Dessert

Thick and Creamy Peppermint Milkshake

This thick and creamy peppermint milkshake is way better than any fast food shake and it's so easy to make at home! Dont forget the cherry!

To recipe
thick and creamy peppermint milkshake
Recipe insights & TIPS

With Christmas flavors all around, you have to make this easy homemade peppermint milkshake with whipped cream, crushed candy canes and a cherry on top!

overhead shot of a peppermint milkshake with candy cane sprinkles and a cherry on top

Why you need a peppermint milkshake

Thanksgiving is all about pumpkin but as soon as turkey day is done, it's time for all things peppermint and the fast track to Christmas.  A peppermint milkshake isn't a new thing but some are more popular than others, with one in particular from Chik-fil-A that my kids are in love with.

I stole a taste for myself and I can see why the peppermint milkshake has such a huge cult following with people waiting patiently every year for it to appear. It's a seasonal item so feed your fix while you can.

I decided to try and recreate it which wasn't too difficult. The trickiest part was probably getting the consistency perfectly thick and creamy because milkshakes have to be super thick, am I right?

How to make the perfect peppermint milkshake

A good blender is important, I use a Vitamix which can blend at high speed and create that much needed air for a fluffy, light milkshake. Next, combine the ice cream and whole milk at a ratio that won't be too runny or even too thick.

When I was making this recipe, a lot of it was trial and error but I think the result was a really close copycat version from Chik-fil-A, verified by my kids! I used 8 decent sized scoops of ice cream and added a half cup of milk.

I always like mine to be on the thicker side even if I have to scoop it into my glass but if the milkshake seems too thick for you, just add a splash more milk until you get the consistency you're looking for. Add the candy canes, chocolate and peppermint and blend again.

Pour it into a tall glass, add a swirl of whipped cream and don't forget that all important cherry on top!

peppermint milkshake with whipped cream and a cherry on top

Tips for making the best milkshake

  • Use whole milk- Getting as much cream and fat into the milkshake is important. Milkshakes are probably not an everyday treat but once in a while is okay.
  • Full fat ice cream- Just like the whole milk, the ice cream is what will make your milkshake super creamy and delicious. I used vanilla for this milkshake but any favorite flavor of ice cream you have can be made into a milkshake.
  • Candy canes- No peppermint milkshake would be complete without crushed peppermint candies mixed through it.
  • Add your own mix-in's- Plain ice cream is the best to begin with.
  • Peppermint extract is what you need, not just mint extract which has more of a spearmint flavor to it. Be careful, extract is strong so add a few drops and then taste it after it's been blended. You can always add more if you like peppermint!

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Recipe

With Christmas flavors all around, you have to make this easy homemade peppermint milkshake with whipped cream, crushed candy canes and a cherry on top!

Course:
Dessert
COOKing TIME:
5 minutes
Total TIME:
10 minutes
CUISINE:
American
PREP TIME:
5 minutes
SERVINGS:
1

Ingredients

  • 3 candy canes, divided
  • 7 good sized scoops of vanilla ice cream
  • ½ cup whole milk
  • ½ regular sized (3oz) bar of dark chocolate roughly broken up
  • 2-3 drops peppermint extract
  • whipped cream
  • maraschino cherry

Ingredient Swaps

Instructions

  1. Roughly break 2 of the candy canes with your fingers.
  2. Place the third candy cane in a zip lock bag and crush with a rolling pin or heavy object, set aside.
  3. Add to your blender, the ice cream, milk, broken candy canes, chocolate pieces and peppermint extract.
  4. Blend on low to begin with and then switch to high speed.
  5. Check the consistency and add more milk if the shake is too thick.
  6. Blend again until smooth and creamy.
  7. Transfer to a large tall glass about ¼ inch from the top and garnish with whipped cream.
  8. Sprinkle the remaining crushed candy canes over the whipped cream and add a cherry.
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