Peppermint Chocolate Chip Milkshakes

Your New Favorite Holiday Tradition: Peppermint Chocolate Chip Milkshakes

Hey there, my festive friend! Chef Emily here, waving from my kitchen that currently smells like a candy cane factory exploded (in the best way possible, I promise). Is there anything that screams “holiday cheer” more than the classic combo of peppermint and chocolate? I don’t think so. It’s the flavor of cozy sweaters, twinkling lights, and that happy, full-belly feeling after a big family meal.

But let’s be real—sometimes you want all that festive magic without spending hours in the kitchen. That’s where these unbelievably easy, ridiculously delicious Peppermint Chocolate Chip Milkshakes swoop in to save the day. We’re talking about a creamy, dreamy, minty-chocolatey concoction that’s blended to perfection and topped with a mountain of whipped cream. It’s a dessert, a drink, and a celebration all in one frosty glass. Whether you’re hosting a holiday movie marathon, need a quick treat after driving around to see the Christmas lights, or just want to make a Tuesday feel special, this recipe is your answer. So, grab your blender and your favorite people—we’re about to make some seriously tasty memories.

A Spoonful of Nostalgia: My First Milkshake Memory

This recipe always takes me right back to my grandma’s linoleum-floored kitchen, circa 1995. It was the day after Christmas, and the house was a wonderful mess of wrapping paper scraps and the lingering scent of pine. My grandma, a woman who believed dessert was its own food group, looked at the leftover candy canes from our stockings and declared, “Waste not, want not!”

She didn’t have a fancy recipe. She just scooped vanilla ice cream into her old, loud blender, poured in some milk, and threw in those candy canes, red stripes and all. I remember the sound of the blender grinding those candies into sweet, minty dust. She poured it into mismatched glasses, topped it with a squirt of Reddi-wip from a can, and stuck a whole new candy cane right in the middle. It was pure, unadulterated joy in a glass. It wasn’t just a milkshake; it was alchemy. She turned simple leftovers into a moment of magic. That’s the spirit I try to bring into every recipe I create—that sense of fun, love, and a little bit of kitchen wizardry.

Gathering Your Frosty, Festive Ingredients

This is where the fun begins! The beauty of this milkshake is its simplicity, but each ingredient plays a starring role. Here’s what you’ll need to make magic for four people (or, you know, two *very* happy people).

• 1½ cups Alta Dena Vitamin D Milk (or any rich whole milk): Whole milk is my go-to for its creamy richness and body. It creates the perfect sippable, not-too-thick consistency. Chef’s Insight: If you only have 2% or skim, that’s okay! You might just need a touch less to get the blend started. For a non-dairy twist, full-fat oat milk or canned coconut milk are phenomenal substitutes that add their own delicious flavor.
• 12 scoops Vanilla Ice Cream: This is the heart of the operation! Use a high-quality, classic vanilla bean ice cream for the best flavor. Pro-Tip: For an extra minty punch, you can use a peppermint swirl or candy cane ice cream! Just know it’ll be intensely minty (which, for some of us, is the goal!).
• 8 Peppermint Candy Canes: This is what gives the milkshake its iconic flavor and those gorgeous red and white specks. Chef’s Hack: Unwrap them and place them in a zip-top bag. Use a rolling pin or the bottom of a heavy pan to crush them into small pieces *before* blending. This saves your blender blades and ensures every sip has a perfect crunch.
• 1 teaspoon Peppermint Extract: This is our secret weapon for amplifying that cool, refreshing peppermint essence. A little goes a long way! Heads up: Be sure you’re using peppermint extract, not mint extract. Peppermint is sweet and cool; mint can taste more like spearmint gum.
• ½ cup Chocolate Bar Shavings or Mini Chocolate Chips: The chocolatey yin to our minty yang! I love using a microplane to make shavings from a dark chocolate bar—they melt into the shake beautifully. Mini chocolate chips hold their shape and give you delightful little chocolate nuggets in every sip. You truly can’t go wrong.
• Whipped Cream for topping: This is non-negotiable for me. The pillowy cloud of sweet cream on top is the crown jewel. Use the canned stuff for ease or make your own for that extra “wow” factor.

Blending Up a Blizzard of Deliciousness: Your Step-by-Step Guide

Ready to become a milkshake master? Let’s fire up that blender! This process is so simple, but I’ve packed it with all my favorite chef hacks to ensure your shake is absolutely perfect.

1. Prep Your Candy Canes: Before you do anything else, unwrap those 8 candy canes and place them in a sturdy plastic zip-top bag. Seal it tightly, leaving a little air inside. Now, grab your rolling pin or even a heavy-bottomed saucepan and gently crush them. You’re aiming for small pebbles and coarse powder, not a fine dust. This pre-crushing is a total game-changer—it prevents your blender from working overtime and ensures you get lovely little bursts of peppermint instead of one giant, unblended chunk.
2. Chill Your Glasses (Optional but Awesome): For the ultimate frosty experience, place your serving glasses in the freezer for about 10-15 minutes while you prepare everything else. A cold glass keeps your milkshake thicker and more refreshing for longer. It’s a tiny step that makes a huge difference!
3. The Festive Rim (If you’re going for it!): If you’re feeling extra (and I always am), let’s decorate those glasses! Take a little bit of vanilla frosting or even some chocolate syrup and spread a thin layer on a small plate. Take another plate and pour out your festive sprinkles. Now, take your chilled glass and dip the rim first into the frosting, then into the sprinkles, twisting gently to coat. Set them aside. You’ve just elevated your milkshake from tasty to totally Instagram-worthy.
4. The Grand Blend: Now for the main event! To your blender, add the milk first. This helps the blending process start smoothly. Next, pile in those 12 glorious scoops of vanilla ice cream. Follow that with your pre-crushed candy canes, the peppermint extract, and the chocolate shavings or chips. Pop the lid on tightly. Start your blender on a low speed to break up the big chunks, then gradually increase to high. Blend for 30-60 seconds, or until the mixture is completely smooth, creamy, and beautifully flecked with red and white. If it’s too thick, add a splash more milk. If it’s too thin, add another scoop of ice cream. You’re the boss of your blender!
5. Pour and Party: Immediately pour your perfect peppermint concoction into your prepared glasses, leaving a little room at the top for that mountain of whipped cream. Don’t wait! Milkshakes are best enjoyed the second they’re blended.
6. The Grand Finale (Toppings!): Top each milkshake with a generous swirl of whipped cream. Now, go crazy! Drizzle with chocolate syrup, add a few more chocolate shavings, and for the pièce de résistance, garnish with a whole mini candy cane. Plop in a straw and serve immediately with the biggest, most festive smile you can muster.

How to Serve Your Masterpiece

Presentation is part of the fun! This isn’t just a drink; it’s an experience. I love serving these shakes in large, classic mason jars or tall soda fountain glasses to really lean into the retro vibe. The sprinkle rim is a must for parties—it makes everyone feel like a kid again.

Grab some colorful, fun paper straws (the wide ones are best for thick milkshakes!) and don’t forget long spoons for digging into that whipped cream topping. Serve them alongside a platter of fresh-baked chocolate chip cookies or even some simple shortbread for dipping. The goal is to create a moment of pure, shared joy. Gather everyone around the kitchen island, hand them a shake, and toast to the season!

Shake Things Up! Delicious Variations to Try

The basic recipe is a flawless classic, but I love getting creative. Here are a few of my favorite twists to keep this recipe exciting all season long!

• Cookies & Cream Twist: Add 4-5 crushed Oreo cookies to the blender with the other ingredients. The chocolate cookie flavor pairs perfectly with the mint and creates an almost minty-mudslide effect. Top with an extra cookie on the rim.
• Double Chocolate Mint: Chocolate lovers, this one’s for you! Use chocolate ice cream instead of vanilla. Add a big splash of chocolate syrup into the blender and use chocolate sprinkles for the glass rim. It’s incredibly rich and decadent.
• Brownie Chunk Blizzard: Fold in ½ cup of chopped, fudgy brownie pieces *after* blending. Just stir them in with a spoon so they stay nice and chunky. You get a chewy, chocolatey surprise in every single sip.
• White Christmas Swirl: For a less chocolate-forward version, use white chocolate chips or shavings instead of dark chocolate. The flavor is sweet, creamy, and elegant. A drizzle of white chocolate sauce on top would be gorgeous.
• Dairy-Free Delight: Easily make this vegan! Use your favorite vegan vanilla ice cream (the coconut-based ones are so creamy), oat milk, and dairy-free whipped cream. It’s just as delicious and inclusive for everyone at the table.

Chef Emily’s Kitchen Confidential

This recipe has evolved so much from my grandma’s simple version! I’ve learned a few things along the way. One year, in a hurry, I tried to blend full, un-crushed candy canes. My blender made a sound I’ve never heard before and promptly quit on me. Lesson learned: always crush first!

I also used to be a purist about making my own whipped cream, but you know what? During the busy holidays, the canned stuff is a lifesaver and it brings me just as much joy. Don’t stress about perfection. The real magic of this recipe isn’t just in the taste; it’s in the laughter shared while drinking it, the minty mustache you get, and the simple act of making something fun together. That’s the secret ingredient you won’t find on any list.

Your Milkshake Questions, Answered!

Q: My milkshake is too thin. How can I thicken it up?
A: No worries! This is an easy fix. Just add another scoop or two of frozen ice cream and blend again for another 15-20 seconds. The frozen ice cream will chill and thicken the whole mixture right up.

Q: My milkshake is too thick! It won’t pour. Help!
A> Too thick is a great problem to have! Simply add a splash more milk (a tablespoon at a time) and pulse the blender until it reaches your desired, pourable consistency.

Q: Can I make this ahead of time for a party?
A: I highly recommend serving it immediately for the best texture and experience. However, you can do all the prep ahead of time! Crush the candy canes, shave the chocolate, rim the glasses, and even pre-scoop the ice cream onto a baking sheet and keep it in the freezer. When guests arrive, everything goes into the blender for a 60-second party trick!

Q: The candy cane pieces are a little too crunchy for my liking. Any tips?
A> Absolutely! If you prefer a completely smooth shake with no crunch, you have two options. 1) Blend the crushed candy canes with the milk first for a full minute to fully dissolve them before adding the ice cream. Or 2) Use ½ teaspoon of peppermint extract and omit the candy canes, then use the candy canes *only* as a garnish on top.

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Nutritional Information (Because We’re Curious!)

Okay, let’s be real—this is an indulgent holiday treat, and it’s meant to be enjoyed as such! But I know many of you like to have a general idea of what you’re enjoying. The estimated nutritional information per serving (assuming one of four shakes, with whole milk and without extra toppings like whipped cream) is approximately:

• Calories: ~380
• Fat: ~18g
• Saturated Fat: ~11g
• Carbohydrates: ~50g
• Sugar: ~45g
• Protein: ~6g

Remember, these are estimates and can vary greatly based on the specific brands of ice cream and milk you use. The sugar content is high because, well, it’s made with candy canes and ice cream! The key is to savor it mindfully as a special dessert. For a lighter version, you can try using sugar-free ice cream and candy canes, but the classic version is my personal favorite for a once-a-year splurge.

Final Scoop

And there you have it, my friends! Your complete guide to creating the most festive, delicious, and memorable Peppermint Chocolate Chip Milkshakes this holiday season. This recipe is more than just a list of ingredients; it’s an invitation to slow down, create a little magic, and share something truly joyful with the people you love.

I hope this recipe becomes a new tradition in your home, just like it is in mine. It’s a reminder that the best moments are often the simplest ones—clinking glasses, sharing stories, and enjoying a ridiculously good treat together.

I’d love to hear how your milkshake-making goes! Tag me on social @emilywalker with #TastyChow so I can see your beautiful creations. Now, go forth and blend! Wishing you a season full of love, laughter, and dangerously good milkshakes.

With a full heart and a happy belly,
Emily