There’s something truly magical about the cool, creamy blend of chocolate and peppermint, and this Peppermint Bark Milkshake Recipe nails it perfectly. It’s like sipping a festive treat that instantly lifts your spirits, making it ideal for cozy winter nights or whenever you want a little holiday joy in a glass.

This image shows a tall clear glass filled with a light pink milkshake that has small dark chocolate pieces mixed inside, with a layer of crushed chocolate bits settled at the bottom. On top, there is a swirl of white whipped cream sprinkled with small dark chocolate bits and a red and white striped candy cane hanging on the side of the glass. The glass is placed on a white plate with a small silver spoon beside it, all set on a white marbled surface. In the background, there is another similar milkshake and a small bottle of milk, with some red Christmas ornaments and candy canes scattered on the surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Peppermint Bark Milkshake Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Peppermint Bark Milkshake Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Peppermint Bark Milkshake Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This Peppermint Bark Milkshake Recipe has become one of my go-to treats during the holiday season—and honestly, whenever I want that perfect peppermint-chocolate combo without fuss. It’s quick, comforting, and utterly delicious!

Delightfully simple: Only a handful of ingredients come together in minutes for a gorgeous, creamy milkshake.
Festive flavor explosion: The mix of crushed candy canes and chocolate chips tastes just like peppermint bark—but in shake form.
Customizable: You can easily adjust thickness or add your own twist for a perfect milkshake every time.
Perfect for any occasion: Parties, cozy nights, or a fun treat to share with friends and family.

A tall clear glass filled with a light pink milkshake showing small dark bits at the bottom, topped with a swirl of white whipped cream sprinkled with dark chocolate chips, and a red and white striped candy cane hooked on the rim. The glass sits on a white plate with a small silver spoon on the side. A woman's hand is holding the glass. In the background, another similar glass with whipped cream and chocolate chips, a small bottle of milk, scattered candy bits, and red Christmas ornaments are placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This recipe focuses on a few classic ingredients that play beautifully together to give you that creamy, mint-chocolate dream. When selecting your ingredients, a couple of small tweaks really make a difference.

Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl of smooth vanilla ice cream scoops, a small white ceramic bowl of fresh whole milk, two whole uncrushed peppermint candy canes with bright red and white stripes, a small white ceramic bowl filled with glossy mini semisweet chocolate chips, a small white ceramic bowl piled with fluffy whipped cream, one whole peppermint candy cane and a small white ceramic bowl of fine dark chocolate sprinkles, all arranged in perfect symmetry and realistic proportions placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Vanilla ice cream: Using a high-quality, creamy vanilla ice cream makes the shake luscious, while the vanilla balances the peppermint bite.
Milk: Whole milk is my favorite here for richness, but you can switch to your preferred milk—just keep an eye on the consistency.
Candy canes: Freshly crushed candy canes bring that sharp peppermint punch and a bit of crunch; crushing them yourself means you get control over the texture.
Mini semisweet chocolate chips: These add the perfect melty bits of chocolate that mimic the “bark” texture in peppermint bark candy.
Whipped cream, candy canes, and chocolate sprinkles for garnish: These finishing touches aren’t just pretty—they add extra flavor and a festive vibe that makes the milkshake feel special.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love how versatile this Peppermint Bark Milkshake Recipe is—you can easily tweak it to suit your taste or even dietary needs. Once I tried adding a splash of peppermint extract for extra oomph, and it was phenomenal!

Variation: For a grown-up twist, try adding a tablespoon of peppermint schnapps or crème de menthe—just remember to skip the garnishes if you do!
Dairy-Free Option: Swap out ice cream and milk for coconut or almond milk-based alternatives and dairy-free vanilla ice cream; the chocolate and peppermint flavors still shine through beautifully.
Thicker or Thinner: Adjust milk quantity to get exactly the texture you prefer—it’s your perfect milkshake after all.
Chocolate Lovers’ Edition: Feel free to add a drizzle of chocolate syrup or blend in some fudge chunks if you want to go all out.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Peppermint Bark Milkshake Recipe

Step 1: Blend the base

Start by popping one pint of vanilla ice cream and one cup of milk into your blender. Blend it for about 30 seconds until it’s smooth and creamy—give it a quick taste to see if the consistency feels just right for you. If you want it thinner, add an extra ½ cup of milk in small portions, blending after each addition so you don’t overdo it.

Step 2: Add peppermint and chocolate

Next, toss in the crushed candy canes and mini semisweet chocolate chips. Pulse the blender just 10 to 15 seconds to evenly distribute the bits but still keep some delightful texture—nobody wants a totally pulverized shake! This step gives the milkshake that authentic peppermint bark crunch.

Step 3: Pour and garnish

Pour your milkshake into your favorite glasses and top generously with whipped cream. Scatter a few crushed candy canes and chocolate sprinkles on top for that classic festive look and extra flavor. I find the visual boost makes it taste even better!

Top Tip

After making this Peppermint Bark Milkshake Recipe dozens of times, I’ve picked up a few tips that help you nail that perfect texture and flavor balance every time. Trust me—these small tweaks make a big difference.

Crush candy canes just before blending: Freshly crushed candy canes hold their peppermint punch and crunch better than pre-packaged ones.
Pulse, don’t blend full speed: To keep that lovely little crunch of peppermint and chocolate chips, use the pulse setting briefly instead of continuous blending.
Adjust milk slowly: Adding milk in small amounts helps you avoid a milkshake that’s too runny—start with less, then add more if needed.
Use fresh, rich ingredients: The quality of vanilla ice cream really does shine through here, so pick something creamy and fresh for best results.

How to Serve Peppermint Bark Milkshake Recipe

Peppermint Bark Milkshake - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually keep it classic with whipped cream, a small broken candy cane, and a sprinkle of mini chocolate chips or festive chocolate sprinkles on top. It’s simple, beautiful, and adds just the right texture to every sip. Sometimes I add a drizzle of chocolate syrup for a more decadent touch—feel free to get creative!

Side Dishes

This milkshake pairs wonderfully with soft sugar cookies or a slice of peppermint fudge—it’s like a mini peppermint-themed feast. For something lighter, try a handful of roasted nuts or even a piece of dark chocolate to complement the shake’s flavors without overwhelming it.

Creative Ways to Present

When I’ve made this for holiday parties, I love serving the milkshake in clear mason jars tied with red and white bakers’ twine and a mini candy cane on the side. For extra fun, rim the glass with crushed candy canes stuck to a little melted chocolate before pouring in the milkshake. It’s a showstopper every time!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Since this Peppermint Bark Milkshake Recipe is best enjoyed fresh, I usually make just enough for two servings and finish it right away. But if you happen to have leftovers, cover the milkshake tightly with plastic wrap or a lid and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. It’s thickened up by then, so you might want to stir or whisk before drinking.

Freezing

I haven’t tried freezing the finished milkshake itself because of the texture changes, but you could freeze leftover crushed candy canes or chocolate chips for future batches. If you want to prepare ahead, mix the ice cream, milk, and peppermint extract (if using), then freeze this base in a covered container to blend fresh candy canes and chips later.

Reheating

Since this shake is cold and creamy, there's no reheating involved—but if it thickens too much after resting in the fridge, just give it a quick blend or stir to bring it back to the perfect sippable texture.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this Peppermint Bark Milkshake Recipe vegan?

Absolutely! Swap out the dairy ice cream and milk for vegan alternatives like coconut or almond milk-based ice cream and plant milk. The peppermint and chocolate flavors will still shine nicely.

How do I avoid the candy canes making the milkshake too gritty?

Crush the candy canes into fine but still slightly chunky pieces rather than powder. Also, pulse the blender only briefly after adding them to avoid turning your milkshake into a gritty mess.

Can I use other types of chocolate instead of semisweet chips?

Sure! You can use milk chocolate chips, white chocolate chunks, or even chopped peppermint bark for a twist. Just keep portion sizes similar so it blends smoothly.

How long does this milkshake stay fresh?

It’s best consumed right away for the creamiest texture and best flavor. However, you can store leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours and give it a good stir before drinking.

Final Thoughts

This Peppermint Bark Milkshake Recipe has earned a special spot in my heart—and in my kitchen. There’s something so joyful and refreshing about sippin’ on this creamy, minty shake that instantly uplifts my mood. I hope you enjoy it just as much, whether it becomes your holiday tradition or your secret little indulgence during a chilly evening. Whip one up, gather your favorite cozy spot, and enjoy the festive magic in every sip!