Homemade Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream with Andes Mints: A Decadent Dream
There’s something truly special about a scoop of homemade ice cream, especially when it combines two of the most beloved flavors: mint and chocolate. And when you elevate that classic combination with the creamy, melt-in-your-mouth delight of Andes Mints, you’re not just making ice cream; you’re crafting an unforgettable dessert experience. This recipe for Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream, generously studded with chopped Andes Mints, proves that you can never, ever have too much mint and chocolate!
Rediscovering the Joy of Homemade Ice Cream
Like many kitchen gadgets, an ice cream maker can sometimes find itself relegated to the back of the cupboard. I’ve owned mine for at least a decade, and I admit, there have been periods—sometimes for three summers straight—when it sat dormant, collecting dust in the storage room. It’s easy to fall into the habit of simply grabbing a gallon of ice cream from the grocery store. In fact, I often keep a container of plain vanilla in the freezer for those emergency cravings, perfect for whipping up a quick milkshake. Since I almost always enhance my milkshakes with other ingredients, a basic, inexpensive vanilla does the trick just fine.
However, despite the convenience of store-bought options, there truly is nothing in this world quite as satisfying as homemade ice cream. The sheer joy comes from knowing exactly what goes into your dessert: fresh milk, rich whipping cream, pure sugar, a touch of salt, and your chosen flavors and mix-ins. It’s about using only the good stuff, free from unnecessary additives or preservatives. This control over ingredients results in a freshness and a depth of flavor that store-bought varieties often struggle to match. Making ice cream at home transforms it from a simple treat into a labor of love, yielding a reward that is undeniably superior.
The Irresistible Allure of Mint Chocolate Chip
Mint Chocolate Chip has always held a special place in my heart as my absolute favorite ice cream flavor. The refreshing coolness of mint perfectly complements the rich bitterness of chocolate, creating a symphony of tastes that is both invigorating and indulgent. And, like many enthusiasts, I’ve always preferred the vibrant green version. There’s just something about that color that makes it look, well, mintier! While food coloring is entirely optional and doesn’t affect the taste, it certainly adds to the visual appeal and classic charm of this beloved flavor.
What truly sets this particular recipe apart and elevates it to legendary status are the Andes Mints. These iconic, foil-wrapped chocolate mint candies are not just any mix-in; they are the secret ingredient that takes this ice cream over the top. When chopped and folded into the creamy mint base, they contribute a unique texture and an intensified burst of minty chocolate flavor that regular chocolate chips simply cannot replicate. The way the Andes Mints slightly melt and become part of the creamy texture is pure bliss, creating pockets of delightful indulgence in every spoonful. Don’t skimp on them – they’re essential for that extra layer of magic!
Crafting Your Perfect Mint Chocolate Creation
Making homemade ice cream, especially this mint chocolate chip masterpiece, is a surprisingly straightforward process that yields incredibly rewarding results. The first step involves gently scalding your milk in a medium saucepan until small bubbles begin to form around the edges. This process helps to dissolve the sugar and salt more effectively, ensuring a smooth, consistent base for your ice cream. Once the milk is scalded, remove it from the heat and stir in the sugar and salt until they are completely dissolved. This is also the time to add your mint extract for that signature refreshing flavor, followed by the rich whipping cream.
The key to exceptionally creamy ice cream lies in ensuring your mixture is thoroughly chilled before it enters the ice cream maker. After combining all the liquid ingredients, refrigerate the mixture for at least 45 minutes, or until it is completely cooled. This cold base is crucial for proper churning and achieving that desirable smooth texture. Once chilled, pour the mixture into your ice cream maker and follow the manufacturer’s directions. Ice cream makers vary, but the general principle involves churning the mixture until it thickens to a soft-serve consistency.
The final, and perhaps most exciting, step is adding the mix-ins. About 10-15 minutes before your ice cream is fully churned and reaches the desired consistency, incorporate the mini chocolate chips and, most importantly, the chopped Andes Mints. The timing is important here; adding them too early might make them sink or break down too much, while adding them too late might prevent them from distributing evenly. The gentle churning at the end ensures that these delightful chocolate mint pieces are perfectly integrated throughout the creamy base, creating pockets of rich flavor and satisfying crunch. Once churned, for a firmer consistency, transfer the ice cream to an airtight container and freeze for a few hours to “ripen.” This allows the flavors to meld and the texture to firm up beautifully, making it perfect for scooping. Get ready to indulge in the ultimate mint chocolate chip experience!
Connect with Chocolate Chocolate and More!
Facebook | Twitter | Google+
Pinterest | instagram
Save your favorite recipes to your personal recipe box with the 
button on all my recipes! Create a Meal Plan with your “favorite” recipes and the ingredients will automatically be added to your own Grocery List!
Mint Chocolate Ice Cream
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 1 1/4 cups sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 1/2 cups whipping cream
- 1 teaspoon mint extract
- 1 cup mini chocolate chips
- 1 cup chopped Andes mints
- 2-3 drops green food coloring – optional
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, gently scald milk until small bubbles begin to form around the edges. Remove from heat immediately. Stir in sugar and salt until completely dissolved. Add the mint extract and whipping cream, stirring well to combine.
- Refrigerate the mixture until it is completely cooled, which typically takes about 45 minutes to an hour. This step is crucial for achieving the best texture during churning.
- Pour the chilled mixture into your ice cream maker. Follow your manufacturer’s directions for churning. Churn until the ice cream reaches a soft-serve consistency.
- Approximately 10-15 minutes before the ice cream is fully churned, add in the mini chocolate chips and the chopped Andes Mint pieces. Continue churning until they are evenly distributed. For a firmer ice cream, transfer to an airtight container and freeze for an additional 2-4 hours.
Notes
This delightful recipe is brought to you by ChocolateChocolateandmore.com
Did you make this recipe?
Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Instagram
More Refreshing Frozen Treats to Enjoy
Craving even more cool and delicious desserts? Here are some fantastic frozen treat ideas to keep you refreshed all year long. From classic ice cream sandwiches to fruity popsicles and delightful no-bake cakes, there’s something here to satisfy every sweet tooth.
Easy Ice Cream Sandwiches: Simple to make with homemade chocolate cookies and your favorite ice cream filling, these are a nostalgic treat everyone loves.
Rich Chocolate Ice Cream (Custard-Based): Indulge in the ultimate chocolate experience with this smooth, creamy ice cream made from a luxurious custard base.
Blackberry & Vanilla Yogurt Popsicles: A healthy and refreshing treat featuring sweet blackberries swirled with creamy vanilla yogurt, perfect for a hot day.
Frozen Whipped Mocha: Turn leftover coffee into a delightful, frosty frappuccino-style drink that’s both energizing and delicious.
Icebox Cake: A simple yet elegant no-bake dessert made with layers of chocolate wafers and whipped cream, perfect for cooling off in summer.
Fat Man’s Delight: Layers of luscious cheesecake filling, creamy chocolate pudding, and cool whip all on a delightful pecan crust, easily adaptable to be lower in sugar.
30 Flavors of Ice Cream Round Up: Explore a comprehensive collection of 30 diverse ice cream recipes, ensuring you’ll never run out of new flavors to try.