As the winter chill sets in and the festive decorations start to sparkle, there’s nothing quite like indulging in the seasonal delights that embody the spirit of the holidays. Among these treats, Tillamook Peppermint Ice Cream stands out as a creamy, dreamy favorite that tantalizes the taste buds with its vibrant burst of peppermint and the sweet, satisfying crunch of candy cane pieces and white chocolate chunks. This year, why not take your holiday desserts to an enchanting new level by whipping up your very own batch of this festive treat right in your kitchen?
How to make Tillamook Peppermint Ice Cream
Tillamook Peppermint Ice Cream is a seasonal flavor offered by Tillamook, a well-known dairy company based in Oregon. It features a creamy vanilla ice cream base that is flavored with peppermint and swirled with ribbons of peppermint-flavored syrup.
Ingredients for Homemade Peppermint Ice Cream
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pure peppermint extract (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 cup crushed candy canes or peppermint candies
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips or chunks, roughly chopped
Instructions
- Prep Your Candy: Place the candy canes or peppermint candies in a zip-lock bag, seal it, and crush them into small pieces using a rolling pin or a heavy object. Be careful not to turn them into powder—you’ll want to keep some crunchy bits for that quintessential candy crunch.
- Mix Base Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, milk, sugar, and salt until the sugar dissolves completely. This could take about 2 to 3 minutes of constant stirring.
- Infuse the Peppermint: Add the peppermint extract to the mixture. Peppermint flavors can be strong, so start with a smaller amount, taste, and then add more if you’d like a more intense peppermint flavor.
- Chill: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight. This step helps the ice cream mixture to develop the best flavor and texture upon freezing.
- Churn the Ice Cream: Pour the chilled ice cream mixture into your ice cream maker. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for churning; typically, it takes about 20-25 minutes until the ice cream is thick and creamy.
- Add Candy and Chocolate: In the last few minutes of churning, add the crushed candy cane pieces and white chocolate chunks. This allows them to mix evenly throughout the ice cream.
- Freeze to Firm Up: Transfer the ice cream to a freezer-safe container, spreading it evenly with a spatula. To prevent ice crystals from forming, press a sheet of wax paper against the surface of the ice cream. Seal the container with a lid or tightly with plastic wrap.
- Final Freeze: Allow the ice cream to freeze for at least 4-6 hours or until it is firm enough to scoop. If you can resist the temptation, leaving it overnight yields the best texture.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once your ice cream has reached the desired firmness, it’s ready to be served! Scoop it into bowls or ice cream cones, top with extra crushed candies if desired, and indulge in the creamy, minty goodness.
Tips for the Perfect Peppermint Ice Cream
- Quality Ingredients: For the creamiest texture, use full-fat milk and cream.
- Ice Cream Maker Ready: Make sure your ice cream maker’s bowl is fully frozen before you start the churning process – at least 24 hours in the freezer is typically recommended.
- Texture Matters: If you prefer bits of candy in every bite, save some of the crushed candy and sprinkle it on top of the ice cream after you transfer it into the container.
- Flavor Tweaks: Adjust the amount of peppermint extract to suit your taste – a little goes a long way!
- Storage: Store your ice cream in an airtight container to keep it fresh and prevent freezer burn. A shallow, flat container can make scooping easier.
What to serve with
Tillamook Peppermint Ice Cream is a holiday delight that’s rich and refreshing all on its own, but it can also be a star in a variety of scrumptious desserts and pairings.
Classic Holiday Cookies
Pair your Tillamook Peppermint Ice Cream with an assortment of holiday cookies, such as gingerbread men, snickerdoodles, and chocolate crinkles. The varying textures and flavors of the cookies will complement the cool peppermint taste of the ice cream. Imagine scooping a dollop of peppermint ice cream onto a warm gingerbread cookie – pure bliss!
Chocolate Brownie Alchemy
For a rich and decadent treat, serve a warm chocolate brownie with a scoop of peppermint ice cream on top. The warmth of the brownie will slightly melt the ice cream, making a creamy and gooey mixture that’s hard to resist. The combination of cool peppermint and warm, fudgy chocolate is a classic.
Delectable Ice Cream Sandwiches
Create ice cream sandwiches using chocolate wafers, or double down on holiday themes with peppermint-flavored cookies. Sandwich a generous scoop of the peppermint ice cream between two cookies and roll the edges in crushed candy canes for extra crunch and festivity.
Hot Chocolate Floats
Elevate your traditional cup of hot chocolate by adding a scoop of Tillamook Peppermint Ice Cream. The ice cream will slowly melt into the hot cocoa, creating a minty, creamy concoction that’s perfect for sipping on a cold night by the fireplace.
Elegant Ice Cream Cake
Layer chocolate cake with peppermint ice cream and freeze until solid. Frost the cake with whipped cream and sprinkle with crushed peppermint candies or drizzle with chocolate syrup for a stunning and delightful dessert centerpiece.
Fruit Compote
Compliment the refreshing nature of the peppermint ice cream with a berry compote. Mix together berries like raspberries, strawberries, or blackberries with a bit of sugar and heat them gently before pouring over your scoop of ice cream.
Peppermint Affogato
For a quick yet sophisticated after-dinner treat, pour a shot of hot espresso over a scoop of peppermint ice cream. The Italian affogato gets a holiday twist here, where the richness of the coffee balances the sweetness and coldness of the ice cream wonderfully.
Pancake or Waffle Breakfast
Who says ice cream isn’t for breakfast? Top a stack of pancakes or waffles with a scoop of peppermint ice cream for a festive holiday breakfast or brunch. The warm and fluffy base with a melt-in-your-mouth topping will surely bring smiles to the breakfast table.
Pie à la Mode
Serve a slice of pie, such as apple, pecan, or even pumpkin, with a scoop of your homemade ice cream. The contrasting flavors will bring out the best in each other, making for a memorable holiday dessert.
Peppermint Sundae Bar
Set up a sundae bar with various toppings, such as hot fudge, caramel sauce, whipped cream, chopped nuts, and cherries. Let your guests have fun creating their own personalized ice cream sundaes with peppermint ice cream as the base.
Chocolate Lava Cake
For an ultimate indulgence, serve peppermint ice cream alongside a warm, oozy chocolate lava cake. The contrast not only in temperatures but also in textures and flavors will surely be a hit.
Final Thoughts
With these detailed instructions and tips, you’re all set to enjoy a delightful homemade version of Tillamook Peppermint Ice Cream. Not only will you satisfy your cravings for a holiday-flavored treat, but you’ll also create wonderful memories and perhaps even a new holiday tradition in the process!
More Ice Cream Recipes:
- Baskin Robbins Ube Coconut Swirl Recipe
- Baskin Robbins Cookie Monster Ice Cream Recipe
- Blue Bell’s Peppermint Bark Ice Cream Recipe
- Blue Bell Christmas Cookie Ice Cream Recipe
- Crumbl Cookie Brownie Sundae Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pure peppermint extract (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 cup crushed candy canes or peppermint candies
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips or chunks, roughly chopped
Instructions
- Prep Your Candy: Place the candy canes or peppermint candies in a zip-lock bag, seal it, and crush them into small pieces using a rolling pin or a heavy object. Be careful not to turn them into powder—you'll want to keep some crunchy bits for that quintessential candy crunch.
- Mix Base Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, milk, sugar, and salt until the sugar dissolves completely. This could take about 2 to 3 minutes of constant stirring.
- Infuse the Peppermint: Add the peppermint extract to the mixture. Peppermint flavors can be strong, so start with a smaller amount, taste, and then add more if you’d like a more intense peppermint flavor.
- Chill: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight. This step helps the ice cream mixture to develop the best flavor and texture upon freezing.
- Churn the Ice Cream: Pour the chilled ice cream mixture into your ice cream maker. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for churning; typically, it takes about 20-25 minutes until the ice cream is thick and creamy.
- Add Candy and Chocolate: In the last few minutes of churning, add the crushed candy cane pieces and white chocolate chunks. This allows them to mix evenly throughout the ice cream.
- Freeze to Firm Up: Transfer the ice cream to a freezer-safe container, spreading it evenly with a spatula. To prevent ice crystals from forming, press a sheet of wax paper against the surface of the ice cream. Seal the container with a lid or tightly with plastic wrap.
- Final Freeze: Allow the ice cream to freeze for at least 4-6 hours or until it is firm enough to scoop. If you can resist the temptation, leaving it overnight yields the best texture.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once your ice cream has reached the desired firmness, it’s ready to be served! Scoop it into bowls or ice cream cones, top with extra crushed candies if desired, and indulge in the creamy, minty goodness.
