Mint Chocolate Ice Cream – Barefoot in the Kitchen

Homemade mint ice cream made with fresh mint is unlike any other mint chocolate ice cream you’ve tried in the past. It’s cold, creamy, with perfect chocolate chunks, and a softer, fresher mint flavor that might surprise you.

This ice cream reminds me of a dressed-up version of the Andes mints that come with checkout at restaurants.

It’s a known fact that if you give me an idea, I’ll probably turn it into homemade ice cream. I like to think of myself as an ice cream version of “Will it Tea?” with Jimmy Fallon. The challenge for the host is to turn the item into tea and try it.

I’ll rock the “Does It Ice Cream?” challenge. Cheesecake? complete. Apple crisp? Already done. Oatmeal cookies? I found you – that’s awesome. lemon? Yes. Andes Mints—Keep reading, I did.

mint ice cream

As you know, I love a good peppermint ice cream, and this Peppermint Pop Ice Cream is proof of that during the Christmas season. However, homemade mint ice cream made with fresh mint? This is a whole new level of mint ice cream game and I’m here to savor every bite.

Let’s talk about mint in ice cream. I’m a big user of fresh mint whenever possible. Many ice cream recipes use peppermint oil or peppermint extract, which are not bad, but this time I wanted something different.

As I mentioned before, you need to be careful when adding peppermint extract to recipes, usually starting with 1/16 or 1/8 teaspoon. You’ll soon have a dessert that tastes like toothpaste!

The refreshing flavor created by soaking mint leaves has no such effect at all. It’s a completely different mint flavoring when used this way. Pineapple Mint Ice Cream was the first time I made a frozen treat with fresh mint, and I fell in love with it at first bite.

Use fresh mint, my friends! It’s always worth it. Grab a handful and let’s make some ice cream.

Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream

I’ve loved mint chocolate chip ice cream for longer than I can remember. This version? Chocolate chunks that completely melt in your mouth? This is perfect.

The bright flavor of fresh mint is unlike any other mint ice cream I’ve tried. I still love traditional mint chip ice cream, but this? It holds a special new place in my heart.

If you’re looking for an ice cream maker to help cope with the heat this summer, rest assured, I’ve done the homework for you. Check out our full reviews of everything from ice cream makers to scoops here and you’ll find my favorites.

If you have leftovers, these double-wall freezer containers will keep your ice cream fresh and scoopable in the freezer.

The most common question I get is whether it is possible to make ice cream without a machine. The answer is yes. Make ice cream without a machine. Find full directions here!

Mint Ice Cream Recipe

To make the ice cream, place the cream, milk and mint in a saucepan over medium heat. When it starts to steam, remove the pot from the heat. Let the mixture sit and steep for 20 minutes.

Place a fine mesh strainer over a bowl or pitcher and pour the mixture through the strainer into the bowl. Discard mint leaves. Pour the strained mixture back into the pot and add the sugar and salt.

Return to the stove and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar dissolves, about 2-3 minutes. Cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.

Stir the cold ice cream mixture again and pour into the ice cream maker. Stir according to manufacturer’s instructions.

Mint Chocolate Ice Cream

You will prepare the chocolate chunks for the ice cream while the ice cream is being churned. To do this, combine the chocolate chips and coconut oil in a small glass bowl. Microwave for 1 minute. Remove from microwave and stir until smooth. If needed, heat for an additional 20-30 seconds. Blend until smooth.

Let the chocolate cool slightly at room temperature while the ice cream finishes churning. (If it sets too much to drizzle while waiting, reheat for 10-15 seconds and stir again.)

When the ice cream is finished churning. Transfer about one-third of the ice cream to an airtight container and drizzle over about one-third of the melted chocolate. Repeat twice. Freeze until ready to serve.

Homemade Ice Cream Recipe

The best part about making ice cream at home is that once you perfect the basic recipe, you can tweak it with a variety of flavors and add-ons. Here’s a recipe for the best (and easiest) ice cream you’ll ever make to get you started.

I added chunks of brownie cake, cookie dough, oatmeal cookies, and salted caramel sauce to this ice cream.

Sweet edible cookie dough fills every spoonful of this rich and creamy chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream.

Creamy smooth ice cream packed with buttery popcorn flavor? Is this idea too crazy? Absolutely not. Just try this popcorn ice cream and you’ll become a believer.

Creamy Candy Cane Ice Cream sprinkled with candy cane shards is perfect with brownies or topped with chocolate.

Your complete summer guide to making ice cream, discover all the frozen goodness in our ice cream recipe collection.

{Originally published June 21, 2022 – Recipe instructions and photos updated December 13, 2024}

With over 100 ice cream recipes to choose from, there’s sure to be an ice cream for everyone! If you’re new to making ice cream, the best, easiest vanilla ice cream is a great place to start.

These are my favorite inexpensive containers for storing ice cream. They’re perfect for gifting (who doesn’t love homemade ice cream?), storage, reuse, and more.

I now have more ice cream scoops than I can keep track of and they are my absolute favorite. This ice cream spoon does the best job of cutting through hard ice cream and still provides a nice scoop. It’s also one of the cheapest spoons I own, so that gets bonus points.

Don’t miss our ice cream maker reviews and get all the information you need to find the best ice cream maker for your needs. Spoiler alert – our top machines under $50 might surprise you. This really surprised me!