Creamy Peppermint Ice Cream (Printable Format)

A refreshing creamy frozen dessert with cool peppermint flavor and crunchy candy pieces for festive delight.

# What You Need:

→ Dairy

01 - 2 cups heavy cream
02 - 1 cup whole milk

→ Sugar & Flavorings

03 - 3/4 cup granulated sugar
04 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
05 - 1 teaspoon pure peppermint extract
06 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

→ Add-ins

07 - 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies or candy canes

→ Optional

08 - 2-3 drops red or green food coloring

# How-To Steps:

01 - Combine heavy cream, whole milk, granulated sugar, and salt in a medium saucepan. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until sugar dissolves and mixture is steaming, avoiding boiling.
02 - Remove from heat and incorporate peppermint extract, vanilla extract, and if desired, food coloring; stir until uniform.
03 - Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature, then cover and refrigerate for 3 to 4 hours until thoroughly chilled.
04 - Pour chilled mixture into an ice cream maker and process according to manufacturer’s instructions.
05 - During the last two minutes of churning, add crushed peppermint candies evenly into the mixture.
06 - Transfer the churned ice cream into a freezer-safe container, cover, and freeze for a minimum of 2 hours until set.
07 - Remove from freezer and let soften at room temperature for a few minutes prior to scooping and serving.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • This ice cream feels like a refreshing secret shared amongst friends that cools you down and brightens your day simultaneously
  • The blend of smooth cream and crunchy peppermint candy became my go-to treat for both celebrations and quiet nights in
02 -
  • Do not let the cream mixture boil during heating, or it changes the texture in a way you won't want
  • Adding the crushed candies near the end preserves their crunch, a revelation I wish I had from the start
03 -
  • Trial and error taught me that the candy timing during churning is crucial for maintaining crunch
  • The secret is chilling the base overnight for the fullest flavor development

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