Mint chocolate chip cottage cheese ice cream is the refreshing, high-protein dessert you didn’t know you needed. This creamy, no-churn treat has taken social media by storm—and for good reason. Made with just a handful of clean ingredients like cottage cheese, maple syrup, peppermint extract, and chocolate chips, it delivers all the flavor of classic mint chip with fewer calories and more protein. Whether you’re health-conscious or just love a good frozen snack, this recipe is the perfect balance of indulgent and nutritious. Let’s dive into the smoothest, easiest mint chip ice cream you’ll ever make—no cream or guilt needed.

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Why Cottage Cheese? And Why Now?

So why swap heavy cream for cottage cheese? The answer is simple: health and texture. Cottage cheese adds creaminess with fewer calories and more protein than traditional bases. If you’ve ever wondered, “Can I use cottage cheese instead of heavy cream in ice cream?” the answer is a resounding yes. It’s the trick that gives this mint chocolate chip cottage cheese ice cream its rich body and flavor—without compromising health.

How to Make Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream with Cottage Cheese

Ingredients You’ll Need for Mint Chocolate Chip Cottage Cheese Ice Cream

Making mint chocolate chip cottage cheese ice cream at home is surprisingly simple—and it only takes six ingredients. This creamy, protein-rich dessert skips the heavy cream and refined sugar while keeping all the flavor of classic mint chip.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• Cottage Cheese: Full-fat cottage cheese (preferably 4%) gives the best texture. Good Culture brand works beautifully for smooth results.
• Maple Syrup: This natural sweetener replaces processed sugar and adds just the right amount of sweetness.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the flavor and balances the cool peppermint.
• Peppermint Extract: A small amount—about 1/4 teaspoon—is enough for that iconic mint flavor.
• Spirulina Powder (Optional): Just a pinch gives your ice cream a pretty mint-green color without using food dye.
• Mini Chocolate Chips: Use dark or semi-sweet chips for the perfect contrast in every bite.

You’ll love how this mint chocolate chip cottage cheese ice cream comes together with clean, wholesome ingredients. It’s a great option if you’re avoiding dairy-heavy bases or simply looking to boost your protein intake with dessert.

For another fun protein-packed treat, check out my Cottage cheese chocolate ice cream that also uses cottage cheese as a base.

This refreshing ice cream is featured in our top 13 high protein cottage cheese recipes for no-bake dessert lovers.

Step-by-Step: How to Make Mint Chocolate Chip Cottage Cheese Ice Cream

Now that you’ve got your ingredients, let’s make this mint chocolate chip ice cream made with cottage cheese in just a few easy steps.

1. Blend the base: In a high-speed blender, add cottage cheese, maple syrup, vanilla extract, peppermint extract, and spirulina (if using). Blend until silky smooth—this is key for a creamy texture.
2. Freeze the mixture: Pour the blended mixture into a freezer-safe container with a lid. Freeze for about one hour.
3. Add the chocolate chips: After the first hour, stir in your mini chocolate chips evenly throughout the mixture. This prevents them from sinking to the bottom.
4. Freeze again: Return the container to the freezer for an additional 3 to 5 hours, until fully set.
5. Thaw before scooping: Let the container sit at room temperature for 15 to 20 minutes before scooping. Stir it gently with a spoon for a creamy, soft-serve texture.

Optional: If you’re using a Ninja Creami, freeze the blended mixture in a Creami container for 6–8 hours, then process using the “Ice Cream” setting. Afterward, make a well in the center, add your chocolate chips, and run the “Mix-In” function.

Love this high-protein dessert? Try my cottage cheese cookie dough next—it’s just as creamy, sweet, and no-bake!

Variations & Tools for the Best Cottage Cheese Ice Cream

Creative Ways to Customize Mint Chocolate Chip Cottage Cheese Ice Cream

One of the things I love most about mint chocolate chip cottage cheese ice cream is how versatile it is. Once you master the base, you can tweak it to suit your flavor cravings or dietary needs without sacrificing texture or taste.

Here are a few ideas to mix it up:

• Add crushed Oreos for a mint chocolate cookie vibe—just stir them in after the first freeze.
• Swap in honey or agave if you don’t have maple syrup. You can also make it lower in sugar by using stevia or monk fruit.
• Make it vegan-friendly by using plant-based cottage cheese and dairy-free chocolate chips.
• Boost the green color naturally with fresh spinach or matcha powder instead of spirulina.
• Want a double chocolate twist? Add 1 tablespoon of unsweetened cocoa powder to the base before blending. You’ll get a rich, chocolate-mint flavor that’s truly indulgent.

How to Make Mint Chocolate Chip Cottage Cheese Ice Cream in a Ninja Creami

If you own a Ninja Creami, it makes this recipe even smoother and creamier—like premium store-bought ice cream but without all the additives. Here’s how to make cottage cheese ice cream mint chocolate chip using this handy machine.

1. Blend the base: Combine cottage cheese, maple syrup, vanilla, peppermint extract, and spirulina in a blender until completely smooth.
2. Freeze in a Creami container: Pour the mixture into the container and freeze for 6–8 hours or overnight. It needs to be fully frozen solid before processing.
3. Process using “Ice Cream” mode: Place the container into the Ninja Creami and run the “Ice Cream” function once. If it looks crumbly after the first spin, don’t worry.
4. Respin if needed: Hit the “Respin” button to bring it to creamy perfection.
5. Mix in chocolate chips: Use the “Mix-In” setting to blend in the chocolate chips at the end. This keeps them from getting crushed into the base.

The Ninja Creami gives you a soft-serve-like texture every single time, which is especially useful if your freezer tends to harden homemade desserts.

Storing, Freezing and Serving Mint Chocolate Chip Cottage Cheese Ice Cream

Once your mint chocolate chip cottage cheese ice cream is blended and frozen, the next step is learning how to store and serve it properly. Homemade ice cream doesn’t have the same stabilizers as store-bought versions, so it needs a little extra love when you’re ready to scoop.

Always use an airtight, freezer-safe container. A shallow container works best because it freezes evenly and thaws faster. You can also portion the ice cream into silicone muffin trays or popsicle molds for grab-and-go servings.

When you’re ready to serve, take it out of the freezer and let it sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes. This softens the texture, making it easier to scoop and stir—bringing it back to that creamy consistency you love.

For long-term storage, you can keep mint chocolate chip cottage cheese ice cream in the freezer for up to two months. Just be sure to seal it well to avoid ice crystals.

Craving something even simpler? Don’t miss my 3-ingredient chocolate mousse with cottage cheese—rich, creamy, and ready in minutes!

FAQs: Mint Chocolate Chip Cottage Cheese Ice Cream

Why Mint Chocolate Chip Cottage Cheese Ice Cream Is Your New Favorite Scoop

Mint chocolate chip cottage cheese ice cream is more than just a trendy treat—it’s a smart, satisfying way to enjoy dessert with real ingredients and zero oven time. Whether you’re blending it up in five minutes or spinning it in your Ninja Creami, it’s easy, fun, and wildly delicious.

This recipe became a staple in my freezer not just because it went viral, but because it fits into my everyday lifestyle. It’s sweet without being too much, creamy without being heavy, and packed with the nostalgic mint chip flavor I grew up loving. And honestly, I think my grandma would’ve gotten a real kick out of it.

Ready for your next scoop? If you’re into rich, chocolatey flavors, you’ve got to try my cottage cheese brownie batter—no bake, high protein, and insanely good!—more no-bake goodness, right from my kitchen to yours.

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