achieved?

The green hue comes from natural food coloring or by blending in fresh spinach leaves with the milk mixture, then straining before cooking.

→ What ensures the smooth texture of this dessert?

Cooking the egg yolk custard base gently and straining it before chilling helps achieve a creamy, lump-free texture.

→ When should chocolate chips be added?

Chopped chocolate chips are folded in during the last few minutes of churning to keep their texture and distribute them evenly.

→ Can the sweetness be adjusted?

Yes, the sugar amount can be modified to taste, balancing the refreshing mint with preferred sweetness levels.

→ What equipment is needed to make this dessert?

You'll need a saucepan, mixing bowls, whisk, fine mesh sieve, an ice cream maker, freezer-safe container, and a wooden spoon.

→ Are there alternatives to chocolate chips used here?

Yes, white chocolate chips or crushed peppermint candies can be used for variation in flavor and texture.