As the holiday season approaches, I find myself daydreaming about all the flavors and traditions that make this time of year so special. There’s nothing quite like the festive joy that fills the air, and for me, that joy often comes in the form of a creamy, decadent Christmas milkshake. Picture this: a rich blend of smooth vanilla ice cream with just the right hint of peppermint, topped with a pillow of whipped cream and a sprinkle of crushed candy canes—what’s not to love?
One afternoon, feeling a little nostalgic and craving something sweet, I decided to whip up a batch of these delightful shakes, and I couldn’t help but feel like a kid again. With just a few simple ingredients and only 10 minutes of your time, you can transform your holiday gatherings into a magical dessert experience that everyone will rave about. So, grab your blender and let’s dive into this easy recipe that’s sure to be a festive hit!
Why You'll Love This Christmas Milkshakes
- This Christmas Milkshakes recipe is incredibly easy to make, taking just 10 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for last-minute holiday treats.
- The flavor combination of creamy vanilla ice cream and refreshing peppermint creates a festive taste that captures the essence of the season.
- Not only is it visually appealing with its whipped cream topping and colorful candy cane garnish, but it also brings out the childlike joy in everyone who enjoys it.
- Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser that will delight guests of all ages, making your holiday gatherings even more delightful.
Christmas Milkshake Ingredients
Get ready to blend up some festive magic!
For the Base
• Vanilla ice cream – the star of the show that provides rich creaminess to your Christmas milkshakes.
• Milk – adjust the amount for desired thickness; less for a thicker shake, more for a lighter texture.
• Peppermint extract – adds that quintessential holiday flavor; use it sparingly for a subtle hint or more for a strong minty kick.
For the Toppings
• Crushed candy canes – sprinkle these on top for a crunchy and festive twist.
• Whipped cream – airy and light, it creates the perfect cloud-like topping to your milkshakes.
• Chocolate syrup – drizzle generously for a delicious contrast to the minty flavors; it brings sweetness that everyone loves.
With these Christmas milkshake ingredients ready, you’re just moments away from crafting a delightful treat that’s sure to bring smiles all around!
How to Make Christmas Milkshakes
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Blend Together
Start by adding the vanilla ice cream, milk, and peppermint extract to your blender. Blend everything together until you achieve a smooth and creamy consistency, about 30 seconds to a minute. -
Incorporate Candy Canes
Gently add the crushed candy canes to the blender. Pulse a few times—just enough to combine and maintain the delightful crunch of the candy. -
Pour into Glasses
Carefully pour the milkshake mixture into your favorite glasses, filling them about 3/4 full to make room for toppings and garnishes. -
Add Whipped Cream
Generously top each milkshake with a fluffy layer of whipped cream. This adds a sweet and airy finish that’s just irresistible! -
Drizzle Chocolate Syrup
Get creative and drizzle chocolate syrup over the whipped cream. This step not only adds flavor but also gives your milkshakes a beautiful, festive look. -
Garnish for Festivity
Finally, sprinkle some extra crushed candy canes on top for that perfect holiday touch! It adds color and a little extra crunch to your Christmas milkshakes.
Optional: Add a peppermint stick for an extra festive garnish!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Christmas Milkshakes?
What pairs perfectly with a festive holiday delight like this creamy treat?
- Gingerbread Cookies: These classic treats bring warmth and spice, complementing the refreshing mint flavor of the milkshakes beautifully. Their crunchy texture creates a delightful contrast.
- Chocolate Fudge Brownies: Rich, fudgy brownies add decadence, enhancing the dessert experience while matching well with the milkshake’s sweetness. A bite of brownie with the milkshake is heavenly!
- Peppermint Bark: This seasonal favorite adds a wonderful minty crunch and festive flair, making it the ideal snacking partner. Its chocolatey goodness perfectly balances the creamy shakes.
- Festive Fruit Salad: A mix of colorful seasonal fruits like pomegranate and kiwi offers a refreshing contrast that brightens up your dessert table while balancing the richness.
- Holiday Spice Cake: The warm spices in this cake echo the festive essence of Christmas. Serve it alongside for a cozy dessert experience that brings smiles to everyone.
- Eggnog: For a holiday drink that packs a punch, pairing your milkshake with a chilled eggnog smooth drink heightens the festive atmosphere. The creaminess unites both treats wonderfully!
- Churros with Chocolate Sauce: These crunchy, sugary treats dipped in chocolate bring an exciting texture and sweetness that will have everyone reaching for more. Deliciously indulgent and fun!
- Cinnamon Sugar Donuts: Soft and fluffy with a hint of spice, these donuts make a perfect pairing for the smooth flavors of the Christmas milkshakes. Their sweetness just adds to the joy!
- Hot Chocolate: For an even sweeter treat, serve with rich hot chocolate topped with marshmallows, enhancing the holiday feel while coordinating deliciously with the minty shake.
How to Store and Freeze Christmas Milkshakes
- Refrigerator: Store leftover Christmas milkshakes in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Stir well before serving again, as separation may occur.
- Freezer: If you want to freeze the milkshakes, pour them into freezer-safe containers and store for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before enjoying.
- Serving: To enjoy your frozen milkshake, simply blend again with a splash of milk to restore its creamy texture. Be sure not to freeze the whipped cream topping.
- Avoiding Ice Crystals: To minimize ice crystal formation, place a piece of plastic wrap against the surface of the milkshake before sealing the container with a lid.
Christmas Milkshake Variations
Get ready to elevate your festive treat with these delightful twists!
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Dairy-Free: Substitute with dairy-free ice cream and almond milk for a creamy, vegan-friendly option. It offers the same festive taste without the dairy!
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Chocolate Peppermint: Layer in 1/4 cup of chocolate ice cream in addition to vanilla for a rich chocolatey profile. The combination of flavors will have indulgent cheer written all over it!
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Minty Fresh: Replace peppermint extract with crème de menthe for an adult version. Just remember to sip responsibly while enjoying this sweet holiday classic!
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Nutty Surprise: Mix in a tablespoon of almond butter for a nutty twist that’ll surprise and delight your palate. It adds an unexpected richness that pairs beautifully with peppermint!
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Fruity Flavor: Blend in a handful of frozen raspberries for a berry-infused holiday shake. The tartness of the raspberries beautifully balances the sweetness.
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Spicy Warmth: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, spicy touch. It creates coziness in every sip, transporting you to a snowy evening by the fire.
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Gourmet Caramel: Drizzle salted caramel along with chocolate syrup for a decadent twist. This tantalizing combo will have everyone asking for seconds!
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Coffee Kick: Incorporate a shot of espresso for a delightful coffee-flavored shake. It’s a perfect pick-me-up to enjoy during the busy holiday season!
With these variations, you can stir up a new holiday tradition while keeping the magic of Christmas milkshakes alive!
Make Ahead Options
These Christmas Milkshakes are a delightful treat that can be prepped in advance to save you time during the busy holiday season! You can prepare the milkshake base (ice cream, milk, and peppermint extract) up to 24 hours in advance. Simply blend the ingredients and store the mixture in an airtight container in the freezer. When you’re ready to serve, simply re-blend for a smooth consistency, add the crushed candy canes, and pour into glasses. To keep your whipped cream fresh, prepare it just before serving—though you can also use store-bought whipped cream for convenience. This way, you’ll have a festive dessert ready to impress without the last-minute scramble!
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For the Christmas milkshakes, ensure you use good quality vanilla ice cream for the best creamy texture.
- If you prefer a thicker milkshake, reduce the amount of milk or add more ice cream.
- When incorporating the crushed candy canes, pulse gently to maintain their crunch instead of blending them completely.
- For the perfect serving temperature, make sure your milkshake mixture is chilled before serving to enhance the overall festive experience.
Christmas Milkshakes Recipe FAQs
What type of peppermint extract should I use?
Absolutely, for a great flavor, I recommend using pure peppermint extract rather than artificial ones. Pure extracts have a more intense minty flavor and are usually made from natural ingredients, enhancing the overall taste of your Christmas milkshakes.
How do I store leftover Christmas milkshakes?
You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just remember to give it a good stir before serving again, as the ingredients might separate over time.
Can I freeze Christmas milkshakes?
Yes, you can freeze your Christmas milkshakes! Pour them into freezer-safe containers and label them with the date. They can be stored for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw them in the fridge overnight. If they seem too thick, blend in a splash of milk to get that creamy texture back.
How do I avoid ice crystals when freezing?
To minimize ice crystals in your frozen Christmas milkshakes, place a piece of plastic wrap directly against the surface before sealing the container. This helps capture moisture and prevents crystallization, ensuring a smoother texture when you’re ready to sip!
Are there any dietary considerations I should keep in mind?
Absolutely! If you’re serving these Christmas milkshakes to guests, it’s wise to check for any potential allergies to dairy or peppermint. For a dairy-free version, you can substitute the vanilla ice cream with coconut or almond-based ice cream and use a dairy-free milk alternative. Enjoying the festive flavors can be inclusive for everyone!
Equipment
- blender
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 3 cups vanilla ice cream the star of the show that provides rich creaminess
- 1 cup milk adjust for desired thickness
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract adds that quintessential holiday flavor
Toppings
- 1/2 cup crushed candy canes for a crunchy and festive twist
- 1 cup whipped cream for a fluffy topping
- 1/4 cup chocolate syrup for a delicious contrast
Instructions
Making Christmas Milkshakes
- Start by adding the vanilla ice cream, milk, and peppermint extract to your blender. Blend everything together until you achieve a smooth and creamy consistency, about 30 seconds to a minute.
- Gently add the crushed candy canes to the blender. Pulse a few times just enough to combine and maintain the delightful crunch.
- Carefully pour the milkshake mixture into your favorite glasses, filling them about 3/4 full.
- Generously top each milkshake with a fluffy layer of whipped cream.
- Drizzle chocolate syrup over the whipped cream for added flavor.
- Finally, sprinkle some extra crushed candy canes on top for a festive touch.
