Few treats capture the refreshing coolness of mint and the rich crunch of chocolate quite like Thin Mint cookies. We’ve taken that iconic flavor and transformed it into a creamy, dreamy ice cream that’s perfect for any season. Whether you’re a longtime fan or discovering this combo for the first time, this Thin Mint Ice Cream recipe is sure to become a favorite.
Making this homemade ice cream lets us control the sweetness and intensity of the mint while adding generous chunks of Thin Mints for that satisfying crunch. It’s a delightful twist on a classic cookie that’s easy to whip up and even easier to enjoy. Let’s dive into crafting this cool, minty indulgence that’s perfect for dessert lovers everywhere.
Ingredients
To craft our homemade Thin Mint Ice Cream, we carefully select ingredients that balance the creamy base with refreshing mint and rich chocolate. Below are the essentials to make this dessert truly irresistible.
For the Ice Cream Base
- 2 cups heavy cream (cold for a smooth, creamy texture)
- 1 cup whole milk (helps achieve the perfect creaminess)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar (to sweeten without overpowering)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (enhances flavor depth)
- 1 teaspoon pure peppermint extract (for that distinct Thin Mint minty flavor)
- 5 large egg yolks (for a rich and custardy base)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (adds warmth and complexity)
- Optional: 3 drops green food coloring (to give the classic Thin Mint green tint)
For the Thin Mint Mix-Ins
| Ingredient | Quantity | Preparation |
|---|---|---|
| Thin Mint Cookies | 1.5 cups (about 20 cookies) | Coarsely chopped or crushed |
| Semi-sweet chocolate chips | 1/2 cup | Adds extra chocolate richness |
We combine the chopped Thin Mint cookies with semi-sweet chocolate chips to deliver that signature crunch and bursts of chocolate in every bite. These mix-ins fold into the creamy mint base just before freezing, ensuring every spoonful is bursting with flavor and texture.
Equipment Needed
To craft our delicious Thin Mint Ice Cream with perfect texture and flavor, having the right equipment on hand is essential. Each tool plays a key role in ensuring our homemade ice cream turns out creamy, smooth, and bursting with minty-chocolate goodness.
- Ice Cream Maker
This is our central appliance for churning the ice cream base. It aerates the mixture and prevents ice crystals, giving us that silky, chewy mouthfeel we crave. Choose a model with a freezer bowl or a compressor system for consistent results.
- Mixing Bowls
We need several sturdy bowls for whisking egg yolks, combining base ingredients, and folding in the chopped Thin Mints and chocolate chips. Stainless steel or glass bowls work best to maintain temperature control.
- Whisk
A good-quality whisk helps us blend the egg yolks and sugar smoothly, essential for the custard base to develop a rich texture without lumps.
- Saucepan
A medium saucepan is where we gently heat the cream, milk, sugar, and salt. A heavy-bottomed pan prevents scorching and distributes heat evenly during this critical step.
- Fine-Mesh Sieve
After cooking the custard, straining through a sieve removes any cooked egg bits, ensuring a silky smooth ice cream base.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
Accurate measurements of ingredients keep the recipe balanced for sweetness and mint flavor.
- Spatula
A flexible spatula helps us scrape down bowls and gently fold in the cookie pieces and chocolate chips without breaking them.
- Freezer-Safe Container
Once churned, we transfer the ice cream to a container with an airtight lid for the final freeze. This keeps the Thin Mint ice cream fresh and prevents ice crystals from forming.
| Equipment | Purpose | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|
| Ice Cream Maker | Churn and aerate ice cream base | Freezer bowl or compressor |
| Mixing Bowls | Combine ingredients | Stainless steel or glass |
| Whisk | Blend egg yolks and sugar smoothly | Sturdy and well-designed |
| Saucepan | Heat cream, milk, sugar, and salt evenly | Heavy bottomed |
| Fine-Mesh Sieve | Strain custard to remove cooked egg bits | Fine enough to filter |
| Measuring Cups & Spoons | Ensure precise ingredient quantities | Standard measuring tools |
| Spatula | Fold in mix-ins gently without breaking chunks | Flexible silicone or rubber |
| Freezer-safe Container | Store ice cream for final hardening | Airtight with lid |
With these tools ready and at hand, we set up for making the legendary Thin Mint Ice Cream that will delight every scoop with ideal creaminess and texture.
Make-Ahead Instructions
For the best results with our Thin Mint Ice Cream recipe we recommend preparing key components ahead of time. This approach enhances flavor development and improves texture significantly.
Chilling the Custard Base
After cooking and straining the mint ice cream custard base:
- Cover the custard tightly with plastic wrap pressing it directly onto the surface. This prevents a skin from forming.
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight. Cold custard churns more smoothly resulting in creamier texture.
“Patience here ensures a luscious minty base that carries our Thin Mint flavor brilliantly.“
Freezing the Ice Cream
Once churned:
- Transfer the ice cream into a freezer-safe airtight container.
- Layer the ice cream flat and press a piece of parchment directly onto the surface to avoid ice crystals.
- Freeze for a minimum of 4 hours before serving. For firmer scoops, freeze longer.
Preparing Mix-Ins in Advance
- Chop Thin Mint cookies and store them in an airtight container at room temperature.
- Measure out the semi-sweet chocolate chips to have ready to fold in after churning.
Make-Ahead Timeline
| Step | Action | Minimum Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Custard Chilling | Refrigerate custard base | 4 hours or overnight | Enhances flavor and texture |
| Ice Cream Freezing | Freeze churned ice cream | 4 hours minimum | Use airtight container |
| Mix-Ins Preparation | Chop and portion cookies | Flexible | Store at room temperature |
By following these make-ahead instructions we ensure our homemade Thin Mint Ice Cream is perfectly creamy with intense mint flavor and crunchy cookie mix-ins in every scoop.
Instructions
Follow these steps to craft our homemade Thin Mint Ice Cream with perfect creaminess and bold mint-chocolate flavor.
Prep the Thin Mints
- Coarsely chop 1 cup of Thin Mint cookies to retain bite-sized chunks.
- Measure ½ cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips and set aside.
- Keep both mix-ins ready for folding in later to maintain their crunch and texture.
Make the Ice Cream Base
- In a medium saucepan, combine:
- 1 cup whole milk
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder (optional for deeper chocolate flavor)
- Pinch of salt
- Heat over medium until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is hot but not boiling.
- In a separate bowl, whisk 5 large egg yolks until smooth.
- Slowly pour half of the hot milk mixture into the egg yolks, whisking constantly to temper the eggs.
- Return the egg and milk mixture back to the saucepan and cook over medium-low, stirring constantly until the custard thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon (about 170°F/77°C).
- Remove from heat and strain through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean bowl to remove any cooked egg bits.
- Stir in:
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract (adjust for mint intensity)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: a few drops of green food coloring for the classic Thin Mint green color.
- Cover and refrigerate the custard base for at least 4 hours or overnight to chill thoroughly.
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Whole milk | 1 cup | |
| Granulated sugar | ¾ cup | |
| Unsweetened cocoa | 2 tablespoons | Optional |
| Salt | Pinch | |
| Egg yolks | 5 large | |
| Heavy cream | 1 ½ cups | |
| Peppermint extract | 1 teaspoon | Adjust to taste |
| Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon | |
| Green food coloring | A few drops | Optional for color |
Churn the Ice Cream
- Pour the chilled custard into your ice cream maker.
- Churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions, usually about 20–25 minutes, until it reaches a soft-serve consistency.
- The ice cream should be thick and creamy, with a smooth mint aroma developing.
Add Thin Mint Pieces
- Gently fold in the prepared chopped Thin Mint cookies and semi-sweet chocolate chips immediately after churning.
- Use a spatula to evenly distribute the mix-ins without overmixing to preserve chunk texture.
- Transfer the ice cream to a freezer-safe airtight container.
- Press a piece of parchment paper directly on the surface to prevent ice crystals.
- Freeze for at least 4 hours before serving to set perfectly.
Serving Suggestions
To enjoy our Thin Mint Ice Cream at its best, consider these creative and delicious serving ideas that highlight the minty freshness and rich chocolate texture.
- Classic Scoop in a Waffle Cone
Serve a generous scoop in a crispy waffle cone. The crunch of the cone pairs perfectly with the creamy texture and the chunks of Thin Mints inside.
- Chocolate Drizzle and Fresh Mint Garnish
Drizzle melted semi-sweet chocolate over the top of your ice cream scoop. Finish with a sprig of fresh mint to enhance the fragrance and add a pop of green color.
- Thin Mint Ice Cream Sandwiches
Sandwich a scoop of the ice cream between two whole Thin Mint cookies. Press gently and serve immediately for a cool, minty twist on classic ice cream sandwiches.
- Mint Chocolate Brownie Sundae
Place a scoop on top of a warm chocolate brownie. Add whipped cream and sprinkle extra chopped Thin Mints or chocolate chips for a decadent dessert.
- Affogato Style
Spoon a scoop into a glass then pour hot espresso over it. The bitterness of the coffee balances the sweetness and mint flavor beautifully.
Serving Tips Table
| Serving Style | Key Complement | Texture Contrast | Flavor Boost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Waffle Cone | Crispy cone | Crunchy and creamy | Natural sweetness |
| Chocolate Drizzle & Mint | Melted chocolate & fresh mint | Smooth and refreshing | Chocolate-mint synergy |
| Ice Cream Sandwiches | Thin Mint cookies | Crispy cookie shell | Intense Thin Mint flavor |
| Brownie Sundae | Warm chocolate brownie | Warm and cold contrast | Rich chocolate depth |
| Affogato | Hot espresso | Hot and cold contrast | Bitterness balance |
Let’s experiment with these serving suggestions to elevate our Thin Mint Ice Cream experience with every bite.
Storage Tips
To keep our Thin Mint Ice Cream fresh and flavorful, proper storage is essential. Follow these expert tips to maintain the creamy texture and preserve the vibrant mint and chocolate flavors.
Use an Airtight Container
Immediately after folding in the chopped Thin Mint cookies and chocolate chips, transfer the ice cream to a freezer-safe airtight container. This prevents the absorption of odors from other freezer items and limits ice crystal formation.
Press Parchment Paper on the Surface
For the smoothest texture, place a piece of parchment paper directly on top of the ice cream before sealing the container. This extra barrier locks in moisture and helps keep the surface creamy rather than icy.
Freeze Duration and Temperature
Keep your Thin Mint Ice Cream at a consistent temperature of 0°F (-18°C) or colder. For best results, consume within 2 to 4 weeks. The table below shows optimal storage details:
| Storage Factor | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Container type | Airtight and freezer-safe |
| Surface protection | Parchment paper on top |
| Freezer temperature | 0°F (-18°C) or colder |
| Optimal storage time | 2 – 4 weeks |
Thawing and Serving Tips
Before serving, let the ice cream sit at room temperature for about 5 to 10 minutes to slightly soften. This enhances the creamy mouthfeel and releases the full spectrum of mint and chocolate flavors.
Avoid Frequent Temperature Fluctuations
Minimize opening and closing the freezer frequently. Temperature changes can cause ice crystals to develop and alter the texture of our homemade Thin Mint Ice Cream.
By following these Storage Tips, we ensure every scoop stays as indulgent and refreshing as the first.
Conclusion
Making Thin Mint Ice Cream at home lets us enjoy a perfectly balanced treat that’s both refreshing and indulgent. With control over every ingredient and texture, we can create a dessert that suits our taste buds exactly. Whether we serve it on its own or get creative with toppings, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.
By following the steps and tips, we’ll have a creamy, minty, chocolatey delight ready to impress family and friends. It’s a fun and rewarding way to bring a classic cookie flavor into a new form. Let’s get churning and enjoy every delicious scoop together!
Frequently Asked Questions
What ingredients are needed to make Thin Mint Ice Cream at home?
You need heavy cream, whole milk, granulated sugar, salt, peppermint extract, egg yolks, vanilla extract, and optionally green food coloring. For mix-ins, coarsely chopped Thin Mint cookies and semi-sweet chocolate chips are used.
Can I control the sweetness and mint flavor in homemade Thin Mint Ice Cream?
Yes, making it at home allows you to adjust the sugar and peppermint extract amounts to suit your taste preferences.
What equipment do I need to make Thin Mint Ice Cream?
Essential tools include an ice cream maker, mixing bowls, a whisk, a medium saucepan, a fine-mesh sieve, measuring cups and spoons, a spatula, and a freezer-safe container.
How long should I chill the custard base before churning?
Chill the custard base for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight for the best creamy texture and smooth churn.
When should I add the cookie and chocolate mix-ins?
Fold the chopped Thin Mint cookies and chocolate chips into the ice cream base after churning and before the final freezing.
How do I store Thin Mint Ice Cream to keep it fresh?
Store in an airtight freezer-safe container with parchment paper pressed on top at 0°F (-18°C) or colder. Consume within 2 to 4 weeks for best quality.
What are some creative ways to serve Thin Mint Ice Cream?
Serve in waffle cones, drizzle with melted chocolate, make ice cream sandwiches with Thin Mint cookies, top warm brownies, or pour hot espresso over it for an affogato.
How long should ice cream sit before serving?
Let ice cream sit at room temperature for 5 to 10 minutes before scooping to enhance creaminess and flavor.
Can I make mix-ins in advance?
Yes, chop Thin Mint cookies and measure chocolate chips ahead of time to streamline the ice cream-making process.
Why is it important to strain the custard base?
Straining removes any cooked egg bits and ensures a smooth, creamy ice cream texture.