Copycat Chick-fil-A Peppermint Chip Milkshake

The first time I tasted a Chick-fil-A Peppermint Chip Milkshake during the holiday season, I knew I needed to create a version I could enjoy year-round. This festive, hand-spun treat combines creamy vanilla ice cream with cool peppermint and authentic pieces of peppermint bark for an irresistible flavor combination. While Chick-fil-A offers this seasonal favorite for a limited time each winter, this copycat recipe allows you to recreate the minty magic whenever the craving strikes. Perfect as an afternoon pick-me-up or a special dessert, this milkshake brings holiday cheer to any day of the year.

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Why This Recipe Works

The secret to recreating the authentic Chick-fil-A Peppermint Milkshake experience lies in using actual peppermint bark, rather than just chocolate chips and crushed candy canes. Peppermint bark provides both the chocolate and mint components in perfect balance, matching the restaurant’s premium approach. By pulsing rather than fully blending the bark pieces, you get those signature bits of chocolate and mint throughout your shake, creating the texture contrast that makes this drink so special. Additionally, using high-quality vanilla ice cream ensures the creamy base that Chick-fil-A is known for.

Ingredients

• Vanilla ice cream – Creates the rich, creamy base for the milkshake
• Whole milk – Helps achieve the perfect blendable consistency
• Peppermint extract – Provides the classic cooling mint flavor throughout
• Red gel food coloring – Adds the signature festive pink hue (optional)
• Peppermint bark – Delivers authentic chocolate-mint flavor and texture
• Whipped cream – Creates a luxurious topping that complements the mint
• Maraschino cherry – Adds a pop of color and sweet finish

Ingredient Notes

The ice cream you use really matters here, so buy a good one. Tillamook Vanilla Bean Ice Cream is a perfect option, but it isn’t cheap. If you can’t find it at your local store or don’t want to spend your entire budget on ice cream, Turkey Hill All Natural Vanilla Bean Ice Cream can definitely compete with the more premium brands. 

Feel free to leave the red food coloring out if you don’t have it or don’t want to use it. 

Ghiradelli Dark Chocolate Peppermint Bark is the top choice for this recipe. Ghiradelli uses quality dark chocolate with just the right amount of peppermint flavor to take your shake to the next level of deliciousness. If you find that the peppermint bark chips are melting into the shake, try freezing them before blending.

How To Prepare a Peppermint Chip Milkshake

To make the peppermint shake recipe:

1. Place the peppermint bark pieces in a plastic bag and use a rolling pin to break them into chocolate chip-sized pieces.
2. Scoop the vanilla ice cream into a blender and add the milk, peppermint extract, and food coloring if using.

3. Blend on the Milkshake setting until smooth.
4. Add the peppermint bark chips to the blender and pulse a few times to distribute the peppermint bark evenly.

5. Pour the peppermint shake into a serving glass. Use a classic milkshake glass with a foot for a hint of nostalgia.
6. Garnish with whipped cream and a maraschino cherry. 

What To Serve With a Peppermint Chip Milkshake

Serve the shake with two red and white swirled straws, a long spoon, and a mini candy cane to be even more festive.

If you are feeling a bit hungry, why not whip up an old-time lunch counter favorite like an original chicken sandwich, turkey club or patty melt? Try dipping a few french fries into the milkshake for a surprisingly delicious combo!

Ingredient Selection Tips

The Best Ice Cream for Your Shake

While Chick-fil-A’s exact ice cream brand is proprietary, premium vanilla ice creams create the most authentic result:

• Tillamook Vanilla Bean Ice Cream – The ideal choice for its rich, creamy texture and authentic vanilla flavor
• Turkey Hill All Natural Vanilla Bean Ice Cream – An excellent budget-friendly alternative with great flavor
• Häagen-Dazs Vanilla Bean – Another premium option that delivers exceptional creaminess

Choosing the Right Peppermint Bark

• Ghirardelli Dark Chocolate Peppermint Bark – The top recommendation for authentic flavor
• Williams Sonoma Peppermint Bark – Excellent quality with balanced mint flavor
• Homemade option – Make your own by melting dark chocolate, spreading it thin, topping with white chocolate mixed with peppermint extract, and sprinkling with crushed candy canes

Flavor Variations

• Extra Minty – Double the peppermint extract for a more pronounced cool flavor
• Chocolate Lover’s Version – Add 1 tablespoon of chocolate syrup to the base
• White Chocolate – Use white chocolate peppermint bark for a sweeter profile
• Candy Cane Crunch – Add additional crushed candy canes as a garnish on top

Serving Suggestions

• Festive presentation – Serve with red and white striped paper straws and a mini candy cane garnish
• Pair with – A classic Chick-fil-A chicken sandwich for the complete experience
• Dessert buffet – Offer as part of a holiday dessert table alongside cookies and brownies
• Ice cream float option – Pour over cold peppermint soda for a twist on the classic

Love Chick Fil A Drinks? Try These Copycat Recipes!

• Frosted Coffee
• Frosted Lemonade
• Peach Milkshake
• Sunjoy Drink
• Chick Fil A Lemonade
• Chick Fil A Sweet Tea

Find even more copycat Chick Fil A recipes.

Favorite Fast Food Milkshakes and Seasonal Drinks

• Banana Milkshake
• Eggnog Latte
• Eggnog Milkshake
• Iced Sugar Cookie Latte
• Lucky Charms Milkshake
• Peppermint Mocha
• Shamrock Shake

Check out more of my easy drink recipes and the best copycat fast food recipes on CopyKat!