And if you’re a dessert lover, don’t miss the whimsical Cat Birthday Cake or the spiced and cozy Apple Spice Cake—perfect treats to enjoy alongside your shake!
I’ve cracked the code with this copycat recipe that tastes just like the real deal. Actually, dare I say, it might even be better because you get to tweak it exactly how you like. You can adjust the sweetness, make it extra minty, or pile on the chocolate as much as your heart desires. So grab your blender, roll up your sleeves, and let’s make this Chick-fil-A Peppermint Milkshake magic happen!
Why Make It at Home?
Sure, hitting the Chick-fil-A drive-thru is convenient, but making this milkshake at home has its perks. You’ll save money, have total control over the ingredients, and—let’s face it—you can make it any time you want, even after the holidays. Plus, there’s something super satisfying about whipping up your favorite treats in your own kitchen.
Not to mention, making it at home means no time limits. Craving that Peppermint Milkshake in the middle of July? No problem! You’ll also avoid any seasonal availability drama or those dreaded long drive-thru lines. Trust me, your blender is about to become your best friend.
Milkshake Ingredients
I’m going to go ahead and say sorry to my diet in advance, but trust me, it’s worth it! If you want the creamiest peppermint milkshake possible, you’ll want to use high-fat ingredients. Let’s break it down so you know exactly what you need. For exact measurements, check out the recipe card below!
- Vanilla Ice Cream: To start, look for vanilla ice cream made with whole milk and a high fat percentage. This will give your milkshake that indulgent, classic Chick-fil-A creaminess.
- Whole Milk: Similarly, whole milk is a must. It helps make your shake rich and velvety smooth. Skimping on this will cut into the luxurious texture.
- Peppermint Extract: Be cautious with this—peppermint extract can be strong. Start with less and adjust as you go until you reach the perfect minty balance.
- Vanilla Extract: Adding a touch of pure vanilla extract elevates the flavor and adds a little extra depth. Trust me, it’s worth it.
- Peppermint Candy: Crushed candy canes, peppermint bark, or classic peppermint candies all work here. These bring in crunch and extra bursts of flavor that are so satisfying.
- Grated Dark Chocolate: For that irresistible mint chip vibe! If you don’t have dark chocolate to grate, mini chocolate chips work in a pinch.
- Red Food Coloring (Optional): Just a couple of drops give your shake that festive pink color. If you’re not into food coloring, skip it—no big deal.
- Whipped Cream: Finish it off with a dollop (or two!) of whipped cream. For a true Chick-fil-A touch, add a maraschino cherry on top. Now you’re living the dream!
How to Make a Chick-fil-A Peppermint Milkshake at Home
1. Crush Your Peppermint Candy
First things first: grab some candy canes or peppermint candies and crush them up. You can do this the old-fashioned way (put them in a zip-top bag and smash with a rolling pin) or pulse them in a food processor. Aim for small pieces—you want some crunch but nothing too chunky.
2. Grate Your Chocolate
Next, grate your dark chocolate. A fine grater works best here. If you’re feeling lazy, mini chocolate chips will work too, but freshly grated chocolate melts into the shake a little better.
3. Blend the Base
Now for the fun part! Toss your vanilla ice cream, whole milk, peppermint extract, vanilla extract, and red food coloring (if using) into your blender. Blend until smooth and creamy. Don’t over-blend, though—you want a thick shake, not a soupy mess.
4. Add the Mix-Ins
Once your base is blended, stir in the crushed peppermint candy and grated chocolate. I like to do this by hand so you get little chunks of candy and chocolate in every sip. If you’re using a high-powered blender, you can pulse it a couple of times instead.
5. Garnish and Serve
Pour your milkshake into a tall glass, top with a generous swirl of whipped cream, and sprinkle a little extra crushed peppermint and grated chocolate on top. Grab a straw (or a spoon, let’s be real—this thing is thick), and you’re good to go!
Why This Recipe Works
This copycat Chick-fil-A Peppermint Milkshake recipe nails the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The vanilla ice cream provides that creamy base, while the peppermint extract gives it that unmistakable holiday vibe. Adding grated dark chocolate and crushed candy gives you those bursts of texture and flavor that take it to the next level.
Plus, making it at home means you can control everything. Want it extra minty? Add more peppermint extract. Prefer milk chocolate over dark? Go for it! You’re the boss here.
Tips to Make It Even Better with a Chick-fil-A Peppermint Milkshake
- Chill Your Glasses: Stick your milkshake glasses in the freezer for about 10 minutes before serving. It’ll keep your shake cold and frosty longer.
- Don’t Skimp on the Ice Cream: Use the best-quality vanilla ice cream you can find. It’s the foundation of your shake, so go big or go home.
- Skip the Food Coloring if You’re Not Into It: The pink color is cute and all, but the shake tastes just as amazing without it.
- Make It Boozy: For an adults-only twist, add a splash of peppermint schnapps or a little vodka. Just don’t tell the kids.
Common Variations to Try
If you’re feeling creative, here are a few fun ways to mix things up:
- Chocolate Lover’s Twist: Add a scoop of chocolate ice cream for an extra decadent shake.
- Extra Crunch: Sprinkle crushed chocolate cookies along with the peppermint candy for added texture.
- Coffee Peppermint Shake: Add a shot of espresso to your blend for a caffeinated holiday treat.
- Dairy-Free Delight: Use almond or coconut milk-based ice cream and dairy-free whipped cream.
- Caramel Peppermint Shake: Drizzle caramel sauce into your shake for a fun flavor combo.
Perfect Pairings for Your Milkshake
Pair your homemade Chick-fil-A Peppermint Milkshake with:
- Cookies: Try classic sugar cookies or chocolate chip cookies for a festive combo.
- Movie Night: Sip on your shake while watching your favorite holiday flicks.
- Snacks: Popcorn drizzled with melted chocolate makes a great salty-sweet snack to go alongside.
Chick-Fil-A Peppermint Milkshake
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 2 large milkshakes 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Learn how to make a creamy, minty, and chocolatey Chick-fil-A Peppermint Milkshake at home with this easy, festive recipe!
Ingredients
- 1 ½ quarts vanilla ice cream
- ⅓ cup whole milk
- 1 ½ teaspoons peppermint extract
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup crushed peppermint candy or candy canes
- ½ cup dark chocolate, finely grated
- 2 drops red food coloring (optional)
- Whipped cream (for garnish)
Instructions
- Crush peppermint candies or candy canes.
- Grate dark chocolate finely.
- Blend vanilla ice cream, whole milk, peppermint extract, vanilla extract, and optional food coloring until smooth.
- Stir in the crushed peppermint candy and grated chocolate.
- Garnish with whipped cream and extra peppermint or chocolate. Serve immediately.
Notes
- For a dairy-free version, use non-dairy ice cream and milk.
- Skip the food coloring if you prefer a natural look.
- Make it boozy by adding peppermint schnapps for an adult twist!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Blended
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 large milkshake
- Calories: 720
- Sugar: 95g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 110g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: Chick-fil-A Peppermint Milkshake, copycat recipe, holiday milkshake, peppermint candy dessert
FAQs About Chick-fil-A Peppermint Milkshake
1. Can I use a dairy-free ice cream?
Absolutely! If you’re dairy-free, swap the vanilla ice cream and whole milk for your favorite non-dairy alternatives. Coconut or almond-based ice creams work great here, and oat milk adds a creamy texture.
2. What’s the best way to crush the peppermint candies?
A rolling pin and a zip-top bag are your best friends. If you have a food processor, that works too. Just be careful not to turn them into dust—you want small chunks, not powder.
3. Can I make this ahead of time?
Not really. Milkshakes are best enjoyed fresh. But you can prep the crushed peppermint and grated chocolate ahead of time to save a few minutes.
4. How can I make it thicker?
Use less milk if you want a thicker shake. Start with a few tablespoons and add more as needed.
5. Is the food coloring necessary?
Nope! The shake tastes just as delicious without it. The red food coloring is purely for that festive pink color.
6. How do I store leftover milkshake?
Milkshakes are best consumed fresh, but if you need to store leftovers, pour them into a freezer-safe container and freeze. Blend it again when you’re ready to drink.
6. Can I use flavored chocolate instead of dark chocolate?
Definitely! Peppermint-flavored chocolate or even white chocolate can be fun variations to try.
Final Thoughts on Chick-fil-A Peppermint Milkshake
And there you have it! Making a Chick-fil-A Peppermint Milkshake at home is not only fun but also incredibly satisfying. You get all the holiday cheer without leaving your house—plus, you can make as many as you want (no judgment here). So next time you’re craving that minty, creamy treat, skip the drive-thru and grab your blender instead.
Now if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got a milkshake to finish. Cheers to peppermint season!
