If you have a soft spot for festive, creamy treats that bring joy with every sip, you’re going to adore this Chick Fil A Peppermint Milkshake Recipe. It’s like a holiday party in a glass, blending rich vanilla ice cream with a refreshing peppermint zing and just the right touch of vibrant red color to brighten your day. This shake is decadently smooth and bursting with seasonal cheer, perfect for those moments when you want to indulge in a delightful classic with a homemade twist. Whether you’re craving a cozy treat or surprising friends with a festive drink, this recipe hits all the right notes and is sure to become a cherished favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with this Chick Fil A Peppermint Milkshake Recipe means gathering some wonderfully simple yet essential ingredients. Each one brings something special to the table—the creamy ice cream creates the perfect base, the peppermint adds that signature cool kick, and the chocolate and candy canes provide texture and holiday magic. Let’s take a look at what you’ll need:
- Vanilla ice cream: The creamy foundation that makes your milkshake rich and smooth.
- Whole milk: Adds just enough liquid for the perfect blendable consistency without watering down flavor.
- Peppermint extract: The star flavor that gives this shake its refreshing peppermint sparkle.
- Red food coloring: Just a few drops to create a festive, eye-catching pink hue.
- 60% cocoa chocolate bar: For shaving delicate chocolate shards on top, adding a hint of bittersweet contrast.
- Candy canes (crushed): Add both a crunchy texture and extra peppermint goodness.
- Whipped topping: For that luscious, fluffy crown on your milkshake.
- Stemmed maraschino cherries: The classic finishing touch that brings nostalgia and sweetness.
How to Make Chick Fil A Peppermint Milkshake Recipe
Step 1: Blend the Base
Begin by adding your vanilla ice cream, whole milk, and peppermint extract into a large blender. Pulse everything until it’s fully combined and irresistibly smooth. This step lays down the creamy, minty foundation for your milkshake and ensures every sip is perfectly balanced between richness and freshness.
Step 2: Add Color
Now it’s time to brighten things up. Add 4 to 6 drops of red food coloring and blend again until the color is smooth and evenly distributed. Want a more vibrant pink? Feel free to add a few extra drops until you reach that festive shade that makes your milkshake pop visually.
Step 3: Prepare Chocolate Shavings
While your shake is chilling, grab your chocolate bar and use a cheese grater to create delicate shavings. These little flakes bring a subtle bitterness and a fun texture contrast that make each sip even more interesting and indulgent.
Step 4: Assemble and Serve
Pour your beautifully pink milkshake into glass jars or tall glasses. Gently mix in the chocolate shavings, then pile on a generous swirl of whipped topping. Crown your creation with a stemmed maraschino cherry, add a straw, and you’re all set to enjoy!
How to Serve Chick Fil A Peppermint Milkshake Recipe
Garnishes
The magic of this milkshake isn’t just in the shake itself but in those playful finishing touches. Whipped cream adds a light, airy layer that contrasts wonderfully with the thick shake, while a shiny maraschino cherry on top provides a pop of bright color and classic sweetness that never goes out of style.
Side Dishes
Looking to make it an extra special treat? Pair this peppermint milkshake with a warm, gooey chocolate chip cookie or a slice of rich brownie. The combination of hot and cold, crumbly and creamy, elevates your dessert experience to a whole new level of yum.
Creative Ways to Present
For entertaining, consider serving these milkshakes in mason jars tied with festive ribbons or topped with crushed candy cane rims around the glass. You can even add a mini candy cane hooked on the rim for that extra holiday WOW factor that will impress your guests instantly.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any milkshake leftover (though it’s hard not to finish right away!), store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just give it a gentle stir before serving again to bring it back to that lovely creamy texture.
Freezing
Freezing milkshakes isn’t usually recommended because they can lose their smooth texture, but you can freeze the base mixture (without toppings) in a sealed container for up to two weeks. Let it thaw overnight in the fridge before blending again for serving.
Reheating
Since this is a cold treat, reheating isn’t applicable. However, if your shake separates after storing, blending it again briefly can refresh the creamy consistency and bring it back to life for a quick second round.
FAQs
Can I use peppermint oil instead of extract?
Peppermint oil is much more concentrated than extract, so it’s best to use it very sparingly if you decide to substitute. Start with just a drop, as too much can make the shake overwhelmingly strong or even bitter.
What kind of milk works best?
Whole milk is preferred for creaminess, but you can substitute with 2% or even almond milk for a lighter or dairy-free version — just keep in mind the flavor and texture will be slightly different.
Can I make a vegan version of this milkshake?
Absolutely! Swap vanilla dairy-free ice cream and a plant-based milk like coconut milk. Use a peppermint flavoring that’s vegan-friendly, and skip the whipped cream or use a vegan alternative for garnishing.
How important is the food coloring?
The red food coloring is optional but adds a signature festive look that makes this milkshake extra fun, especially around the holidays. Flavor stays the same without it, so feel free to skip if you prefer a more natural appearance.
Can I prepare this shake in advance for a party?
You can prepare the base in advance and keep it chilled, but for the best texture, blend just before serving. Garnish and assemble right before guests arrive to keep the whipped topping fluffy and the presentation fresh.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so joyful and comforting about sipping on this Chick Fil A Peppermint Milkshake Recipe. It not only tastes delicious but brings a smile with its festive look and creamy peppermint goodness. Whether you’re treating yourself on a chilly day or sharing with loved ones, this recipe is too good to keep to yourself. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, blend it up, and enjoy a truly special milkshake experience that feels like a seasonal hug in a glass.
Print
Chick Fil A Peppermint Milkshake Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 2 milkshakes (about 2 servings)
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Chick Fil A Peppermint Milkshake is a festive and creamy treat combining rich vanilla ice cream, refreshing peppermint, and decadent chocolate shavings. Perfect for holiday celebrations or any time you crave a sweet, minty indulgence.
Ingredients
Milkshake Base
- 4 cups vanilla ice cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 4–6 drops red food coloring (adjust to desired pink shade)
Chocolate Shavings
- 4 oz 60% cocoa chocolate bar
Candy Garnish
- 10 crushed candy canes or 4 regular-sized candy canes (crushed)
For Garnishing
- Whipped topping
- Stemmed maraschino cherries
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: Add the vanilla ice cream, whole milk, and peppermint extract into a large blender. Pulse the mixture until it becomes fully combined and smooth, ensuring even flavor distribution.
- Add Food Coloring: Incorporate 4 to 6 drops of red food coloring into the blended mixture. Mix again until the color is smooth and consistent. Add extra drops if you prefer a deeper pink tone for a festive look.
- Prepare Chocolate Shavings: Using a cheese grater, carefully shave bits of the 60% cocoa chocolate bar to create fine chocolate flakes that will add texture and a rich chocolate flavor to the milkshake.
- Assemble and Serve: Pour the finished milkshake evenly into glass jars or serving glasses. Sprinkle the chocolate shavings on top, then add a generous dollop of whipped topping. Finish by placing a stemmed maraschino cherry on top and serve immediately with a straw for a delightful experience.
Notes
- Adjust the peppermint extract quantity to suit your taste if you prefer a stronger or milder peppermint flavor.
- For a dairy-free or vegan alternative, substitute the vanilla ice cream and milk with plant-based versions.
- Crushing candy canes adds a crunchy texture and extra peppermint flavor when sprinkled on top or mixed in.
- The red food coloring is optional but adds a festive pink hue perfect for holiday occasions.
- Serve immediately for best texture and taste as the milkshake may melt if left out too long.
