(Creamy, Festive & Better Than the Drive-Thru)
Let’s be completely honest for a second.
The moment Chick-fil-A announces their peppermint milkshake is back, winter officially begins. Not when the temperature drops. Not when Christmas music starts playing. It starts when people spot that pink milkshake on the menu and suddenly forget how long the drive-thru line is.
You tell yourself you’ll just “grab one real quick.”
Ten minutes later, you’re still in line, wondering why something this good only exists for a few weeks a year.
And that’s exactly why this Chick-fil-A Peppermint Milkshake copycat recipe needs to exist.
Because waiting all year for a milkshake is honestly a little dramatic, especially when you can make the exact same thing at home with about five minutes of effort and zero seasonal restrictions.
This homemade version is thick, creamy, perfectly minty, loaded with cookie crunch, and somehow feels even more festive when you’re holding it in your own kitchen. And yes… it tastes just like the original.
Let’s get into it.
Table of Contents
Why This Peppermint Milkshake Has a Cult Following
There are a lot of peppermint-flavored things during winter. Most of them are either too sweet, too minty, or taste suspiciously like toothpaste.
This milkshake is different.
Chick-fil-A somehow nailed the balance:
- Cool peppermint without being overpowering
- Creamy vanilla base that softens the mint
- Cookie bits for texture
- A thick, spoonable milkshake consistency
It doesn’t feel like a novelty drink. It feels like a holiday tradition.
IMO, that’s why people lose their minds when it disappears.
Why Making It at Home Is Actually Better
1. You Don’t Have to Wait for Winter
This might be the biggest win.
Once you know how to make this milkshake at home, peppermint milkshake season becomes… whenever you want it to be. December? Sure. July? Absolutely. Random Tuesday? Even better.
No limited menus. No “sorry, we’re out.”
2. You Control the Peppermint Level
Peppermint extract is powerful. One extra drop can turn a cozy drink into mouthwash.
When you make it yourself, you can:
- Keep it subtle and smooth
- Make it extra minty if that’s your thing
- Adjust it every time
That control alone makes this version elite.
3. It’s Thicker Than the Drive-Thru Version
Because you’re blending it fresh, this milkshake comes out:
- Colder
- Thicker
- Creamier
No melted-by-the-time-you-get-home sadness.
What This Milkshake Actually Tastes Like
Let’s paint the picture properly.
The first sip is cold vanilla ice cream, smooth, creamy, comforting. Then the peppermint kicks in gently, not sharp, not aggressive, just cool and refreshing. Right after that, you hit little bits of chocolate cookie that add crunch and keep it from feeling one-note.
It tastes like:
- A candy cane melted into vanilla ice cream
- A winter dessert without being heavy
- A festive treat that somehow works for kids and adults
Nothing overpowers. Nothing competes. It’s balanced in the best way.
Ingredients You’ll Need (Real Measurements, No Guessing)
This recipe keeps things simple, just like the original.
Milkshake Base
- 2 cups vanilla ice cream
- ¾ cup cold whole milk
- ¼ teaspoon peppermint extract
- 2 tablespoons crushed chocolate sandwich cookies
- 1–2 drops red food coloring (optional)
Toppings (Optional but Highly Encouraged)
- Whipped cream
- Extra cookie crumbs
- Crushed peppermint candy
- Maraschino cherry
That’s it. No syrups. No weird stabilizers. No unnecessary extras.
How to Make the Chick-fil-A Peppermint Milkshake
Step 1: Start With the Ice Cream
Always add the ice cream first. This helps the blender grab everything smoothly and keeps the milkshake thick instead of soupy.
If your blender ever sounds like it’s struggling emotionally, starting with ice cream fixes that.
Step 2: Add the Milk
Pour in cold milk. Cold matters here. Warm milk melts the ice cream too fast and messes with the texture.
You want thick, not sad and watery.
Step 3: Add Peppermint Extract (Carefully)
This is where most mistakes happen.
Peppermint extract is strong. Start with ¼ teaspoon. Blend, taste, then decide if you want more. You can always add another drop. You cannot undo too much mint.
Trust me on this one.
Step 4: Add the Cookie Pieces
Crush the cookies into small chunks, not powder. You want texture, not chocolate dust.
Those little bites are what make this milkshake feel special.
Step 5: Blend Until Thick and Creamy
Blend for about 30–40 seconds.
You’re looking for:
- Smooth texture
- No ice chunks
- Thick milkshake consistency
If it’s too thick, add a splash of milk. Too thin? Add a little more ice cream.
Step 6: Serve Immediately
Pour into a tall glass. Add whipped cream. Sprinkle cookie crumbs. Maybe a cherry if you’re feeling festive.
Take a second to admire it. You earned this.
Pro Tips That Make This Even Better
- Use pure peppermint extract, not mint flavoring
- Chill your glass before pouring
- Don’t over-blend after adding cookies
- Drink immediately, milkshakes don’t like waiting
FYI: This thickens quickly as it sits, which sounds great until your straw stops cooperating.
Fun Variations You’ll Want to Try
Extra Cookie Peppermint Shake
Add another tablespoon of crushed cookies for more crunch.
Chocolate Peppermint Milkshake
Add 1 tablespoon chocolate syrup for a richer, dessert-style version.
Dairy-Free Peppermint Milkshake
Use dairy-free vanilla ice cream and almond or oat milk. Still creamy. Still festive.
Adult Peppermint Milkshake
Add 1 ounce peppermint schnapps or vanilla vodka.
Holiday chaos unlocked.
When This Milkshake Is Perfect
This milkshake shines at:
- Holiday movie nights
- Christmas parties
- Winter birthdays
- Dessert after dinner
- Random “I need something cozy” moments
It’s one of those recipes that works for everyone, which is rare.
Common Questions (Real Answers)
Does this really taste like Chick-fil-A’s?
Yes. Shockingly close.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Not recommended. Milkshakes are best fresh.
Can I use peppermint syrup instead?
You can, but extract gives the cleanest flavor.
Why does mine taste too minty?
Too much extract. Next time, start smaller.
Why I Keep Making This
I make this milkshake when:
- I miss the seasonal version
- I want something festive but easy
- I don’t want to leave the house
- I want guaranteed compliments
It tastes expensive, looks impressive, and requires almost no effort. That’s my favorite kind of recipe.
Final Thoughts
This Chick-fil-A Peppermint Milkshake copycat recipe proves you don’t need a drive-thru or a seasonal menu to enjoy holiday favorites. It’s creamy, refreshing, nostalgic and ridiculously easy to make at home.
Make it once, and suddenly waiting all year feels unnecessary.
And honestly? That’s the best part.
Chick-fil-A Peppermint Milkshake (Copycat)
Equipment
- Blender
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Tall glass
- Spoon
Ingredients
- 2 cups vanilla ice cream
- ¾ cup cold whole milk
- ¼ tsp peppermint extract
- 2 tbsp crushed chocolate sandwich cookies
- 1–2 drops red food coloring | optional
Toppings (Optional)
whipped cream
extra crushed cookies
crushed peppermint candy
maraschino cherry
Instructions
- Add vanilla ice cream to the blender.
- Pour in cold milk.
- Add peppermint extract (start with ¼ teaspoon).
- Add crushed chocolate sandwich cookies and optional food coloring.
- Blend for 30–40 seconds until thick and creamy.
- Taste and adjust peppermint if needed (add one drop at a time).
- Pour into a tall glass, top with whipped cream and desired toppings, and serve immediately.
Notes
- Use pure peppermint extract, not mint flavoring
- Start with less peppermint and adjust gradually
- Best served immediately for thick texture
- Chill glass before serving for extra creaminess
- Do not over-blend after adding cookies
- Can be made year-round, not just during holidays
