Easy Candy Cane Milkshakes for Kids
These easy candy cane milkshakes are a sweet and festive treat the whole family can enjoy during the Christmas season. They combine creamy vanilla ice cream, peppermint candy canes, and little bits of chocolate for a delicious holiday dessert that comes together in about 10 minutes.
This recipe makes four small milkshakes, making it perfect for children’s Christmas parties, holiday movie nights, classroom celebrations, or a special treat after decorating the tree.
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Why You’ll Love These Candy Cane Milkshakes
Quick and easy to prepare
Made with simple ingredients
Perfectly portioned for kids
Festive without requiring any baking
Easy to customize
Ready in approximately 10 minutes
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Want to recreate these kid-sized candy cane milkshakes? Here are a few helpful items for making and serving them (affiliate links):
Small food processor for crushing candy canes
These are similar to the items used for this recipe. Always confirm product dimensions and details before ordering.
Ingredients
To make four small candy cane milkshakes, you’ll need:
2 cups vanilla ice cream
½ cup whole milk
2 standard candy canes, finely crushed
2 tablespoons mini chocolate chips or finely chopped chocolate
⅛ teaspoon peppermint extract, optional
Whipped cream, for topping
Additional finely crushed candy cane, for topping
Additional mini chocolate chips or finely chopped chocolate, for topping
4 maraschino cherries
4 miniature candy canes, optional
How to Make Candy Cane Milkshakes
1. Prepare the ingredients
Unwrap the two standard candy canes and crush them into small pieces. Set aside a little additional crushed candy cane and chocolate for decorating the finished milkshakes.
2. Fill the blender
Add the vanilla ice cream, whole milk, crushed candy canes, chocolate, and optional peppermint extract to a blender.
3. Blend until creamy
Secure the blender lid and blend just until the ingredients are smooth and creamy. Avoid blending longer than necessary, as this can make the milkshakes too thin.
If the mixture is too thick to blend, add more milk one tablespoon at a time until it reaches your preferred consistency.
4. Pour and decorate
Divide the milkshake evenly among four small 4.5-ounce glasses.
Top each milkshake with a modest swirl of whipped cream, finely crushed candy cane, and chopped chocolate. Finish each serving with a maraschino cherry and a miniature candy cane.
Serve immediately.
Recipe Tips
Adjust the consistency
For a thicker milkshake, use slightly less milk. If you prefer a thinner drink, add milk one tablespoon at a time until the milkshake is easy to pour.
Add peppermint extract carefully
The peppermint extract is optional because the crushed candy canes already provide peppermint flavor. If you use it, measure carefully—peppermint extract can quickly overpower a small recipe.
Crush the candy canes finely
Finely crushed candy canes blend more evenly and are easier to drink than large, hard pieces. A small food processor works well, or you can place the unwrapped candy canes in a sealed bag and crush them with a rolling pin.
Serve immediately
Milkshakes taste best immediately after blending. They will begin to melt and thin if left sitting at room temperature.
Easy Variations
Chocolate Candy Cane Milkshakes
Replace the vanilla ice cream with chocolate ice cream for a richer chocolate-peppermint flavor.
Cookies-and-Cream Peppermint Milkshakes
Leave out the chocolate chips and blend in two chocolate sandwich cookies instead.
Peppermint-Free Holiday Milkshakes
For children who do not enjoy peppermint, leave out the crushed candy canes and peppermint extract. Use festive red, pink, and white sprinkles as the decoration instead.
Extra-Chocolate Milkshakes
Add one tablespoon of chocolate syrup to the blender for a stronger chocolate flavor.
Kid-Friendly Serving Note
Hard candy can present a choking risk for young children. Crush the candy canes very finely, supervise children while serving, and leave off the miniature candy-cane garnish when serving younger children.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prepare candy cane milkshakes ahead of time?
Milkshakes are best prepared immediately before serving. You can measure the ingredients, crush the candy canes, and arrange the toppings ahead of time, but wait to blend everything until you are ready to serve.
Can I make this without peppermint extract?
Yes. The crushed candy canes already add peppermint flavor, so the extract is completely optional.
What kind of chocolate should I use?
Mini chocolate chips blend easily, but finely chopped milk or semisweet chocolate also works. Avoid using large chocolate chunks because they may not blend smoothly.
Can I use a different kind of milk?
Yes. Whole milk creates a rich, creamy texture, but you can substitute 2% milk or your preferred unsweetened nondairy milk. The final thickness and flavor may vary slightly.
What size glasses should I use?
This recipe makes approximately four small servings. I served these in small 4.5-ounce glasses, which create a fun, kid-friendly portion.
Candy Cane Milkshake Recipe
Yield: Approximately four 4.5-ounce servings
Prep time: 10 minutes
Total time: 10 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Blender
Cuisine: American
Ingredients
2 cups vanilla ice cream
½ cup whole milk
2 standard candy canes, finely crushed
2 tablespoons mini chocolate chips or finely chopped chocolate
⅛ teaspoon peppermint extract, optional
Whipped cream
Additional crushed candy cane
Additional mini chocolate chips or chopped chocolate
4 maraschino cherries
4 miniature candy canes, optional
Instructions
Crush the two standard candy canes into fine pieces.
Add the vanilla ice cream, milk, crushed candy canes, chocolate, and optional peppermint extract to a blender.
Secure the lid and blend just until smooth and creamy.
If necessary, add additional milk one tablespoon at a time.
Divide the milkshake evenly among four small glasses.
Top each serving with whipped cream, crushed candy cane, chocolate, and one maraschino cherry.
Add one miniature candy cane to each glass, if desired.
Serve immediately.
Notes
The peppermint extract is optional.
Do not over blend, or the milkshake may become too thin.
For young children, finely crush all hard candy and omit the miniature candy-cane garnish.
Exact yield may vary slightly depending on the ice cream and desired consistency.
These easy candy cane milkshakes are a simple way to make an ordinary winter afternoon feel like a celebration. Serve them during a Christmas movie, after decorating cookies, or as a festive dessert at your next children’s holiday party.
