Ninja Creami Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream
Mint chocolate chip ice cream is one of those classic flavors that divides households. You either love that cool, refreshing mint paired with rich chocolate, or you just don’t get it. For those of us firmly in the “love it” camp, finding that perfect balance of minty freshness and chocolatey goodness is a lifelong quest. What if I told you that the ultimate version could come directly from your own kitchen, thanks to your Ninja Creami?
Making ice cream at home can seem like a lot of work, but the Ninja Creami simplifies the process immensely. You get all the credit for a gourmet-level dessert with minimal hands-on effort. This recipe delivers a vibrant, creamy mint base studded with your favorite chocolate chips. It’s a game-changer for homemade desserts and might just make you swear off store-bought pints for good.
So, grab your apron (or don’t, we’re not judging) and get ready to create the creamiest, dreamiest mint chocolate chip ice cream you’ve ever had.
Why You’ll Love This Ninja Creami Recipe
Let’s be honest, not all mint chocolate chip ice creams are created equal. Some taste strangely artificial, while others are disappointingly icy. This recipe solves all those problems.
- Perfectly Creamy Texture: The Ninja Creami works its magic to break down ice crystals, resulting in an incredibly smooth and luxurious base.
- Customizable Mint Flavor: You control the intensity. Like a subtle hint of mint? Stick to the recipe. Want a blast of cool refreshment? Add a little more extract.
- No More Icy Pints: By using full-fat milk and cream, this recipe ensures a rich base that freezes beautifully without turning into a block of ice.
- Quick and Easy: Besides the freezing time (which is totally hands-off), this recipe comes together in under 10 minutes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. You only need a handful of common ingredients to create something truly special.
- 1 cup Whole Milk: This forms the liquid foundation of our ice cream. Using whole milk adds to the creaminess.
- ¾ cup Heavy Cream: This is the secret to a rich, decadent texture. The high fat content is essential for a smooth result.
- ⅓ cup Confectioners’ Sugar: Also known as icing sugar, it dissolves easily and ensures your ice cream is sweet without any gritty texture.
- 1 tsp Peppermint Extract: This provides that classic, cool mint flavor. Make sure you use peppermint, not regular mint extract, for the best taste.
- A few drops Green Gel Food Coloring: This is completely optional, but it gives your ice cream that iconic light green hue.
- ¼ cup Chocolate Chips or Finely Chopped Chocolate: The “chip” in mint chocolate chip! Mini chips or finely chopped chocolate work best for even distribution.
- 1–2 tbsp Milk (for Mix-In): A little extra milk helps the Creami incorporate the chocolate chips smoothly after the first spin.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making this ice cream is a breeze. Just follow these simple steps.
In a medium bowl or a large jug, combine the whole milk, double cream, confectioners’ sugar, peppermint extract, and a few drops of green gel food coloring (if you’re using it).
Whisk everything together until the sugar has completely dissolved and the mixture is smooth. You want a uniform color and consistency.
Carefully pour the mixture into your Ninja Creami pint container. Make sure you don’t fill it past the max fill line, as the liquid will expand when it freezes. Secure the lid and place the pint on a completely level surface in your freezer.
Let it freeze for a full 24 hours. A level surface is key to ensuring the Creami can process it correctly.
After 24 hours, your base should be frozen solid. Remove the lid from the pint and place the container into the outer bowl of the Ninja Creami. Secure the lid with the paddle and lock it into the machine. Select the Ice Cream function and let it run.
Once the first spin is complete, remove the pint from the machine. The ice cream might look a little crumbly, which is totally normal. Use a spoon to create a small well down the center of the ice cream. Add the 1–2 tablespoons of milk and pour in your chocolate chips.
Place the pint back into the machine and run the Mix-In cycle. This function is designed to gently fold in your ingredients without pulverizing them, ensuring you have distinct chocolate chips throughout your ice cream.
Once the mix-in cycle is finished, your mint chocolate chip ice cream is ready! You can scoop and serve it immediately for a perfect soft-serve consistency.
Serving Suggestions
While this ice cream is incredible on its own, you can always take it up a notch.
- Extra Chocolate: Sprinkle some extra chocolate chips on top right before serving.
- Chocolate Drizzle: A little chocolate syrup turns your bowl into a sundae.
- Waffle Cones: Serve it in waffle bowls or cones for that classic ice cream shop experience at home.
Ninja Creami Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream
Ingredients
- 1 cup whole milk
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- ⅓ cup confectioners sugar
- 1 tsp peppermint extract
- A few drops green gel food coloring
- ¼ cup chocolate chips or finely chopped chocolate
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the whole milk, double cream, confectioners sugar, peppermint extract, and green gel food colouring until the sugar has fully dissolved.
- Pour the mixture into the Ninja Creami pint container and secure the lid.
- Freeze for 24 hours on a completely level surface.
- Once frozen, remove the lid and place the pint into the Ninja Creami machine.
- Run the Ice Cream function.
- When the cycle finishes, create a small well down the centre of the ice cream and add the 1–2 tablespoons milk and the chocolate chips.
- Run the Mix-In cycle to evenly distribute the chocolate throughout.
- Scoop and serve immediately.
How to Store Your Homemade Ice Cream
If you have any leftovers (which is a big “if”), smooth the top of the ice cream in the pint container and secure the lid.
- Freezer Life: Store it in the freezer for up to one week.
- Re-Spinning: Homemade ice cream tends to freeze harder than store-bought versions. If it’s too firm to scoop, don’t worry. Just add 1–2 tablespoons of milk and run it through the Re-Spin cycle to bring back that creamy texture.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use mint extract instead of peppermint extract?
You can, but the flavor will be different. Peppermint extract provides that classic, cool flavor we associate with mint chocolate chip. Regular mint extract often has a spearmint base, which can taste more herbal, like a mojito.
Do I have to use food coloring?
Not at all! The food coloring is purely for looks. Your ice cream will be a creamy white color without it but will taste exactly the same.
What is the best kind of chocolate to use?
Mini chocolate chips or a finely chopped chocolate bar work best. They distribute more evenly during the Mix-In cycle, ensuring you get chocolate in every bite. Larger chunks can sometimes sink to the bottom.
Can I make the mint flavor stronger?
Absolutely! If you’re a true mint fanatic, feel free to add an extra ¼ teaspoon of peppermint extract to the base mixture for a more intense flavor.
For more Ninja Creami ideas, check out these ice cream recipes:
