Pin to Pinterest This dish combines smooth, chilled mint chocolate chip treat with a warm, crisp waffle for a harmonious balance of textures. The creamy base is infused with peppermint and studded with chocolate chips, carefully chilled before being folded onto freshly made, golden waffles. The waffle batter blends flour, eggs, milk, and vanilla, cooked to achieve a perfect crisp exterior. Enjoy this refreshing fusion of cool and warm flavors together.
Preparation involves carefully tempering egg yolks into a rich cream and milk mixture, gently cooked until thickened, then cooled and churned with chopped chocolate pieces. The waffles are prepared from scratch using baking powder and soda to achieve lightness, cooked until crisp. Serving is simple yet delightful, with generous scoops atop freshly made waffles, optionally garnished with extra mint or chocolate chips.
My kitchen smelled like a candy cane factory had exploded in the best way possible. It was a rainy Sunday and I had decided that comfort food meant homemade ice cream on warm waffles, regardless of the weather outside.
I served this to friends who raised their eyebrows at green ice cream until they took their first bite. Now they request it every time they visit, especially the ones who swear they do not like mint.
Ingredients
- Heavy cream and whole milk: The combination creates that perfect velvety texture you cannot get with milk alone
- Egg yolks: These are the secret to a rich, custard style base that feels luxurious
- Peppermint extract: Pure extract matters, the imitation stuff has a weird aftertaste
- Chocolate chips: Chopping them creates those perfect chocolate flecks throughout
- All purpose flour: Gives the waffles structure while staying tender inside
- Baking powder and baking soda: The duo ensures waffles rise properly and get crisp
- Melted butter: Adds flavor and helps create those beautiful golden edges
Instructions
- Heat the cream mixture:
- Combine heavy cream, milk, sugar, and salt in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves and the mixture is hot but not boiling
- Temper the egg yolks:
- Whisk yolks in a separate bowl, slowly pour about half a cup of hot cream into them while whisking constantly
- Cook the custard base:
- Return tempered yolks to the saucepan and cook over medium low heat, stirring until thickened and coating the back of a spoon
- Add mint and chill:
- Remove from heat, stir in peppermint extract and food coloring if using, then strain and refrigerate for at least 4 hours
- Churn the ice cream:
- Process the chilled mixture in your ice cream maker, adding chocolate chips in the final minutes of churning
- Mix waffle dry ingredients:
- Whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl
- Combine wet ingredients:
- Whisk eggs, milk, melted butter, and vanilla in another bowl, then pour into dry ingredients and stir until just combined
- Cook the waffles:
- Pour batter onto a preheated, lightly greased waffle iron and cook until golden and crisp
- Assemble and serve:
- Place warm waffles on plates, top with generous scoops of ice cream, and add extra chocolate chips if desired
Pin to Pinterest This became my go to birthday dessert after my daughter requested it instead of cake three years running. Something about that hot cold combination just makes people smile.
Making It Ahead
The ice cream base can be made up to two days before churning, which actually improves the flavor. Waffles freeze beautifully and reheat in a toaster oven until crispy again.
Getting The Best Texture
Chop your chocolate chips into smaller pieces for better distribution throughout the ice cream. The waffle batter should still have small lumps, over mixing makes them tough instead of tender.
Serving Suggestions
Consider adding a drizzle of chocolate sauce or crushed peppermint candies on top for extra flair during holidays. A hot cup of coffee or herbal mint tea makes this feel even more special.
- Try folding in crushed oreos for a cookies and cream variation
- Serve immediately after assembling for optimal temperature contrast
- Keep extra waffles warm in a 200°F oven while making multiple batches
Pin to Pinterest There is something deeply satisfying about making ice cream from scratch, especially when the result tastes this fresh and vibrant.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I ensure a smooth, creamy mint flavor?
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Use pure peppermint extract and chill the mixture thoroughly before churning to develop clean, fresh mint notes.
- → What is the best way to get crisp waffles?
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Cook waffles in a preheated iron until golden brown, avoiding overmixing batter to maintain light texture.
- → Can I make the mint chocolate topping ahead of time?
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Yes, chill the mixture overnight before churning to enhance flavor and texture.
- → How do I temper the egg yolks correctly?
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Gradually whisk hot cream mixture into yolks in small amounts before combining to prevent curdling.
- → Are there gluten-free options for the waffle base?
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Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend suitable for baking to accommodate dietary needs.
