Ah, Christmas ice cream! There’s something magical about it that just makes the holiday season feel extra special. The creamy blend of vanilla and peppermint, combined with the delightful crunch of candy canes and the richness of chocolate chips, creates a festive treat that’s perfect for celebrating with loved ones. I remember the first time I made this recipe—it was a chilly December evening, and the whole family gathered around the table, laughter filling the air as we scooped this dreamy ice cream into our bowls. It became a holiday tradition that brings smiles and joy every year. Trust me, once you serve this at your Christmas gatherings, it’ll be a request you’ll hear for years to come! So, let’s dive into making this delicious treat that’s sure to sweeten up your festivities!
Ingredients List
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1/2 cup crushed candy canes
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
How to Prepare Christmas Ice Cream
Making this Christmas ice cream is as easy as pie—or should I say, ice cream? Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a festive treat ready to impress your friends and family in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First, grab a mixing bowl and combine the heavy cream, whole milk, and granulated sugar. Whisk it together until the sugar is fully dissolved. You’ll want it nice and creamy, so don’t skimp on mixing!
- Next, stir in the vanilla extract and peppermint extract. This is where the magic starts to happen! The scent alone will have you dreaming of Christmas mornings.
- Now, it’s time to add the fun stuff! Toss in the crushed candy canes and chocolate chips. Give it a good stir to ensure everything is evenly distributed. I like to save a little candy cane for garnish later—it adds a nice touch!
- Pour this delightful mixture into your ice cream maker. Make sure it’s spread out evenly so it churns properly.
- Churn according to your manufacturer’s instructions. Usually, it’ll take about 20 to 25 minutes to reach that perfect soft-serve consistency. You’ll know it’s ready when it looks thick and creamy—oh, it’s so tempting!
- Once it’s done churning, transfer the ice cream to an airtight container and pop it in the freezer for at least 4 hours. This will help it firm up nicely, making it scoopable and ready to serve!
And just like that, you’re on your way to enjoying a scoop (or two) of homemade Christmas ice cream! Isn’t it just wonderful how easy it is to bring a little holiday cheer to your kitchen?
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- This Christmas ice cream is a breeze to whip up, taking just 15 minutes of prep time before you let your ice cream maker do the work.
- With its delightful combination of vanilla and refreshing peppermint, it perfectly captures the festive spirit of the season!
- The addition of crushed candy canes and chocolate chips not only adds flavor but gives it a fun crunch that everyone will love.
- You can easily customize this recipe by swapping in your favorite mix-ins or flavors—how about some crushed gingerbread cookies for a spicy twist?
- It’s a fantastic make-ahead dessert that will impress your guests without adding stress to your holiday preparations.
- Plus, who doesn’t love a homemade treat that’s as beautiful as it is delicious? Serve it up in festive bowls and watch the smiles light up the room!
Tips for Success
To ensure your Christmas ice cream turns out perfectly, start with high-quality ingredients. Using fresh, organic heavy cream and whole milk will give you that rich, creamy texture we all love. When it comes to chocolate, a good quality chocolate chip can really elevate the flavor—trust me, it’s worth it! After making your ice cream, store it in an airtight container to keep it smooth and prevent those pesky ice crystals from forming. If you can resist the temptation, let it sit in the freezer for a bit longer for an even firmer scoop. Happy freezing!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to mix up this Christmas ice cream recipe! For a twist, try adding some eggnog instead of milk for a rich, holiday flavor that’s sure to impress. You could also swap out the crushed candy canes for crushed gingerbread cookies for a spiced delight that captures the essence of the season. Feeling fruity? Toss in some chopped cherries or diced strawberries for a pop of color and a refreshing zing. And don’t forget, a swirl of caramel sauce or chocolate fudge can take it over the top! The possibilities are endless, so get creative and make it your own!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to enjoying this Christmas ice cream, it’s nice to know what you’re indulging in! Keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so these numbers are approximate. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect per serving (about 1/2 cup):
- Calories: 300
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Sugar: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
So, while you’re treating yourself to this festive delight, you can feel good knowing exactly what’s in it—just a little holiday magic in every scoop!
FAQ Section
Can I make this Christmas ice cream without an ice cream maker?
Absolutely! You can pour the mixture into a shallow dish and place it in the freezer. Stir it every 30 minutes for about 3-4 hours until it’s creamy and frozen. It’ll take a little more effort, but the result will still be delicious!
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover Christmas ice cream in an airtight container in the freezer. It’s best enjoyed within a week or two for optimal freshness, but it can last up to a month. Just be sure to let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before scooping for easier serving.
Can I substitute the peppermint extract?
Yes! If peppermint isn’t your thing, you can swap it out for a splash of almond extract or just stick with vanilla for a simpler flavor. It’ll still be festive and wonderful!
What if I don’t have crushed candy canes?
No worries! You can use crushed peppermint candies or even chocolate-covered mints for that same holiday flair.
Can I add other mix-ins?
Definitely! Feel free to get creative with mix-ins like mini marshmallows, chopped nuts, or even bits of gingerbread cookies for a fun twist!
Christmas Ice Cream: 5 Sweet Steps to Holiday Bliss
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious and festive ice cream perfect for Christmas celebrations.
Ingredients
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1/2 cup crushed candy canes
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine heavy cream, whole milk, and sugar.
- Stir in vanilla and peppermint extracts until well mixed.
- Add crushed candy canes and chocolate chips.
- Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker.
- Churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions until it reaches a soft-serve consistency.
- Transfer to a container and freeze for at least 4 hours before serving.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, use higher quality chocolate.
- Store in an airtight container to prevent ice crystals.
- Serve with extra crushed candy canes on top for garnish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Ice Cream Maker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: christmas ice cream, holiday dessert, festive ice cream
