If you’ve been dreaming of that perfect festive treat, let me introduce you to a true holiday delight: the Chick Fil A Peppermint Milkshake Recipe. This creamy, minty shake is a magical mix of cool peppermint, luscious vanilla ice cream, and just the right touch of chocolate, creating a refreshingly sweet sensation that feels like a cozy winter hug in a glass. It’s simple to make but glorious to sip, capturing all the charm of your favorite seasonal flavors with every single sip. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or just want a special treat after a chilly day, this shake will quickly become your new favorite go-to indulgence.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started on the Chick Fil A Peppermint Milkshake Recipe is as easy as it is fun. Each ingredient plays a key role, blending together to create that perfectly creamy texture, delightful minty flavor, and eye-catching festive color.
- Vanilla ice cream: The rich, creamy base that gives the milkshake its smooth, indulgent texture.
- Whole milk: Adds just enough liquid to make the shake blendable without losing that thick consistency.
- Peppermint extract: Brings in the cool, refreshing mint flavor that defines this milkshake’s personality.
- Red food coloring: A few drops for that charming pink hue, making your shake as pretty as it is tasty.
- 60% cocoa chocolate bar: Used for grating fresh chocolate shavings, adding a bittersweet contrast that’s simply irresistible.
- Candy canes (crushed): Provide a festive touch and a little crunch to balance the creamy shake.
- Whipped topping: Perfect for crowning your milkshake with fluffy richness and extra indulgence.
- Stemmed maraschino cherries: Classic garnish that gives a pop of color and a sweet burst with every bite.
How to Make Chick Fil A Peppermint Milkshake Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Base
Start by adding your vanilla ice cream, whole milk, and peppermint extract into a large blender. Pulse gently and gradually until everything is combined into a luxuriously smooth, creamy milkshake. This is where the magic begins, as the ice cream’s richness melds beautifully with the bright, minty freshness of the extract.
Step 2: Add the Festive Color
Next, drop in 4 to 6 drops of red food coloring to transform your milkshake into a delightful pink shade that screams holiday cheer. Blend again until the color is evenly mixed. Feel free to add a touch more if you want an even richer tone—this part is all about making your milkshake look as joyful as it tastes.
Step 3: Prepare the Chocolate Shavings
While your shake waits, grab your chocolate bar and use a cheese grater to create delicate chocolate shavings. These will melt slightly into the shake, adding an elegant touch of texture and that deep cocoa flavor that rounds out the peppermint so well.
Step 4: Assemble and Garnish
Pour the milkshake into tall glass jars or your fanciest glasses, then sprinkle the freshly grated chocolate on top. Finish with a generous dollop of whipped topping and pop on a stemmed maraschino cherry. If you love a little extra crunch, add some crushed candy canes for that festive, minty sparkle. Serve immediately with a straw and prepare to enjoy pure holiday bliss.
How to Serve Chick Fil A Peppermint Milkshake Recipe
Garnishes
To make your Chick Fil A Peppermint Milkshake Recipe truly irresistible, don’t skip the garnishes. Whipped topping is a must for that creamy, fluffy contrast, while a bright maraschino cherry adds a cheerful pop of color. You can also rim the glass with crushed candy canes for an extra festive touch and a satisfying crunch every time you take a sip. These little details make all the difference in presentation and flavor harmony.
Side Dishes
This peppermint milkshake pairs amazingly with light, buttery cookies such as shortbread or snickerdoodles. The buttery texture and mild sweetness complement the cool mint and chocolate perfectly without competing. A small plate of salted caramel popcorn or mini brownies could also be fun side treats to enjoy alongside, making the whole experience feel like a mini dessert party.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress guests or just treat yourself? Serve your shake in festive glass jars tied with a ribbon or place a mini candy cane on the straw for a cute holiday flair. You could even layer crushed candy canes in between sips or swirl in some chocolate syrup before adding the whipped cream for a swirly, pretty effect. Presentation is half the fun, and with this recipe, it’s easy to get creative while looking effortlessly festive.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover milkshake, which can be rare, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Shake or stir well before serving again as some separation may occur, but keep in mind the texture won’t be quite as creamy as fresh.
Freezing
This milkshake is best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze any leftovers in a sealed container. When you’re ready to indulge, thaw it in the fridge for about 30 minutes and then stir or gently blend it to restore the smooth texture. Freezing might reduce the peppermint flavor intensity slightly, so you may want to add a drop more extract when reheating or blending it again.
Reheating
Milkshakes are never meant to be reheated in the traditional sense, but if you want a slightly softened, warm version, you can leave the milkshake out at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes. Then give it a quick stir or pulse to regain the consistency. Keep in mind this changes the experience into a very different, less icy treat!
FAQs
Can I use peppermint candy instead of peppermint extract?
While peppermint extract provides a pure and consistent flavor, crushed peppermint candies or candy canes can add a nice texture and a touch of mint flavor. However, they won’t dissolve completely, so you’ll get some crunch and sweetness. For a smoother shake, stick to extract, and sprinkle crushed candies on top for garnish.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the vanilla ice cream with a dairy-free alternative, like coconut milk ice cream or almond milk-based options. Replace whole milk with your favorite plant-based milk such as oat or cashew milk. The peppermint milkshake will still taste wonderful, just keep your garnishes dairy-free as well.
How strong is the peppermint flavor in this milkshake?
The peppermint extract used in this Chick Fil A Peppermint Milkshake Recipe is gentle enough not to overpower but strong enough to give that refreshing holiday kick. If you prefer a lighter or stronger mint taste, feel free to adjust the amount of extract to your liking when blending.
Can I make this recipe without red food coloring?
Yes! The red food coloring is largely for appearance and fun holiday vibes. You can absolutely skip it and still enjoy a delicious, creamy peppermint milkshake. The flavor will remain the same, just with a more classic vanilla-white look.
What type of chocolate works best for the chocolate shavings?
The recipe calls for a 60% cocoa chocolate bar, which provides a nice balance of richness without being too bitter or too sweet. You can use milk chocolate if you prefer a sweeter touch or a darker bar for a more intense chocolate flavor. Just pick the kind you love most to tailor the shake perfectly to your taste.
Final Thoughts
Now that you’ve got the full scoop on this delightful Chick Fil A Peppermint Milkshake Recipe, it’s time to grab your ingredients and blend your way to cozy holiday magic. It’s a wonderfully easy recipe that promises big smiles and festive vibes with every creamy sip. Whether you’re treating yourself or sharing with loved ones, this milkshake will quickly become an adored seasonal classic in your kitchen. Go ahead, make it, savor it, and spread that peppermint joy!
Print
Chick Fil A Peppermint Milkshake Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings (2 shakes)
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Chick-fil-A inspired peppermint milkshake is a festive and refreshing treat, combining creamy vanilla ice cream with a hint of peppermint and chocolate shavings, topped with whipped cream and a maraschino cherry for the perfect holiday indulgence.
Ingredients
Milkshake Base
- 4 cups vanilla ice cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- Red food coloring, 4-6 drops
Chocolate and Candy
- 4 oz 60% cocoa chocolate bar
- 10 candy canes (crushed) or 4 regular sized candy canes (crushed)
Garnishes
- Whipped topping
- Stemmed maraschino cherries
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: Add vanilla ice cream, whole milk, and peppermint extract to a large blender. Pulse the mixture until it is fully combined and smooth, creating the creamy milkshake base.
- Add Coloring: Incorporate 4 to 6 drops of red food coloring into the milkshake and blend again until smooth. Adjust with additional drops for a deeper pink hue as desired.
- Prepare Chocolate Shavings: Use a cheese grater to shave bits of the 60% cocoa chocolate bar into fine pieces for mixing and garnish.
- Assemble and Serve: Pour the milkshake into glass jars or cups. Stir in chocolate shavings gently. Top each serving with whipped topping and a stemmed maraschino cherry. Serve immediately with a straw for a delightful festive treat.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of peppermint extract to taste for a milder or stronger peppermint flavor.
- Use crushed candy canes either stirred into the shake or as a garnish on the whipped topping for extra peppermint crunch.
- For a thicker shake, reduce the milk slightly or add more ice cream.
- Substitute whole milk with any milk alternative for a dairy-free version, though texture may vary.
- Chocolate shavings add texture and subtle bitterness to balance the sweet peppermint flavor.
