Frozen Hot Chocolate Milkshake with Peppermint Whipped Cream

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

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 brings together whole milk, chocolate ice cream, hot cocoa mix for a refreshing, crowd-pleasing drink — a bright, easy pour for parties, gatherings, or any warm-weather afternoon when you want something festive without alcohol-only options. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 4, so it works for entertaining, brunch, or a non-alcoholic option at the bar cart. 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.

Prep: 10 min Serves 4 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Step 3: Pour the milkshake into four tall glasses and top each with a generous dollop of the peppermint whipped cream.
  4. Step 4: Sprinkle 2 tbsp mini chocolate chips and 1 tbsp crushed candy canes evenly over the whipped cream for a festive crunch.
  5. Step 5: Serve immediately with a straw and enjoy a cool, minty chocolate indulgence.

Equipment for this recipe

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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). Most home bartenders find this fits a single afternoon; scale up the batch for parties or pitchers.

How do I store leftover Frozen Hot Chocolate Milkshake with Peppermint Whipped Cream?

Refrigerate any leftover frozen hot chocolate milkshake with peppermint whipped cream in a sealed pitcher or jar for up to 3–4 days. Do not reheat — drinks are served chilled. If the recipe uses sparkling water or fresh herbs, hold those back and add fresh just before pouring so the drink stays bright and fizzy.

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.