Peppermint Chip Ice Cream
Creamy peppermint ice cream with chocolate chips, perfect for festive occasions and hot summer days. Refreshing mint flavor combined with rich cream makes it a delightful treat.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Scald the milk in a saucepan.
- Add sugar and salt to the milk.
- Stir until the sugar and salt are well dissolved.
- Add half and half, vanilla, and whipping cream to the mixture.
- Stir in peppermint extract and green food coloring.
- Cover the mixture and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Freeze the mixture in your ice cream maker according to the manufacturer's instructions.
- Remove the dasher from the ice cream and stir in chocolate chips.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, ensure the milk is scalded properly before adding sugar and salt. If you prefer a less sweet ice cream, reduce the sugar to 2 1/4 cups. You can substitute the whipping cream with a lighter cream if desired, but this may alter the richness. Consider adding crushed candy canes for extra peppermint flavor and crunch.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this delightful peppermint chip ice cream in bowls or cones and top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of crushed peppermint candies. It pairs beautifully with warm desserts like brownies or paired with a slice of Ruth'S 7-Up Pound Cake for a festive treat. Consider using it as a filling for ice cream sandwiches made with Sliced Sugar Cookies.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover ice cream in an airtight container in the freezer. To prevent ice crystals, press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the ice cream before sealing the container. When ready to serve, let the ice cream sit at room temperature for about 5-10 minutes to soften for easier scooping.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Peppermint Chip Ice Cream contains roughly 2022 calories, with 60g protein, 225g carbohydrates, and 118g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (133% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (125% of the Daily Value), and protein (121% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 746mg per serving (32% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use non-dairy alternatives for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute the milk and half and half with non-dairy options like almond milk or coconut cream. Make sure to choose unsweetened varieties to control the sweetness of your ice cream.
How can I make this ice cream without an ice cream maker?
If you don't have an ice cream maker, pour the mixture into a large metal bowl and freeze it. Every 30 minutes, stir vigorously with a fork for about 2-3 hours until it reaches a creamy consistency.
What can I add to enhance the flavor?
You can incorporate mix-ins like crushed Oreos, chocolate chips, or even a swirl of fudge for added richness. For a more intense peppermint flavor, increase the peppermint extract slightly. Just be careful not to overpower the other flavors.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).