This Ninja Creami Hot Chocolate Ice Cream Recipe tastes just like a warm mug of hot chocolate, only frozen! With five base ingredients and optional mix-ins, it comes together in minutes and turns out rich, smooth, and super creamy.
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If you love Ninja Creami Recipes, try my Ninja Creami Chocolate Ice Cream, Ninja Creami Cookies and Cream Ice Cream, and Ninja Creami Fairlife Chocolate Milk Ice Cream, too!
Who says hot chocolate is just for the winter? I make this hot chocolate ice cream all year long! It's festive for the holidays, but it also hits the spot when the weather warms up.
Easy to customize with mix-ins, it's one treat everyone in the house always agrees on. I like to keep a pint or two in the freezer for when a craving strikes.
Recipe at a Glance
- Makes: 1 Pint - perfect for sharing (or not!)
- Simple Ingredients: 5 basic ingredients + optional mix-ins or toppings
- Easy to Make: Mix, freeze, churn, and enjoy.
- Texture: Smooth, scoopable, classic ice cream-style.
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Recipe Ingredients
- Milk: Use whole milk for the richest flavor and creamiest consistency. Or, use Fairlife milk for a boost of protein. NOTE: Ultra-filtered Fairlife milk is higher in protein and produces a creamier texture with less iciness. If using Fairlife Whole (3.25%) milk, the ice cream often comes out smooth after the first spin, making the RE-SPIN unnecessary. If using Fairlife 2%, you'll still need to do one RE-SPIN.
- Heavy Cream: Adds richness and creates a creamier consistency.
- Granulated Sugar: Adjust the amount included, depending on your preferences and the sweetness of your hot chocolate mix.
- Hot Chocolate Mix: Use any mix you like best.
- Vanilla Extract: Use a high-quality pure vanilla extract for the best results!
A complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the printable recipe card below.
How to Make Ninja Creami Hot Chocolate Ice Cream
Create the base. Whisk the milk, heavy cream, sugar, hot chocolate mix, and vanilla extract in a Ninja Creami pint container until well combined. Use either a whisk or an electric milk frother for a smooth consistency. TIP: Be careful not to fill past the MAX FILL line! Secure the lid, and freeze for at least 24 hours.
Blend. Remove the lid from the pint, place it into the outer bowl, secure the outer bowl lid, and lock it into the Ninja Creami machine. Select the "ICE CREAM" function for the first spin. The mixture may look crumbly after the first spin; this is normal. The RE-SPIN is what brings it together and makes it creamy.
Respin. Use a spoon to make a small well in the center of the ice cream, and add a splash of milk or cream. Re-attach the lid, and use the "RE-SPIN" function to blend the ice cream again.
(Optional). If using mix-ins, make another well in the center and add any extras. Then, add the lid, and spin the ice cream one last time using the "MIX IN" function. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Substitutions and Variations
Dairy-Free: For a dairy-free and vegan version, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and almond milk or coconut milk instead of whole milk. Then, look for a vegan hot chocolate mix.
Sweeteners: Substitute the granulated sugar with a keto-friendly sweetener for a low-carb option.
Add-Ins: I like to add chocolate chips or chopped chocolate and mini marshmallows to replicate the flavor of warm Instant Pot Hot Chocolate, but feel free to get creative! Some fun additions include graham crackers, chocolate cookies, chopped nuts, or peppermint chips.
Jeri's Top Tips
- Warm the Milk: If your hot chocolate mix is clumpy, warm the milk in the microwave for 30-45 seconds before whisking to help everything dissolve smoothly. Then let it cool slightly before freezing to prevent ice crystals from forming on the edges.
- Freeze Time: Make sure to freeze the mixture for at least 24 hours for the best consistency.
- Warm the Pint: If your freezer runs extremely cold, let the pint sit out for 1-2 minutes before spinning.
- Blending: Blend the ingredients thoroughly to avoid any clumps of hot chocolate mix.
Serving Suggestions
Toppings: Serve your hot chocolate ice cream topped with whipped cream, chocolate syrup, chocolate chips, extra marshmallows, or peppermint pieces.
Pairings: Use it to top brownies or make ice cream sandwiches with Chocolate Crinkle Cookies or Sourdough Chocolate Chip Cookies, or scoop it into cones.
How to Store Ninja Creami Hot Chocolate Ice Cream
Store: Leftovers can be stored in the Ninja Creami pint container, with the top smoothed flat and the lid securely fastened, in the freezer for up to 2 weeks.
Re-churn: Let the ice cream sit at room temperature for a few minutes before churning it on the RE-SPIN setting.
Can I Make This in a Ninja Swirl?
Yes! Use a Swirl container, top up to the MAX FILL line if needed, and process on SOFT SERVE Ice Cream or SCOOP Ice Cream. The extra milk and RE-SPIN step are usually not needed.
More Ninja Creami Recipes to Try
- Ninja Creami Eggnog Ice Cream - Two ingredients and the best holiday flavor.
- Ninja Creami Peanut Butter Ice Cream - Salty, sweet, and guaranteed to be a favorite in your kitchen.
- Ninja Creami Banana Ice Cream - Naturally sweetened for a fruity flavor.
- Ninja Creami Coconut Ice Cream - Five ingredients and bold coconut flavor.
- Ninja Creami Pistachio Ice Cream - No artificial flavoring or boxed pudding mix required.
- Ninja Creami Maple Walnut Ice Cream - Rich maple flavor, crunchy walnuts, and just the right amount of sweetness!
Printable Recipe
Ninja Creami Hot Chocolate Ice Cream
Ingredients
- 1¼ cups whole milk (or Fairlife 3.25% or 2% milk)
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons hot chocolate mix
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Mix-ins:
- ¼ cup chocolate chips or chopped chocolate
- ¼ cup mini marshmallows
Instructions
- Add milk (1¼ cups), heavy cream (½ cup), sugar (⅓ cup), hot chocolate mix (2 tablespoons), and vanilla extract (1 teaspoon) directly to a Ninja Creami pint container. Use a whisk or electric milk frother to mix until the sugar and cocoa mix are fully dissolved. Do not fill past the MAX FILL line.
- Secure the lid and place the pint on a level surface in the freezer. Freeze for 24 hours.
- Remove the pint from the freezer and take off the lid. Place the pint into the outer bowl, attach the lid assembly, and lock it into the Ninja Creami machine. Select the ICE CREAM function for the first spin.
- After the first spin, the ice cream may look crumbly or powdery - this is normal. Make a small well in the center and add about 1 tablespoon of milk or cream. Reattach the lid and run the RE-SPIN function.
- If using mix-ins, make a well, add chocolate chips or mini marshmallows, and process using the MIX-IN function.
- Scoop and serve immediately.
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Notes
- Fairlife Tip: I prefer Fairlife milk because it's ultra-filtered and higher in protein, giving the ice cream a much creamier texture with less iciness. If you use the Whole (3.25%) version, it usually comes out perfectly on the first spin, so you can skip the RE-SPIN step entirely. If using Fairlife 2% milk, you'll still need to do the RE-SPIN.
- Sweetness Tip: Different hot chocolate mixes vary in sweetness. If yours is quite sweet, you can cut the sugar back to ¼ cup.
- Ninja Swirl Option: This recipe also works in the Ninja Swirl machine. Use a Swirl container, top up to the MAX FILL line if needed, and process on SOFT SERVE Ice Cream or SCOOP Ice Cream. The extra milk and RE-SPIN step are usually unnecessary with the Swirl.
- Storage: Store leftovers in the original pint with the lid tightly secured. Reprocess with RE-SPIN before serving again.
Nutrition
The provided nutrition information is automatically calculated. Accuracy is not guaranteed.
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