Introduction

There’s something about the holidays that makes everything feel a little more magical, right? From the twinkling lights to the festive music, the entire season just feels like a big, cozy hug. And what could be better than sipping on a sweet, creamy, and minty milkshake to really get into the holiday spirit? Let me introduce you to the ultimate holiday treat: the Candy Cane Milkshake.
This milkshake combines everything you love about the holidays—cool, creamy vanilla ice cream, peppermint, and, of course, those iconic candy canes. Imagine sitting by the fireplace, sipping on this delightful concoction, with a drizzle of whipped cream and crushed candy cane pieces on top. It’s a simple, yet indulgent treat that’s perfect for a cozy afternoon or a holiday celebration.
I first discovered this recipe during a particularly snowy winter. My family and I were bundled up indoors, and we decided to make something fun and festive. That’s when we whipped up this candy cane milkshake, and it immediately became a holiday favorite. We make it every year, and it’s now a tradition we all look forward to. I promise, once you try it, you’ll be hooked too!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Candy Cane Milkshake is a holiday treat that’s just as easy to make as it is to enjoy. Here’s why you’ll love it:

Quick and Easy: It only takes about 5 minutes to whip up, making it the perfect last-minute treat for holiday parties or a fun way to wind down after a busy day.

Perfect for the Holidays: The cool, minty flavor of candy canes is so nostalgic, and it’s just the right flavor to bring out the holiday cheer.
Creamy and Indulgent: With rich vanilla ice cream as the base, this milkshake is creamy, thick, and just the right amount of sweet.
Customizable: You can play around with the amount of peppermint or even try different ice cream flavors like chocolate for a twist.

Family-Friendly: This is a treat the whole family will love. Kids can help crush the candy canes, and everyone will enjoy sipping on this frosty, sweet goodness together.
The refreshing peppermint flavor combined with the rich, creamy texture is truly irresistible. And the extra crushed candy cane topping? It adds a little crunch and a lot of festive fun. It’s like a holiday dessert and drink all rolled into one.

Preparation Time and Servings

Total Time: 5 minutes
Servings: Makes 2 large milkshakes (or 3 smaller servings).

Calories per Serving: Approximately 350-400 calories (depends on ice cream and toppings used).
Protein: 6g
Carbs: 50g

Fat: 16g

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to make your Candy Cane Milkshake:

Vanilla Ice Cream – 4 cups (about 1 pint)
Rich, creamy vanilla ice cream forms the base of this milkshake and balances out the minty peppermint flavor.

Milk – 1 cup
Whole milk works best for a super creamy milkshake, but feel free to use any milk you prefer.
Candy Canes – 3-4, crushed
The star of the show! Crush the candy canes for a crunchy topping and to add minty flavor throughout the milkshake.
Peppermint Extract – ½ teaspoon
A touch of peppermint extract enhances the flavor and brings a real peppermint punch to the milkshake.

Whipped Cream – For topping
A big dollop of whipped cream is the perfect finish to this milkshake. It adds lightness and a little more creaminess.
Optional: Mini Candy Cane Straws – For decoration and sipping
These little candy cane straws not only add a fun touch but also intensify the holiday vibe.

Note: If you’d like a thicker milkshake, feel free to add more ice cream. For a lighter version, you can swap out some of the ice cream for yogurt!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making this milkshake is as easy as 1-2-3! Here’s how to do it:

Prepare the Candy Canes
Start by unwrapping your candy canes. You’ll need 3-4 for this recipe, depending on how minty you want your milkshake. Place them in a ziplock bag or between two sheets of parchment paper. Use a rolling pin or your hands to crush them into small bits. Don’t stress about making them perfectly uniform—it’s okay if there are some larger pieces. You can also pulse them in a food processor if you want them super fine.
Blend the Ice Cream and Milk
In a blender, add the 4 cups of vanilla ice cream and 1 cup of milk. If you like your milkshake extra thick, add an extra scoop of ice cream. Blend on high for about 30 seconds or until smooth and creamy. The consistency should be thick, but pourable. You may need to stop and scrape down the sides of the blender if the ice cream gets stuck.

Add the Peppermint Extract
Add ½ teaspoon of peppermint extract to the blender. This adds that unmistakable holiday flavor without needing a ton of candy canes. Blend again to mix everything together.
Add the Crushed Candy Canes
Once your milkshake base is smooth, pour in about 2 tablespoons of the crushed candy canes and pulse the blender a couple of times. You want to break the candy canes into smaller bits but not completely blend them into the milkshake. This way, you’ll have bits of candy cane in every sip, plus a pretty, festive look!
Serve with Toppings
Pour your milkshake into glasses (preferably chilled for an extra cold treat). Top with a generous swirl of whipped cream. Then, sprinkle more crushed candy canes on top. You can even garnish with mini candy cane straws for a cute and extra-festive touch.

Optional Step: Extra Creamy Version
For an even creamier milkshake, drizzle some chocolate syrup around the inside of the glass before pouring the milkshake in. It adds a little extra sweetness and visual appeal!

Pro Tips:

Don’t over-blend the milkshake or it might lose its thickness.

If the milkshake is too thick, add a little more milk, one tablespoon at a time, until it’s the perfect consistency.
To make this milkshake extra cold, chill your blender and glasses ahead of time!

How to Serve

Once your Candy Cane Milkshake is ready, serve it in festive glasses. Here are a few fun ideas to take it up a notch:

Serve with extra toppings: Whipped cream, a few extra crushed candy canes, or even a drizzle of chocolate syrup make it even more decadent.
Serve alongside: This milkshake is perfect for pairing with warm holiday cookies, like gingerbread or sugar cookies.
For the kids: Add mini marshmallows on top for an even more playful touch.

For adults: Add a splash of peppermint schnapps for an adult twist on this classic holiday drink!

Additional Tips

Here are 5 helpful tips to make sure your Candy Cane Milkshake turns out perfect every time:

Use Full-Fat Ice Cream: While you can use any ice cream you like, I recommend full-fat vanilla ice cream for a rich, creamy milkshake. It makes the texture so smooth.

Chill Your Glasses: For an extra cold treat, place your milkshake glasses in the freezer for a few minutes before serving.
Don’t Overdo the Peppermint: It’s easy to go overboard with peppermint extract, but a little goes a long way. Stick to ½ teaspoon for the perfect flavor.
Make Ahead: If you’re hosting a party or have a busy day ahead, you can prepare the milkshake base (minus the whipped cream and toppings) a few hours ahead. Just store it in the fridge, and give it a quick blend before serving.

Play with Flavors: For a fun twist, use chocolate ice cream instead of vanilla, or add a scoop of crushed Oreos for a cookies-and-cream candy cane milkshake!

Recipe Variations

While this Candy Cane Milkshake is perfect as-is, there are plenty of ways to customize it:

Vegan: Use dairy-free ice cream and plant-based milk like almond or coconut milk to make it vegan-friendly.

Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free candy canes.
Chocolate Version: Swap the vanilla ice cream for chocolate ice cream for a mint-chocolate combo that’s sure to delight.
Minty Hot Chocolate: Want to add a little extra warmth to this treat? Make a hot chocolate version! Simply make a rich hot chocolate base, let it cool slightly, and blend with ice cream for a minty twist on your classic cocoa.

Adults Only: Add a splash of Baileys Irish Cream or rum for a more adult version of this milkshake.

Conclusion

This Candy Cane Milkshake is the perfect way to indulge during the holidays. It’s quick, easy, and a surefire hit with everyone in your family. The combination of creamy ice cream, cool peppermint, and crunchy candy canes brings all the magic of the season in one delicious sip. Whether you’re serving it at a holiday party, enjoying it as an afternoon treat, or just snuggling up by the fire with a loved one, this milkshake will make every moment feel a little more festive.
So go ahead—give this recipe a try. I promise it’ll bring a touch of holiday cheer to your day! And don’t forget to snap a photo of your milkshake masterpiece to share with friends and family. After all, the holidays are all about sharing joy—and a sweet, peppermint milkshake like this is sure to spread it far and wide.

Candy Cane Milkshake