✔ Updated · new copycat recipe with step photos
This copycat Chick-fil-A Peppermint Milkshake is thick vanilla ice cream blended with cool peppermint and chunks of chocolate peppermint bark, topped with whipped cream and a cherry. Five minutes and a blender.
How Do You Make a Chick-fil-A Peppermint Milkshake? (Quick Answer)
Blend 4 cups vanilla ice cream, 1/2 cup milk and 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract until smooth. Pulse in 1/2 cup chopped peppermint bark, pour into 2 glasses and top with whipped cream, crushed candy cane and a cherry.
At a glance
The one tip that matters: Pulse the peppermint bark in at the end. Blending it with the ice cream turns it to dust and the shake loses its chips.
Why You'll Love This Peppermint Milkshake
- Thick and creamy just enough milk to blend, like the drive thru.
- Real chips chunks of peppermint bark in every sip.
- Year round make it any time, not just in the holiday window.
- Five minutes no cooking at all.
- Kid favorite no caffeine, all holiday.
What Is the Chick-fil-A Peppermint Milkshake?
The Peppermint Chip Milkshake is a Chick-fil-A holiday favorite: a hand spun vanilla shake with cool peppermint flavor and little pieces of chocolate peppermint, finished with whipped cream and a cherry.
At home, peppermint bark does the job of the chips. It has chocolate, white chocolate and candy cane in every piece, so one ingredient gives you the color, the crunch and the mint. For the nuggets, sauces and sides, see all my Chick-fil-A copycat recipes.
Ingredient Notes
Exact amounts are in the recipe card below.
- Vanilla ice cream: a rich, full fat brand for a thick shake.
- Whole milk: just enough to get the blender moving.
- Peppermint extract: pure peppermint, not mint extract, which tastes like spearmint.
- Peppermint bark: store-bought or homemade.
- Toppings: whipped cream, crushed candy cane and a cherry.
Step-by-Step Photos
Here's how it comes together. Exact amounts, times and temperatures are in the recipe card below.
Tips for Success
- Soften, don't melt. Five minutes on the counter is enough. Melted ice cream makes a thin shake.
- Go easy on the extract. Peppermint extract is strong; 1/4 teaspoon flavors 2 shakes.
- Use full fat ice cream. Premium vanilla gives the thick, creamy texture.
- No peppermint bark? Use chopped chocolate mint candies or mini chocolate chips plus a crushed candy cane.
- Chill the glasses. Ten minutes in the freezer keeps the shake thick longer.
- Max's pick. Max asks for this shake every year as soon as the first candy canes show up in the store.
Chick-fil-A Peppermint Milkshake
2
shakes5
minutes0
minutes620
kcal5
minutesA copycat version of the Chick-fil-A Peppermint Chip Milkshake: vanilla ice cream blended with milk, peppermint extract and chopped peppermint bark, topped with whipped cream, crushed candy cane and a cherry. Makes 2 shakes.
Ingredients
4 cups vanilla ice cream
1/2 cup whole milk
1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract
1/2 cup peppermint bark, chopped, plus extra for topping
1/2 cup whipped cream
1 small candy cane, crushed
2 cherries maraschino cherries
Directions
- Let the ice cream sit on the counter for 5 minutes so it softens slightly. Chop the peppermint bark into small pieces.
- Put the ice cream, milk and peppermint extract in a blender. Blend on low for 20 to 30 seconds, just until smooth and thick.
- Add the chopped peppermint bark and pulse 3 or 4 times, so the pieces stay chunky.
- Pour into 2 tall cups. Top each with whipped cream, a pinch of crushed candy cane and a cherry. Serve with a wide straw.
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Variations
Easy ways to change it up:
- Chocolate peppermint: add 2 tablespoons chocolate syrup.
- Grown up: add 1 ounce of peppermint schnapps per shake.
- Lighter: use light ice cream and 2% milk.
More Holiday Drinks
For more holiday sips, try my Starbucks peppermint hot chocolate, Starbucks caramel brulee latte and gingerbread milkshake. For more shakes, see my milkshake recipes, and for dinner first, my Chick-fil-A mac and cheese.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is in a Chick-fil-A Peppermint Milkshake?
It's a vanilla milkshake hand spun with peppermint and chocolate peppermint pieces, topped with whipped cream and a cherry. This copycat uses vanilla ice cream, milk, peppermint extract and chopped peppermint bark.
When is the Chick-fil-A Peppermint Milkshake available?
It's a seasonal shake that usually returns in November and runs through the holidays, while supplies last. Make this copycat any time of year.
Can I use peppermint ice cream?
Yes. Use peppermint ice cream instead of vanilla and skip the extract.
How do I make it thicker?
Use less milk, start with 1/4 cup, and add more only if the blender stalls.
Can I make it ahead?
Milkshakes are best fresh. You can blend it, pour it into cups and freeze for up to 30 minutes before serving.
Does it have caffeine?
No, unless your peppermint bark has a lot of dark chocolate, which adds only a tiny amount.
