Craving a cool and creamy treat? This homemade Chocolate Chip Ice Cream recipe is the ultimate dessert to satisfy your sweet tooth. Made with fresh cream, real vanilla, and plenty of rich chocolate chips, this frozen delight brings the classic flavor of ice cream parlors right to your kitchen. Whether you’re cooling down on a hot day or indulging in a midnight snack, this easy and delicious recipe is perfect for the whole family. Plus, you don’t need any fancy ingredients—just a few pantry staples and an ice cream maker for a perfectly churned scoop.
Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Chip Ice Cream
There’s something nostalgic and comforting about chocolate chip ice cream—it’s timeless and loved by both kids and adults alike. What makes this recipe truly stand out is the balance of creamy texture and the crunch of chocolate chips in every bite. The homemade version takes it a notch higher by using quality ingredients, no preservatives, and no artificial flavors.
This ice cream is not only better than store-bought but also incredibly customizable. You can adjust the sweetness, add your favorite mix-ins (like nuts or toffee), or even swap dark chocolate chips for milk chocolate or white chocolate. Plus, the satisfaction of scooping ice cream you’ve made yourself? Pure joy. Whether you’re hosting a summer party or just need a treat to unwind, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your freezer.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this creamy chocolate chip ice cream, you’ll need the following:
- 2 cups heavy cream – Gives the ice cream its rich, velvety texture.
- 1 cup whole milk – Balances the cream for a smooth consistency.
- ¾ cup granulated sugar – Sweetens the mixture just right.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract – Enhances flavor and adds warmth.
- 1 pinch of salt – Balances sweetness and sharpens the flavor.
- ¾ cup mini chocolate chips or chopped chocolate – Adds texture and deep chocolate flavor.
All ingredients are easy to find, and together they create the perfect base for a creamy, flavorful ice cream with delightful chocolate bits in every bite.
Nutrition Value (Per Serving – ½ Cup)
- Calories: 280
- Total Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Sugar: 22g
- Protein: 3g
5 Essential Recipe Tips
- Chill the base: Let the ice cream mixture chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours before churning to help it freeze faster and creamier.
- Use mini chips: They distribute better and are easier to scoop than large chunks.
- Don’t over-churn: Once it looks like soft serve, it’s done—over-churning can make it icy.
- Add chips at the end: Mix in the chocolate chips during the last minute of churning so they don’t sink to the bottom.
- Cover tightly when freezing: Use an airtight container with plastic wrap on the surface to prevent ice crystals.
Make-Ahead Tips for Easy Ice Cream Prep
Want to enjoy delicious homemade ice cream without the rush? This recipe is easy to prepare ahead of time. You can make the base up to 2 days in advance, storing it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to churn. This actually improves the flavor as it allows the ingredients to meld and the base to fully chill.
After churning, transfer the ice cream to an airtight container and freeze for at least 4 hours, or overnight, for a firmer texture. It keeps well for up to 2 weeks in the freezer—just be sure to seal it properly to avoid freezer burn. If it hardens too much, let it sit at room temperature for 5–10 minutes before scooping. You can also portion it into small cups or jars for easy grab-and-go treats throughout the week!
How to Make the Best Chocolate Chip Ice Cream
1. Focus on Freshness
Use the freshest cream and milk you can find. Dairy is the foundation of any ice cream recipe, so freshness ensures the best taste and texture. Always avoid ultra-pasteurized cream if possible, as it doesn’t whip or freeze as well as regular pasteurized cream.
2. Balance the Sweetness
If you prefer a less sweet ice cream, you can reduce the sugar slightly. However, remember that sugar doesn’t just sweeten—it also affects texture. Too little sugar can make the ice cream icy instead of creamy. Taste the base before chilling and adjust as needed.
3. Don’t Skip the Salt
It might seem like a small ingredient, but salt plays a big role in enhancing flavor. Just a pinch is enough to make the vanilla pop and balance the richness of the cream and chocolate.
Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Recipe Card
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Chill Time: 4 hours
Churn Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 4 hours 35 minutes
Servings: 8 (½ cup each)
Ingredients:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- ¾ cup mini chocolate chips or finely chopped chocolate
Instructions:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together cream, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until sugar dissolves completely.
- Cover and refrigerate the mixture for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Pour the chilled mixture into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions (typically 20–25 minutes).
- During the last minute of churning, add in the chocolate chips.
- Transfer the ice cream to an airtight container, press a piece of plastic wrap onto the surface, and freeze for at least 4 hours before serving.