Ingredients
Scale
- 3 cups premium vanilla ice cream (about 6 scoops), slightly softened
- ¾ cup whole milk (adjust for desired thickness)
- ½ teaspoon pure peppermint extract (adjust to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ⅓ cup mini chocolate chips, plus extra for topping
- 2-3 drops green food coloring (optional, for color)
- Pinch of salt (optional, enhances flavors)
For Serving (Optional):
- Whipped cream
- Extra mini chocolate chips
- Chocolate syrup drizzle
- Fresh mint leaves for garnish
- Crushed peppermint candies
Instructions
- Soften Ice Cream Slightly – Remove vanilla ice cream from the freezer and let it sit at room temperature for 3-5 minutes. It should be soft enough to scoop easily but still very cold and firm, not melting or drippy. This makes blending easier and prevents straining your blender motor.
- Reserve Some Chocolate Chips – Set aside about 2 tablespoons of mini chocolate chips to add at the very end. This ensures you get whole chocolate chip pieces throughout the shake rather than having them all blend into specks.
- Add Ingredients to Blender in Order – Layer ingredients strategically for best results: milk first (helps blender blades move freely), then slightly softened ice cream scoops, peppermint extract, vanilla extract, the main portion of chocolate chips (about ¼ cup), and green food coloring if using. Don’t add the reserved chocolate chips yet!
- Start Blending on Low Speed – Secure the blender lid tightly. Start on the lowest speed setting for 10-15 seconds to break down the ice cream and begin incorporating everything. This prevents chunks from flying around and protects your motor.
- Increase to Medium Speed – Once ingredients start moving and combining, gradually increase to medium speed. Blend for 20-30 seconds until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy with the chocolate chips evenly distributed (they’ll create tiny dark specks throughout). Use your blender’s tamper if you have one.
- Check Peppermint Strength – Stop the blender and give your shake a tiny taste (just dip a spoon in). The mint flavor should be noticeable but not overwhelming. If you want stronger mint, add another ¼ teaspoon of peppermint extract. If it’s already too strong, add another scoop of ice cream to dilute. Remember, you can always add more but can’t take it away!
- Add Reserved Chocolate Chips – Add the reserved chocolate chips to the blender and pulse 2-3 times (about 2 seconds each) just to incorporate them without grinding them up. This creates those perfect chocolate chip pieces throughout your shake!
- Check Consistency – Your milkshake should be thick and creamy but still pourable – like soft-serve ice cream consistency. If it’s too thick and won’t blend, add 2-3 tablespoons more milk and pulse briefly. If it’s too thin, add another scoop of ice cream and blend for 10 seconds.
- Taste and Perfect – Give it a final taste test! Adjust mint level, sweetness, or thickness as needed. The shake should taste refreshing with balanced mint and chocolate flavors.
- Serve Immediately – Pour into tall, chilled glasses (pre-chilling glasses in the freezer for 10 minutes keeps shakes colder longer). Top with whipped cream, extra mini chocolate chips, a drizzle of chocolate syrup, and a fresh mint leaf if desired. Serve with a thick straw or spoon and enjoy immediately while perfectly cold and thick!
Notes
- Peppermint Extract Potency: Peppermint extract is very strong! Start with ½ teaspoon and adjust. Different brands vary in strength.
- Ice Cream Temperature: Don’t let ice cream get too soft or melted, or your shake will be thin. It should still be quite firm but scoopable.
- Chocolate Chip Size: Mini chips work best for drinking through straws. Regular chips are harder to sip.
- Green Color: Food coloring is purely aesthetic. The shake tastes the same without it!
- Milk Amount: Start with ½ cup and add more only if needed for blending. Less liquid = thicker shake!
- Fresh Mint Alternative: Can substitute 10-12 fresh mint leaves for extract, but muddle them with milk first before blending.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 milkshake (approximately 14 oz)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 52g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 70mg