There’s something timeless about chocolate chip ice cream. It’s one of those flavors that manages to be both simple and indulgent, striking the perfect balance between smooth vanilla creaminess and rich chocolatey crunch. Whether you’re five or fifty, it’s hard to resist a scoop or two of this classic treat.
At its core, chocolate chip ice cream is all about contrast. The base is usually a vanilla or sweet cream custard, made with milk, cream, sugar, and egg yolks for a luxuriously smooth texture. Into that velvety canvas go the chocolate chips – or more often, finely chopped chocolate chunks that offer a melt-in-your-mouth surprise in every bite. Unlike hard chocolate chips in cookies, the kind used in ice cream are often semi-sweet or dark chocolate, giving a slightly bitter edge that balances the sweetness of the cream.
What really makes chocolate chip ice cream special is its versatility. You can serve it as a classic cone, layer it in a sundae with hot fudge and whipped cream, or make it the star of an ice cream sandwich. It also pairs beautifully with cakes, cookies, fruit sauces, or even a shot of espresso for a quick affogato. There’s a reason it’s often the first flavor to disappear at parties – it’s universally loved.
While there are endless variations today – mint chocolate chip, cookie dough, and even vegan or dairy-free takes – the original chocolate chip version holds its own. It offers comfort, nostalgia, and the kind of satisfaction that only a well-made scoop of ice cream can deliver.
Whether you’re celebrating something special or just cooling down on a hot afternoon, chocolate chip ice cream is a dependable favorite that always hits the spot. It’s classic, it’s creamy, and it never goes out of style.
Ingredients
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup chocolate chips mini or regular
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, whole milk, sugar, and vanilla extract until the sugar is dissolved.
- Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- A few minutes before the ice cream is done churning, add the chocolate chips and allow them to mix in completely.
- Transfer the ice cream to an airtight container and freeze for at least 4 hours or until firm.
Nutrition
This is the best homemade ice cream I’ve ever made! So creamy and yummy. Will be making again for sure!
YAY! Ice cream!!
Can u add fruits? Like strawberries? Or is that weird? 💁♀️
I used almond milk instead of whole milk and it still came out great! Thx for this!
Ice cream good, but took too long to make for a late night snack. Need instant ice cream lol.
I get that! Maker takes forever sometimes. Instant ice cream would be epic! 🍦
3/4 cup sugar seems too much. I cut it down to 1/2 cup and it was still sweet enough. Might not make it again.
I agree, it was way too sweet for me too! Maybe next time try a little less sugar.
I thought this looked awesome but my ice cream turned out rock hard after 4 hours! Is there a trick to make it softer?
I don’t understand how you get it to taste like store-bought. Mine came out icy. What did I do wrong?
Maybe your ice cream maker isn’t working right? I’ve had the same issue before. Give it another try!
This is a classic! You can’t go wrong with chocolate chip ice cream. Love it!
Ice cream maker? What does that even mean? Can I just freeze it in a bowl?
You can freeze it in a bowl, but it won’t be as creamy. Ice cream makers churn and incorporate air, making it light and fluffy. Try it! 😊
Super easy recipe! My kids loved it. We swapped out chocolate chips for sprinkles and it was a hit!
Just ok. Ice cream machine broke halfway, so couldn’t finish. Do I have to have a machine?
You can actually make ice cream without a machine! Just freeze the mixture in a bowl and stir it every 30 mins until it’s firm.
What kind of ice cream maker do I need? I don’t have one! Can I just freeze it in a bowl?
This recipe is so easy! I never thought making ice cream could be this simple. The kids loved it!
Super creamy and delicious. I would make this again!
Soo creamy and delicious! Best ice cream I’ve ever made at home!
This ice cream is to die for! So rich and creamy, my kids loved it. Will definitely make again!
So good that I ate the whole thing in one sitting 😋
I tried it, but it turned out too sweet for me. Maybe less sugar next time?
Less sugar? Nah, chocolate chip ice cream is suposed to be sweet! 😋
I think you’re right! It can be way too sweet sometimes. Cutting down the sugar sounds like a good idea.
Yum! I added some crushed cookies instead of chocolate chips and it was awesome! 😋
Tried making this but it turned into a big icy block. What did I do wrong? Maybe my ice cream maker is broken?
Not really a fan… too sweet for my taste. I prefer sorbet.
I don’t get why you need the cream and the milk? Isn’t it just like making normal chocolate ice cream?
OMG, this is literally the best ice cream ever! I added nuts too! YUM!
Chocolate chips? You mean like chocolate pieces? Why not just use chocolate sauce?
Idk why you would use sauce instead, chocolate chips are da best! But hey, do what you want.
Chocolate chips give it texture and richness, unlike sauce which is just liquid. Trust me, it’s way better!
Is it healthy? I feel guilty eatin ice cream
Heavy cream? Is that even healthy? Seems like a heart attack waiting to happen.
Everything in moderation! It’s a treat, not an everyday food. Enjoy it guilt-free!
I forgot the vanilla and it still came out pretty good. Not perfect though!
Why do you need whole milk? Can’t I just use skim? Also, this is too sweet for my taste.
So easy to make! It took no time and my kids helped. Will definitely make again!!
I dunno, seems kinda simple. Ice cream’s just frozen milk and sugar, right? Not sure it’s worth it.
That’s awesome! Love that your kids helped out. It’s a great way to bond and have fun! 🍦
It was alright, but I think it needed more chocolate chips. Kinda bland otherwise.
I used almond milk instead of whole milk and it turned out really good! Very surprised.
But isn’t almond milk not as rich? I dunno, I thought ice cream needs whole milk to be creamy. Just saying.
Almond milk? That’s interesting! I’ll have to try that next time. Glad it worked out for you!
I thought this would be good, but it didn’t turn out like the store-bought kind. Maybe I did something wrong?
This is the best ice cream recipe I’ve ever tried! So creamy and delicious! My family loved it! 😍
This was super easy to make and tasted amazing! My kids loved it! 🍦
I’m so glad to hear that! Ice cream is a hit with kids for sure! 🍦
heavy cream? really? cant u just use milk? 😕 But it turned out okay anyway.
I’m not great in the kitchen, but I followed the instructions and it turned out great! I’m proud. 😁
Yum! I added nuts too! Ice cream and chocolate chips are the best combo, duh!
Nuts? Really? Sounds weird. But hey, to each their own. I just like plain chocolate chips.
Definitely agree! Ice cream + choc chips = perfection. Can’t wait to try with nuts! 🍦❤️