Frozen Hot Chocolate Milkshake with Peppermint Whipped Cream
A decadent frozen hot chocolate milkshake blended smooth and topped with peppermint-infused whipped cream for a festive winter treat. This general-inspired desserts ready in about 10 minutes blends whole milk, chocolate ice cream, hot cocoa mix into a quick blender drink — a fast breakfast, a pre-workout pour, or an afternoon energy boost, with nothing to wash up but the pitcher. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 4, so it works as a grab-and-go breakfast, a post-gym refuel, or a snack that holds you to the next meal. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 cups chocolate ice cream
- 3 tbsp hot cocoa mix
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 tsp peppermint extract
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp mini chocolate chips
- 1 tbsp crushed candy canes
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a blender, combine 1 cup whole milk, 2 cups chocolate ice cream, and 3 tbsp hot cocoa mix. Blend on high for 30 seconds until smooth and creamy.
- Step 2: In a chilled bowl, whisk 1/2 cup heavy cream with 1/4 tsp peppermint extract and 2 tbsp powdered sugar until soft peaks form, about 2-3 minutes.
- Step 3: Pour the milkshake into four tall glasses and top each with a generous dollop of the peppermint whipped cream.
- Step 4: Sprinkle 2 tbsp mini chocolate chips and 1 tbsp crushed candy canes evenly over the whipped cream for a festive crunch.
- Step 5: Serve immediately with a straw and enjoy a cool, minty chocolate indulgence.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Frozen Hot Chocolate Milkshake with Peppermint Whipped Cream take to make?
Total time is about 10 minutes (10 min prep + 0 min cook). Almost all of that is prep — once everything is in the blender it is under a minute to smooth. Portion the fruit into freezer bags ahead so mornings are just dump-and-blend.
How do I store leftover Frozen Hot Chocolate Milkshake with Peppermint Whipped Cream?
Smoothies are best within a few minutes of blending, but they keep in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to 24 hours — fill it to the top so there is no air gap and shake before drinking, since separation is normal. For longer storage, freeze in an ice-cube tray and re-blend with a splash of liquid. Never reheat.
Can I substitute ingredients in Frozen Hot Chocolate Milkshake with Peppermint Whipped Cream?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Frozen Hot Chocolate Milkshake with Peppermint Whipped Cream for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Frozen Hot Chocolate Milkshake with Peppermint Whipped Cream?
General desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
