Curl up with a cozy, creamy peppermint hot chocolate shake that’s bursting with festive flavor. This indulgent treat combines the rich, comforting taste of hot chocolate with the cool, refreshing creaminess of a milkshake, all topped with a swirl of fluffy whipped cream. It’s the perfect way to warm up on a chilly day and savor the flavors of the season.
Why You’ll Love This Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cream Shake with Whipped Topping
This Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cream Shake is an irresistible blend of cozy, comforting flavors and a lush, velvety texture. The rich, creamy hot chocolate base is infused with the bright, refreshing taste of peppermint, creating a harmonious balance of flavors that’s both indulgent and satisfying. The addition of whipped cream on top adds an extra layer of lushness and a festive touch, making this shake a true delight for the senses. Whether you’re craving a sweet treat, looking for a cozy pick-me-up, or want to enjoy a taste of the holidays, this Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cream Shake is sure to become a new favorite.
Ingredients
To make this Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cream Shake, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients: milk, hot chocolate mix, peppermint extract, vanilla extract, and a touch of sugar for sweetness. For the whipped topping, you’ll need heavy cream and a sprinkle of crushed peppermint candies or crumbled candy canes. The combination of these ingredients creates a rich, creamy, and festively flavored treat that’s sure to delight your taste buds.
- 2 cups (480 ml) – Milk
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) – Peppermint hot chocolate mix
- 1 teaspoon (5 ml) – Peppermint extract
- 1 teaspoon (5 ml) – Vanilla extract
- 1-2 tablespoons (15-30 ml) – Granulated sugar (optional, to taste)
Ingredient Substitutions
- Peppermint extract: A few drops of peppermint essential oil or a bit of crushed fresh mint leaves (why it works – adds a natural peppermint flavor)
- Milk: Your favorite plant-based milk, such as almond, oat, or soy milk (dietary swap – for a dairy-free option)
How to Make Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cream Shake with Whipped Topping
To get started, gather all of your ingredients and equipment. You’ll need a blender, a medium-sized bowl, and a hand mixer or whisk for making the whipped cream topping.
Step 1: Prep Work
In the blender, combine the milk, hot chocolate mix, peppermint extract, and vanilla extract. Blend on high speed until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Taste and add a bit of sugar if desired, blending again until well incorporated.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Pour the peppermint hot chocolate mixture into a tall glass or milkshake glass. In the medium bowl, using the hand mixer or whisk, whip the heavy cream until it forms soft, fluffy peaks. Dollop the whipped cream on top of the shake, then sprinkle with the crushed peppermint candies or candy canes.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
For an extra festive touch, you can garnish the shake with a peppermint stick or a sprig of fresh mint.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Spiked Shake: Add a shot of peppermint schnapps or crème de menthe to the shake for an adults-only twist.
- Chocolate Variations: Experiment with different hot chocolate mixes, using dark, milk, or white chocolate varieties to create unique flavor profiles.
- Richer Texture: Use a combination of half-and-half and milk instead of just milk for a richer, more indulgent shake.
- Extra Peppermint Flavor: Add a bit more peppermint extract to really amp up the minty flavor.
When it comes to the whipped cream, you can get creative with toppings. Try sprinkling crushed Oreos, shaved chocolate, or a dusting of cocoa powder on top for an extra layer of texture and flavor. You can also use a piping bag to create fun designs or swirls with the whipped cream.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: A peppermint stick, a sprig of fresh mint, or a dusting of cocoa powder.
Storage: The shake can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The whipped cream may separate or become less fluffy, but you can simply give it a quick stir before serving. Alternatively, you can store the hot chocolate base and whipped cream separately, then assemble the shake just before enjoying.
Reheat: N/A (this is a chilled, creamy shake).
Make-Ahead: The hot chocolate base can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, simply blend the chilled base with the milk and top with the freshly whipped cream.
Nutrition Information
This Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cream Shake is a delightful indulgence, but it’s important to enjoy it in moderation. Each serving contains approximately 350 calories, with the majority coming from the rich, creamy hot chocolate base and the decadent whipped cream topping. The shake also provides a good amount of calcium and a touch of protein from the milk and cream. While it’s a comforting and satisfying treat, it’s best to savor this shake as an occasional dessert or special treat, rather than a daily beverage.
- Serving Size: 1 shake
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Protein: 8 g
- Carbs: 45 g
- Fat: 18 g
- Sodium: 230 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use regular hot chocolate mix instead of peppermint?
Absolutely! If you don’t have peppermint extract on hand or prefer a more traditional hot chocolate flavor, you can simply use regular hot chocolate mix in place of the peppermint version. The result will be a classic, rich and creamy hot chocolate shake.
How can I make this shake dairy-free?
To make a dairy-free version of this shake, you can use your favorite plant-based milk, such as almond, oat, or soy milk, in place of regular milk. For the whipped topping, you can use a dairy-free whipped cream alternative or make your own using chilled coconut cream.
Can I use fresh mint instead of peppermint extract?
Absolutely! If you have access to fresh mint leaves, you can use them to infuse the shake with a bright, natural peppermint flavor. Simply muddle or finely chop a few fresh mint leaves and add them to the blender along with the other ingredients.
How can I make this shake less sweet?
If you find the shake to be too sweet for your taste, you can try reducing the amount of hot chocolate mix or sugar used. You can also use a darker, less sweet hot chocolate blend or mix in a bit of unsweetened cocoa powder to balance the sweetness.
Can I make this shake ahead of time?
While the shake is best enjoyed immediately, you can prepare the hot chocolate base in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, simply blend the chilled base with the milk and top with the freshly whipped cream.
Try These Next
- Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate Milkshake With Whipped Cream
- Maple Bourbon Chocolate Milkshake With Whipped Cream
- Maple Pecan Hot Chocolate With Whipped Cream Swirl
Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cream Shake with Whipped Topping
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: 🥤 Comfort Drinks & Shakes
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in this delightful Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cream Shake, a perfect blend of rich chocolate, peppermint flavor, and creamy whipped topping, making it an irresistible treat for the holiday season or any chilly day.
Ingredients
2 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup chocolate syrup
1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract
1/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup whipped topping (plus more for serving)
Crushed peppermint candies (for garnish)
Instructions
1. 1. In a blender, combine the milk, heavy cream, chocolate syrup, peppermint extract, and sugar.
2. 2. Blend on high until smooth and creamy.
3. 3. Pour the mixture into glasses.
4. 4. Top each shake with a generous dollop of whipped topping.
5. 5. Sprinkle crushed peppermint candies on top for garnish.
6. 6. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
For an extra chocolatey flavor, you can drizzle additional chocolate syrup inside the glasses before pouring in the shake.
Feel free to adjust the peppermint extract according to your taste preference.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 shake
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 38g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: peppermint, hot chocolate, shake, dessert, holiday