Vanilla ice cream, a little peppermint and crushed candy canes: the easiest holiday treat in my kitchen.
Prep10 min
Cook0 min
Total10 min
Serves2
LevelEasy
What makes it special
Vanilla ice cream
Peppermint extract
Every December there is at least one movie night at my house that ends with these shakes. They take five minutes, the kids can help crush the candy canes, and everybody ends up with a whipped cream mustache.
Getting it right
Good ice cream matters. It's the base of the whole drink, so pick a creamy vanilla.
Crush the candy canes finely. Big chunks sink to the bottom; fine crumbs flavor every sip.
Go easy on the extract. A little goes a long way. Add, blend, taste, repeat.
Chill your glasses. Ten minutes in the freezer keeps the shake thick longer.
A pinch of salt. It sounds strange, but it balances the sweetness.
Fun twists
Chocolate peppermint: add two tablespoons of chocolate syrup.
Cookies and mint: blend in a few crushed chocolate cookies.
Striped glass: drizzle chocolate syrup inside the glass before pouring.
Dairy-free: use a plant-based ice cream and oat milk.
Serving it
I love these in clear glasses with striped paper straws. Serve with gingerbread cookies or a plate of brownies and you have an easy holiday dessert.
Storing
Milkshakes are best right away. If you need to, keep the shakes in the freezer for up to 2 hours and stir well before serving, then add the whipped cream at the last minute.
A thick vanilla milkshake blended with peppermint extract and crushed candy canes, topped with whipped cream. A festive treat in five minutes.
Drinks Easy American
Prep
10 min
Cook
0 min
Total
10 min
Servings
2
Ingredients 5 items
Tap to check off as you go
Milkshake
Instructions 5 steps
1
Get your ice cream, milk, peppermint extract and candy canes ready.
2
Add the ice cream, milk, extract and crushed candy canes to a blender.
3
Blend on high until thick and frothy. Taste and add a drop more peppermint if needed.
4
Pour into chilled glasses and top with whipped cream and more crushed candy canes.
5
Serve straight away, with a mini candy cane on the side if you like.
Nutrition per serving
Calories
320
Protein
6g
Carbs
45g
Fat
14g
Sugar
32g
Sodium
110mg
Questions, answered
Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes. Use dairy-free vanilla ice cream and almond or oat milk.
How much peppermint extract should I use?
Start with a small amount, blend and taste. Peppermint extract is strong and easy to overdo.
Can I make it ahead?
It's best fresh, but you can keep it in the freezer for up to 2 hours. Stir well before serving.
Recipe by
Denise
Home cook, baker and serial recipe tweaker. I share the dishes my family asks for most, written step by step so they turn out right in your kitchen too.
