Copycat Chick-fil-A Peppermint Chip Milkshake Recipe

There’s something about the first sip of Chick-fil-A’s Peppermint Chip Milkshake that feels like winter magic. That cold, creamy vanilla base, the tingle of mint, the soft crunch of chocolatey peppermint bark, it’s a holiday in a cup. But it only appears for a few fleeting weeks each year. So if the craving hits in July or you just want to skip the drive-thru altogether, this Copycat Chick-fil-A Peppermint Chip Milkshake recipe brings that nostalgic, minty comfort straight to your kitchen.

This homemade version mirrors the thick, frosty blend of vanilla soft serve and crushed peppermint bark chips, swirled with just enough peppermint flavor to wake up your senses without tipping into toothpaste territory. Top it with whipped cream and a cherry for the full Chick-fil-A experience, or dress it up your way. It takes just 5 minutes and tastes like Christmas morning, no matter what the calendar says.

How to make Chick-fil-A Peppermint Chip Milkshake

Start with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream and blend it with cold milk until smooth. Then stir in a crushed mix of peppermint candy and shaved chocolate, or chopped peppermint bark if you have it. The key is to blend gently at the end, so those flecks stay whole and don’t vanish into the mix. A tiny splash of peppermint extract wakes it all up, but don’t overdo it, your candy already does a lot of the talking. Top it with whipped cream and a cherry, and you’ve got Chick-fil-A’s most beloved holiday treat in a homemade glass.

Nutrition facts (per 16 oz serving)

• Calories: 680
• Total Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Carbohydrates: 96 g
• Sugar: 84 g
• Protein: 9 g

Ingredients (1 serving, 16 oz)

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 1

• 1½ cups vanilla ice cream (not ultra-premium, like Icedream)
• ¼ cup cold 2% milk (or milk of choice)
• 1½ tablespoons crushed peppermint candy (or candy cane)
• 1 tablespoon finely shaved semi-sweet chocolate (or chopped peppermint bark)
• ⅛ teaspoon peppermint extract (don’t eyeball this!)
• Whipped cream (for topping)
• 1 maraschino cherry (optional but classic)

Tools you’ll need

• Blender (regular or high-speed)
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Knife or grater (for chocolate)
• 16 oz glass or milkshake cup
• Spoon or piping bag for whipped cream
• Straw

Instructions

Make the base

Add vanilla ice cream and cold milk to a blender. Blend on medium until thick and creamy but not fully liquified. (15–20 sec)

Add the peppermint magic

Add peppermint extract, crushed candy, and chocolate shavings. Pulse briefly (just 2 to 3 quick pulses) to combine while keeping the texture. (5 sec)

Serve it cold

Pour into a chilled milkshake glass. Top with whipped cream and a cherry. Sip with a wide straw for maximum peppermint crunch.

Optional twist

If you want it more pink and candy-forward, let the crushed peppermint candy soak in the milk for 2 minutes before blending. It’ll tint the shake a gentle blush and amplify the minty scent.

Tips

• Use shaved chocolate or fine bark pieces (not chips) for a sippable texture that doesn’t clog a straw.
• Add peppermint mix-ins at the end so they stay whole, not pulverized.
• Start with just ⅛ tsp of peppermint extract, you can always add, but you can’t take it back.
• Freeze your glass for 10 minutes beforehand for that soda fountain frost.
• No bark on hand? A 50/50 blend of crushed candy cane and grated dark chocolate does the trick beautifully.

What to serve with

Sweet & wintry
• Sugar-dusted shortbread cookies – These buttery, crumbly cookies complement the shake’s creamy texture without fighting its flavor.
• Chocolate-dipped pretzel rods – The salt crunch is fun, and the dark chocolate picks up the cocoa notes in the bark.
• Gingerbread men – The spice warms up the mint and makes for a cozy December snack pairing. Bonus points if they’re soft and chewy.

Savory favorites
• Crispy waffle fries – Something about dipping hot, salty fries into a cold minty shake shouldn’t work, but somehow it does.
• Spicy chicken sandwich – Chick-fil-A’s own combo proves the heat of chicken plays off the cool sweetness of the shake brilliantly. You can build the same effect at home with spicy chicken tenders or a buffalo slider.
• Grilled cheese on sourdough – Simple and warm, with a slightly tangy note that cuts through the richness of the milkshake.

Light, fresh contrasts
• Sliced oranges or clementines – Bright citrus gives your taste buds a clean break between sips.
• Roasted almonds or candied pecans – A handful on the side adds crunch and warmth without competing with the mint.
• Fresh mint leaves dipped in dark chocolate – A fancy touch, but so refreshing with the peppermint profile.

Variations

Mini Peppermint Shake
Cut all the ingredients in half for a kid-sized version or when you just want a few sips of Christmas cheer.

Dairy-Free Version
Use coconut or almond milk and swap in a non-dairy vanilla ice cream. Coconut whip works perfectly on top, and you can skip the cherry for a more natural finish.

Chocolate Peppermint Shake
Add 1 tablespoon of chocolate syrup or cocoa powder to the blender for a deeper, mocha-mint flavor. Think thin-mint cookie vibes in milkshake form.

Frosted Peppermint Coffee Shake
Add ¼ cup cold brew coffee to the blender and reduce milk slightly. It turns into Chick-fil-A’s holiday Frosted Coffee version with a peppermint twist.

Boozy Holiday Shake
Add 1 shot of peppermint schnapps or crème de menthe for an adults-only treat. Serve in a chilled cocktail glass with chocolate curls on top.

Ingredient substitutes

Vanilla Ice Cream

• Original: Vanilla ice cream
• Substitutes: Frozen yogurt (for a tangier taste), dairy-free vanilla ice cream (for plant-based), banana “nice cream” (for a light, fruity twist)

Milk

• Original: 2% milk
• Substitutes: Whole milk (for extra richness), almond milk (lighter flavor), coconut milk (slightly sweet, tropical touch)

Peppermint Candy

• Original: Crushed candy canes
• Substitutes: Peppermint starlight mints, peppermint bark, or even peppermint white chocolate chips

Shaved Chocolate

• Original: Semi-sweet chocolate shavings
• Substitutes: Mini chocolate chips (though chunkier), grated dark chocolate, or chopped peppermint bark

Peppermint Extract

• Original: Peppermint extract
• Substitutes: Crushed mint candy only (if avoiding extract), or a drop of mint essential oil (food grade only, use sparingly)

Whipped Cream

• Original: Store-bought whipped topping
• Substitutes: Coconut whipped cream, homemade whipped cream, or skip it altogether if going minimalist

Cherry

• Original: Maraschino cherry
• Substitutes: Candied cranberry, sugared mint leaf, or leave it off for a cleaner look