Peppermint Ice Cream- The Little Epicurean

When I was a kid, I’d start counting down to Christmas as soon as Halloween was over. I was relentless and consistent in badgering my parents with my Christmas wish list. I’d rewrite and edit my letter to Santa multiple times to make sure it was perfect. It always seemed like Christmas and New Year’s Eve couldn’t come soon enough.

Nowadays, all I want a pause button to slow down time. Since that magical button is no where to be found, I will settle with peppermint ice cream. But not just any peppermint ice cream. It must be a double scoop of peppermint ice cream served in a chocolate dipped crushed candy cane waffle cone.

One of my favorite holiday activities is going to Disneyland and soaking in all the decorations, the festive spirit, and sharing a giant peppermint ice cream cone with Alex. (Seriously, no one puts on a better show than Disney.) Even during finals week in college, my bff Al and I would meet at the Grand Californian Hotel in Downtown Disney and sip hot chocolate by the hotel’s massive fireplace. There’s just something about the place that gets me all happy, relaxed, and cheerful.

I’ve been so busy this holiday season that I have yet to visit my magical place. I’ve been craving peppermint ice cream since August. Forget waiting until next week to visit Disneyland. I’m going to make my own peppermint ice cream AND my own chocolate dipped waffle cone! Since I don’t have a waffle ice cream cone maker yet (HINT, HINT Alex), I opted for store bought waffle cones that I dipped in rich and silky dark chocolate. Semi-homemade is more than appropriate during this hectic time of year.

Tip: Place chocolate dipped waffle cones in a container filled with uncooked rice (or beans) to allow cones to dry standing upright.

I had to consider all my options before tackling this recipe. Should I infuse the crushed peppermint in the ice cream base? Should I use mint extract? Eventually, I decided on making a super creamy vanilla ice cream base. During the final minutes of churring in the ice cream machine, I added crushed candy canes. After a couple hours in the freezer, the vanilla ice cream takes on the light pink hues of the candy cane. I like it better this way because the peppermint flavor doesn’t become overpowering.

You could go overboard eating everything peppermint in sight this winter season, or you could save this recipe and have peppermint ice cream any time of year!

Peppermint Ice Cream

Rich vanilla ice cream with crushed peppermint served in a chocolate dipped waffle cone. It's my favorite holiday treat!

Yield: about 1 quart

Ingredients:

2 cups heavy cream
1 cup whole milk
1/4 cup + 1 Tbsp granulated sugar
7 egg yolks
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup crushed candy cane (peppermint)

Directions:

In a medium pot, bring cream, milk, and 1 Tbsp of sugar to boil. Meanwhile, in a large bowl whisk together egg yolks and remaining sugar. Once milk begins to boil, lower heat.
Temper hot milk in sugar-yolk mixture. Slowly add hot milk into yolks about 1/4 cup at a time, whisking to distribute heat. Once all the milk has been added, transfer mixture back into the pot.
Stir over low-medium heat until mixture reaches nappe consistency, or 180 degrees on a kitchen thermometer. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla. Transfer to an airtight container and let mixture mature in fridge overnight.
Freeze mixture in ice cream maker according to your unit's instructions. Once the volume has increased by half and has reached a soft serve consistency, add crushed candy cane. Continue to churn until candy cane has been distributed. Transfer ice cream to a freezer safe container. Freezer for at least 1 hour before serving.

Chocolate Dipped Crushed Peppermint Waffle Cones: Melt 1 1/2 cups dark chocolate. Dip waffle cones into melted chocolate. If desired use a spoon to coat the inside of the waffle cone with chocolate. Immediately sprinkle crushed candy canes. Set in a bowl with uncooked rice to allow chocolate cones to dry standing upright.

The Little Epicurean

Comments

Jen+@+Baked+by+an+Introvert

This is the perfect holiday ice cream! Loving the chocolate dipped cones as well.

Maryanne Cabrera

Thanks Jen! I loveeee peppermint :)

Sarah | Broma Bakery

The ice cream looks gorgeous! I love the semi-homemade waffle cones. And so jealous that DIsneyland is close to you. That sounds like a fantastic tradition.
PS- ALEX, IF YOU SEE THIS, SHE WANTS A WAFFLE CONE MAKER.

Thanks Sarah! Disneyland definitely is one of the perks of SoCal :)
(Sometimes you just have to spell it out for boys, lol)

Jocelyn+(Grandbaby+cakes)

Stunning!!!

Thanks Jocelyn!!

CakeSpy

Now this looks like a creamy and dreamy delight. Forget visions of sugarplums – this is dancing in my head!

Aw, thanks Cakespy!! :)

Liz+@+Floating+Kitchen

Oh I’ve never been to Disney around the holidays. I bet it’s so magical. This ice cream looks incredible. Your photos are amazing!

It’s very magical! Thank you Liz :)

Savita @ ChefDeHome

so creamy and delicious ice cream! love addition of peppermint!

It’s the perfect time for peppermint!

Alice @ Hip Foodie Mom

My kids are just like how you were when you were a kid. . but I guess all kids are like that right? :) I also want a pause button or one that gives me 36 hrs in a day. And you’re right, Disneyland is magical at Christmas time. . love it. This peppermint ice cream is magical too and delicious!!! Can’t wait to try this!

36 hours in a day would be awesome!! Can you image how much you would be able to pack in a day?! Thanks! I hope you enjoy it :)

Amanda @ Cookie Named Desire

This is the cutest!! I wish I could reach through my screen and grab a cone. I went to Disney World for Christmas once and it was the best experience of my life. I still haven’t been to Disney Land though, that is next on my life!

Oh man, Disney World for Christmas must be a dream! Let me know when you go to Disneyland! I’ll meet you there ;)

Sarah+@+SavoringSpoon

This us beautiful! I like the vanilla base so the peppermint isn’t too minty. Wish I had a cone of this peppermint ice cream now – it may be rainy and cold outside, but peppermint ice cream in a peppermint crusted chocolate dipped cone!! Always a good time to have some. Pinned!

Rain or shine, it’s always a good time for ice cream! At least, I think so :)

Rachel @ Bakerita

Those cones are SO cute and the ice cream looks absolutely delicious. It sounds so refreshing :) pinned!!

Thank Rachel! You can’t have peppermint ice cream without a peppermint cone! :)

Sandra

Hello, LOVE the look of this ice cream!! I was wondering if there was anyway to make this without the ice cream maker? I’ve never made my own ice cream before, but this looks so irisistable, I fell inspired and festive! :D

Hi Sandra! I haven’t tested this recipe without an ice cream maker. If you don’t have an ice cream maker you could totally try making a semi-freddo version of this. OR you could also buy your favorite vanilla ice cream and stir in some crushed candy canes for a quick fix :)

Kimberly | Chic & Sugar

This is AMAZING. Well done! I just might give it a try for an upcoming dinner party.

Thanks so much Kimberly! :)

Katie @ Butterlust

Peppermint ice cream is my FAVE this time of year! For some reason I find myself craving all kinds of ice cream more in the winter than summer, actually! I love love that the pink color comes from the candy canes, I thought for sure you added food coloring! Merry Christmas!

I enjoy ice cream during the colder months because the ice cream doesn’t melt right away and I am able to really savor it :) Merry Christmas, Katie!

Maya @ Treats and Eats

What a perfect holiday ice cream! Sounds delicious!

Thanks Maya! :)

Sarah @ SnixyKitchen

I still count down the days until Christmas…well, at least until peppermint ice cream hits the shelves. It’s my crazy winter obsession. I’ll take a double scoop sitting by a fire at Disneyland any way of the week (um – “waiting until next week to visit Disneyland”…jealous).

heather (delicious not gorgeous)

despite all the times i’ve gone to disneyland, none have been during the holidays UNTIL THIS YEAR. and it was so magical, i couldn’t deal. i tried one of these and loved the ice cream, but the cone was too minty for me! your cone seems more moderate with the crushed peppermint (:

Peppermint Ice Cream