Mint ice cream traces its roots to early 20th‑century America, where home cooks paired fresh mint leaves with dairy to cool down during hot summers. The cool, herbaceous flavor quickly became a favorite at diners and family gatherings, especially when paired with chocolate cookies. Over the decades, the invention of modern ice‑cream makers like the Ninja Creami has revived this classic, allowing home chefs to capture the crisp mint aroma without the need for complicated churns.
Why You'll Love It
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- Refreshing mint flavor that isn’t overpowering
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- Creamy texture thanks to the Ninja Creami’s precise freezing
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- No need for an ice‑cream maker beyond the Creami
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- Easy to customize with chocolate chips or crushed cookies
"This thin mint ice cream is unbelievably smooth – my kids ask for seconds every time!"
Essential Ingredient Guide
- Heavy cream: Provides richness; choose a brand with at least 35% fat for silky mouthfeel.
- Fresh mint leaves: Bruise gently to release oils, then steep for a clean herbal note.
- Sugar: Balances the mint’s coolness; can be reduced for a lighter sweetness.
- Vanilla extract: Adds depth, rounding out the bright mint.
- Lime zest: A touch of citrus lifts the flavor, keeping it lively.
- Dark chocolate chips (optional): Contrast the mint with bittersweet bites for extra interest.
Desserts & Sweet Treats
Orange Cardamom Muffins
Fluffy muffins infused with orange zest and warm cardamom, ideal for a sunny morning.
Complete Cooking Process
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Ingredient Readiness:
Gather cream, milk, sugar, and fresh mint; steep the mint in warm cream to infuse flavor before cooling.
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Flavor Development:
Steeping the mint releases essential oils, while the sugar dissolves fully for a smooth base.
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Texture Control:
Cool the mixture quickly, then pour into the Ninja Creami pint for an even freeze.
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Finishing Touches:
After the Creami cycle, fold in chocolate chips or crushed cookies for added texture.
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Serving Timing:
Let the ice cream sit a few minutes at room temperature for the perfect scoop consistency.
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Use room‑temperature milk to avoid grainy texture.
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Press the mint leaves gently, don’t over‑blend.
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Freeze the pint for at least 24 hours for optimal results.
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Add mix‑ins after the spin cycle to keep them crunchy.
Pro Tips
Well, those little details make a world of difference. I remember once forgetting to let the pint freeze long enough, and the result was a bit icy – oops! So, give it the time it needs, and you’ll get that velvety mouthfeel you crave.
Desserts & Sweet Treats
Frozen Brownie Ice Cream Cake
Cool, chocolate‑rich frozen brownie ice cream cake for any time you crave a sweet chill.
The essence of the dish:
A bright, herb‑filled cream that feels light on the palate, yet carries a comforting richness from the butter‑smooth dairy.
A fun fact or historical angle:
Mint has been used in desserts since at least the 1800s, prized for its cooling properties before modern refrigeration.
Flavor or sensory focus:
You’ll first notice the cool mint aroma, then the creamy body, finishing with a whisper of citrus from the lime zest.
You Must Know
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Use fresh mint, not dried, for true flavor.
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Don’t over‑churn – the Creami does the work.
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Serve slightly softened for the best texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
→ Can I use dairy‑free milk?
Yes, substitute coconut milk or almond milk, but choose a full‑fat version for creaminess.
→ How long can I store the ice cream?
Keep it in an airtight container for up to two weeks; let it soften a bit before scooping.
→ Do I need to add extra sugar for frozen texture?
No extra sugar is needed; the Creami’s cycle creates a smooth texture without it.
→ Can I add cookies?
Absolutely – fold in crushed chocolate chip cookies after the spin.
→ Is the recipe gluten‑free?
Yes, as long as you avoid adding cookie crumbs that contain gluten.
→ What if I don’t have a Ninja Creami?
You can still make a no‑churn version, but the texture will be slightly different.
Nutrition Facts
per serving
280
Calories
3g
Protein
22g
Carbs
20g
Fat
Taste Profile
Cool minty sweetness with a hint of citrus
Ingredient Substitutions
Don't have an ingredient? Try these alternatives
Will add subtle coconut flavor; keep sugar level the same.
Honey adds floral notes; use slightly less as it’s sweeter.
Recipe Variations
Try these delicious twists on the original
Spicy Version
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper and a dash of sriracha for a surprising kick.
Mediterranean Style
Stir in crumbled feta and a few chopped olives for a savory twist.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Learn from others' mistakes for perfect results
- Steeping mint too long, resulting in bitterness.
- Freezing the pint for less than 24 hours, causing icy texture.
- Adding mix‑ins before the spin, which can melt them.
Meal Prep & Storage
Make Ahead Tips
You can steep the mint in the cream mixture up to 24 hours ahead and keep it refrigerated before freezing.
Leftover Ideas
Re‑scoop into a bowl and let sit a few minutes; the texture will stay smooth.
Perfect Pairings
Serve this with...
Cooking Timeline
Warm cream and milk, add mint leaves to steep.
Strain mint, stir in sugar, vanilla, and lime zest.
Cool mixture completely, then pour into pint and freeze.
Run Creami cycle; fold in chocolate chips.
Serve or store in airtight container.
Desserts & Sweet Treats
Better Than Sex Fruit Salad
Fresh fruit tossed in a sweet honey‑lime glaze—easy, bright, and unforgettable.
Thin Mint Ice Cream – Ninja Creami Recipe
A silky, fresh‑mint ice cream crafted in the Ninja Creami that feels like a cool breeze on a summer porch, perfect for a sweet treat any time.
Timing
Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
0 Minutes
Total Time
15 Minutes
Recipe Details
Ingredients
Base Ice Cream
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01
2 cups heavy cream
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02
1 cup whole milk
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03
3/4 cup granulated sugar
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04
1 tsp vanilla extract
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05
1/2 tsp lime zest
Mint Mix
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01
1 cup fresh mint leaves, loosely packed
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02
Optional: 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
Instructions
Warm the cream and milk in a saucepan over low heat, then add the mint leaves and let them steep for 5 minutes.
Strain the mint‑infused cream through a fine mesh, discarding the leaves, and stir in the sugar, vanilla, and lime zest until fully dissolved.
Allow the mixture to cool completely, then pour into the Ninja Creami pint and freeze for at least 24 hours.
Run the Creami’s "Ice Cream" cycle. When finished, fold in the chocolate chips (or other mix‑ins) gently.
Serve immediately or store in an airtight container; let sit a few minutes at room temperature before scooping.
Notes & Tips
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1
If you prefer a stronger mint punch, increase the leaves to 1 1/2 cups before steeping.
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2
For a richer texture, replace half the milk with extra cream.
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3
Add a drizzle of melted chocolate after scooping for extra indulgence.
Desserts & Sweet Treats
Old Fashioned German Fruit Cake
Moist old‑fashioned German fruit cake loaded with candied fruits, nuts, and warm spices.
Tools You'll Need
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Ninja Creami machine
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Saucepan
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Fine mesh strainer
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Measuring cups and spoons
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Rubber spatula
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Ice cream pint container
Must-Know Tips
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Don't over‑steep the mint – 5 minutes gives a clean flavor.
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Cool the base completely before freezing for smooth texture.
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Add mix‑ins after the spin cycle to keep them from melting.
Professional Secrets
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Temper the cream to room temperature before freezing – ensures even crystallization.
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Use a light hand when folding in chocolate chips – preserves airiness.
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Cover the pint tightly to prevent ice crystals.
Recipe by
Isabella MartinBaking enthusiast crafting irresistible desserts designed to impress and satisfy every sweet tooth.
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