Description

Craving a cool, minty dessert that’s indulgent yet nutritious? Healthy Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream transforms high-fat cottage cheese into a creamy, protein-rich frozen treat, infused with refreshing peppermint and studded with chocolate chips

Ingredients

Scale

Healthy Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream uses simple, wholesome ingredients to create a creamy, minty treat. Here’s what you’ll need for 4-6 servings (about 3-4 cups):

3 cups cottage cheese (high-fat, high quality): Provides a rich, creamy, protein-packed base.
⅓ cup maple syrup: Adds natural sweetness with a caramel-like flavor.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances flavor with a warm, aromatic note.
½ teaspoon pure peppermint extract: Delivers a refreshing mint flavor.
½ teaspoon spirulina (optional): Adds a natural green color.
1 cup chocolate chips (or more!): Provides melty, chocolatey bursts.
Fresh mint (optional, for garnish): Adds a fresh, aromatic touch.

Why These Ingredients Matter

High-Fat Cottage Cheese: Ensures a creamy, rich texture and high protein content.
Peppermint Extract: Provides a bold, refreshing mint flavor without overpowering.
Maple Syrup: Offers natural sweetness that complements the mint and chocolate.
Chocolate Chips: Add indulgent texture and flavor contrast.

Substitutions and Variations

Cottage Cheese: Use full-fat for best results; low-fat works but is less creamy; substitute with Greek yogurt or plant-based yogurt for a vegan option (may alter texture).
Maple Syrup: Swap with honey, agave nectar, or a sugar-free sweetener like monk fruit syrup.
Peppermint Extract: Adjust to ¼ teaspoon for milder flavor or replace with mint extract (check potency, as it varies).
Spirulina: Omit for no color or use a drop of natural green food coloring.
Chocolate Chips: Replace with cocoa nibs, chopped dark chocolate, or white chocolate chips.
Vegan Option: Use plant-based yogurt or cashew-based cream cheese, vegan chocolate chips, and agave nectar.
Gluten-Free: Naturally gluten-free; ensure chocolate chips are certified gluten-free.
Flavor Variations:
- Mint Mocha: Add 1 teaspoon instant coffee or espresso powder.
- Mint Chocolate Swirl: Swirl in 2 tablespoons melted chocolate before freezing.
- Mint Berry Chip: Add ½ cup chopped strawberries or raspberries with the chocolate chips.
- Mint Cookie Crunch: Mix in ¼ cup crushed chocolate sandwich cookies.

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Instructions

Step 1: Gather and Prep

Gather all ingredients: 3 cups high-fat cottage cheese, ⅓ cup maple syrup, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, ½ teaspoon pure peppermint extract, ½ teaspoon spirulina (optional), 1 cup chocolate chips, and fresh mint (optional).
Ensure cottage cheese is chilled for best blending results.

Tip: Use high-quality, high-fat cottage cheese for the creamiest texture; low-fat is less rich but still works.

Step 2: Blend Ingredients

In a blender, combine 3 cups cottage cheese, ⅓ cup maple syrup, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, ½ teaspoon peppermint extract, and ½ teaspoon spirulina (if using).
Blend for 30-60 seconds, or until completely smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides if needed.

Tip: Blend thoroughly to eliminate cottage cheese curds; taste and adjust peppermint extract for desired mint intensity.

Step 3: Chill and Add Chocolate Chips

Pour the blended mixture into a container with an airtight lid (e.g., a metal loaf pan or ice cream container, about 9×5-inch size).
Freeze for 1 hour to slightly firm up the mixture.
Remove from the freezer, stir in 1 cup chocolate chips, and mix gently to distribute evenly.
Cover with the airtight lid and return to the freezer for an additional 3-5 hours, or until frozen solid.

Tip: Adding chocolate chips after partial freezing prevents sinking; ensure a tight seal to avoid ice crystals.

Step 4: Serve

Remove from the freezer and let thaw for 15-20 minutes on the countertop to soften for easier scooping.
Break up the ice cream with a spoon and give it a good mix to ensure a creamy texture.
Scoop into bowls or cones (about ½–¾ cup per serving).
Top with extra chocolate chips or fresh mint leaves for garnish, if desired.
Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tip: If too hard to scoop, let soften a bit longer or dip the scoop in warm water.