We’ve always loved the irresistible mix of cool mint and rich chocolate in Thin Mints, those iconic Girl Scout cookies that evoke sweet memories. That’s why we’re excited to share our take on a homemade Thin Mint Ice Cream that transforms this classic flavor into a creamy, indulgent treat.
This easy recipe captures the essence of those beloved cookies while adding a frosty twist, making it perfect for cooling off on warm days or satisfying your dessert cravings. Join us as we blend simple ingredients into a dessert that’ll become your new favorite.
Ingredients
In our Thin Mint Ice Cream recipe, we gather simple yet flavorful ingredients to capture the iconic mint-chocolate fusion that makes this treat irresistible. Let’s break down what you’ll need, listed in the order we use them during preparation for a smooth process.
Base Ingredients
- 2 cups heavy cream: We start with this for its rich, creamy texture that forms the foundation of our velvety ice cream.
- 1 cup whole milk: Added next to balance the creaminess, ensuring our mixture chills and freezes perfectly.
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar: Stir this in early to dissolve evenly, sweetening the base without overwhelming the minty notes.
- 1 teaspoon pure mint extract: This brings the fresh, invigorating mint flavor that defines our Thin Mint Ice Cream—use high-quality extract for the best taste.
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Incorporated to enhance depth, complementing the mint with subtle warmth.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: A pinch to brighten the flavors and balance sweetness as we mix.
- 1 cup crushed Thin Mint cookies: Folded in last for that signature chocolate-mint crunch, evoking the classic Girl Scout cookie vibe—crush them coarsely for texture.
Optional Add-Ins
- A few drops of green food coloring: If you want that vibrant, eye-catching hue, add this sparingly to mimic the original cookies’ appearance.
| Ingredient | Quantity | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Heavy cream | 2 cups | Provides creamy base |
| Whole milk | 1 cup | Adds balance for smooth freezing |
| Granulated sugar | 3/4 cup | Sweetens and aids texture |
| Pure mint extract | 1 teaspoon | Delivers bold mint flavor |
| Vanilla extract | 1/2 teaspoon | Enhances overall taste depth |
| Salt | 1/4 teaspoon | Balances sweetness |
| Crushed Thin Mint cookies | 1 cup | Adds chocolate-mint crunch |
| Green food coloring | A few drops | Optional for visual appeal |
Required Equipment
Before we dive into preparing our Thin Mint Ice Cream, let’s ensure we have the essential tools on hand. These items will help us achieve that perfect creamy texture and minty freshness with ease and precision.
To make this recipe straightforward and efficient, we’ll need the following equipment. We’ve organized them in the order of use for optimal workflow:
- Ice Cream Maker: Our star tool for churning the mixture into smooth, scoopable ice cream; ensure it’s frozen if it’s a compressor model.
- Large Mixing Bowl: Ideal for combining ingredients like heavy cream and milk; opt for a stainless steel one for better temperature control.
- *Whisk or Electric Mixer: For blending the sugar, extracts, and other elements evenly; an electric mixer speeds up the process for a fluffier base.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are key—use these to portion out ingredients precisely, avoiding any imbalances in flavor.
- Saucepan: Necessary if we’re heating the milk and cream mixture; choose a medium-sized one to prevent scorching.
- Rubber Spatula: Perfect for scraping down the sides of the bowl and folding in crushed Thin Mint cookies without introducing air bubbles.
- Fine-Mesh Sieve: Helps strain the mixture for a silky-smooth result, removing any potential lumps before churning.
- Airtight Freezer Container: Essential for storing the finished ice cream; we recommend one with a lid to maintain freshness and prevent freezer burn.
By having these tools prepared, we can transition seamlessly from mixing our ingredients to enjoying homemade ice cream that’s as refreshing as it is indulgent.
Instructions
With our ingredients measured and equipment ready, we guide you through creating a refreshing Thin Mint Ice Cream that captures the iconic mint-chocolate fusion in every scoop.
Prepare the Ingredients
Before we begin, let’s ensure all components are prepped for seamless mixing. Start by crushing 1 cup of Thin Mint cookies into fine crumbs using a food processor or rolling pin—this adds the signature chocolate-mint crunch. Measure out 2 cups of heavy cream, 1 cup of whole milk, 3/4 cup of granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon of pure mint extract for that vibrant flavor, 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract to enhance depth, and a pinch of salt to brighten the tastes. If desired, add a few drops of green food coloring to mimic the cookies’ appearance. Organize these in the order we’ll use them to maintain an efficient workflow.
Make the Ice Cream Base
Now we combine the liquids and flavors to form a rich, creamy foundation. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2 cups of heavy cream, 1 cup of whole milk, and 3/4 cup of granulated sugar until the sugar dissolves completely and the mixture feels silky smooth. Transfer this to a saucepan and heat over medium heat, stirring constantly with a whisk to prevent scorching—aim for the mixture to reach 170°F on a thermometer for optimal custard texture. Once warm, remove from heat and stir in 1 teaspoon of pure mint extract, 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract, a pinch of salt, and optional green food coloring until fully incorporated—the fresh mint aroma will invigorate your senses like a cool breeze. For a velvety finish, strain the base through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean bowl to remove any solids, then let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours until cold.
Churn the Ice Cream
With the base chilled, we churn it into a light, airy delight using our ice cream maker. Pour the cold mixture into the ice cream maker bowl and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions—typically 20 to 25 minutes—until the ice cream reaches a soft-serve consistency. As it churns, listen for the rhythmic whir and watch as the mixture transforms into a fluffy, pale green treat that evokes the crispness of Thin Mint cookies in frozen form.
Add Thin Mints and Freeze
To incorporate the crunch, we fold in the crushed cookies and set the ice cream to firm up. Once churning is complete, gently fold in 1 cup of the prepared Thin Mint crumbs using a rubber spatula to distribute them evenly without deflating the mixture—the chocolate bits will create delightful pockets of texture that contrast the smooth creaminess. Transfer the ice cream to an airtight freezer container, smooth the top, and freeze for at least 4 hours or until firm. This final step ensures each bite delivers a refreshing burst of mint paired with the satisfying snap of chocolate.
Make-Ahead and Storage
As we wrap up our Thin Mint Ice Cream preparation, let’s explore how to plan ahead and keep your creamy, mint-chocolate delight at its best. This ensures you can enjoy that refreshing burst of cool mint and crunchy cookie bits whenever cravings strike.
Make-Ahead Tips
We love making this Thin Mint Ice Cream in advance to save time on busy days. Here’s how to do it step by step:
- Prepare the base early: Whisk together the heavy cream, whole milk, sugar, mint extract, vanilla extract, and salt up to 24 hours before churning. This allows the flavors to meld, creating a more intense mint-chocolate fusion. Cover the mixture tightly and refrigerate it.
- Churn and freeze in stages: If you’re short on time, churn the base into soft-serve consistency and fold in the crushed Thin Mint cookies. At this point, transfer it to an airtight container and freeze for up to 2 hours before serving, or store it longer as outlined below.
- Full preparation ahead: Make the entire ice cream recipe—churning and all—up to 1 week in advance. Simply fold in the cookies after churning, then freeze the mixture solid. When you’re ready to serve, let it soften in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes to restore that velvety texture and vivid mint aroma.
Storage Instructions
Proper storage preserves the ice cream’s smooth consistency and prevents freezer burn, keeping the Thin Mint Ice Cream tasting as fresh as the day you made it.
- Use the right container: Always transfer the churned ice cream to an airtight freezer-safe container. Press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface to minimize air exposure, then seal the lid.
- Freezer guidelines: Store in the coldest part of your freezer, ideally at 0°F (-18°C) or below. This maintains the ice cream’s creamy texture and prevents ice crystals from dulling that signature minty coolness.
For a quick reference on storage durations and tips, we’ve compiled the key details in the table below:
| Storage Aspect | Duration | Key Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Freshly Churned | Up to 2 hours | Keep in the freezer for firming; ideal for immediate serving with a soft, scoopable texture. |
| Fully Frozen | Up to 1 week | Fold in crushed cookies before freezing; check for quality after 3-4 days for optimal flavor. |
| Long-Term | Up to 2 weeks | If storing longer, wrap the container in foil; beyond this, flavors may fade, so we recommend consuming sooner for the best experience. |
By following these steps, your Thin Mint Ice Cream will stay irresistibly fresh, ready to deliver that perfect balance of chilly refreshment and chocolatey crunch.
Conclusion
We’ve loved crafting this Thin Mint Ice Cream recipe and know it’ll become a go-to treat in your kitchen. It’s the perfect way to capture that iconic mint-chocolate magic at home.
Whether you’re sharing it with friends or indulging solo, this creamy delight promises endless satisfaction. Let’s make every scoop a celebration of homemade goodness.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Thin Mint Ice Cream?
Thin Mint Ice Cream is a homemade dessert inspired by Girl Scout Thin Mint cookies, blending creamy mint and chocolate flavors. It’s a refreshing treat made with simple ingredients like heavy cream, mint extract, and crushed cookies, perfect for warm days or sweet cravings.
What ingredients are needed for this recipe?
You’ll need 2 cups heavy cream, 1 cup whole milk, 3/4 cup granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon mint extract, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, a pinch of salt, 1 cup crushed Thin Mint cookies, and optional green food coloring. These create a rich, minty base with a chocolate crunch, ensuring an easy, flavorful ice cream.
How do I make Thin Mint Ice Cream at home?
Start by whisking cream, milk, and sugar, then heat and add extracts. Chill the mixture, churn in an ice cream maker until soft-serve, fold in crushed cookies, and freeze until firm. The process takes about 30 minutes of active time plus chilling and freezing, resulting in a creamy, mint-chocolate delight.
What equipment is required to make this ice cream?
You’ll need an ice cream maker for churning, a large mixing bowl and whisk for blending, measuring cups and spoons, a saucepan for heating, a rubber spatula for folding, a fine-mesh sieve for smoothness, and an airtight container for storage. These tools ensure a seamless process from start to finish.
Can I make Thin Mint Ice Cream ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the base up to 24 hours in advance for better flavor. Churn and freeze the full recipe up to a week ahead. This makes it ideal for planning, allowing you to enjoy fresh scoops whenever you want that minty refreshment.
How should I store homemade Thin Mint Ice Cream?
Store in an airtight container in the freezer to prevent freezer burn, and it lasts up to a week. Keep it covered to minimize air exposure. For best texture, let it soften slightly before serving to maintain that perfect creamy consistency with chocolate bits.