Starbucks Has a CANDY CANE Frappuccino on the Secret Menu—Here’s How to Order
Updated: Sep. 30, 2020
You won't want to leave this Candy Cane Frappuccino out for Santa...
Whether you’re already cozying up with a piping hot PSL or clinging onto the last few days of warm weather, Christmas is on the way. As the weather cools down, Starbucks is heating up, already debuting this year’s holiday line of tumblers and mugs. While we’re still waiting on Starbucks’ holiday menu, the secret menu is going all out for the biggest day of the year.
Step aside, Peppermint Mocha—this holiday season is all about cooling down with the Candy Cane Frappuccino. Even the jolly man himself would crave a sip of all this decadence!
How to Order a Candy Cane Frappuccino
If peppermint is your favorite seasonal flavor, you’re in luck—the Candy Cane Frappuccino is an easy-to-order mix of all things sweet and minty. Start your order off with any size you like of a Vanilla Bean Frappuccino. Next, ask your barista to add peppermint (no mocha!) to the blender. That will be one pump for a Tall, one and a half pumps for a Grande or two pumps for a Venti.
We got a sneak peek of this minty Frappuccino courtesy of @momof8dogs on Instagram:
Finish off your new favorite holiday drink with whipped cream and some holiday sugar sparkles—as soon as your location gets them in stock. (If you’re still looking for a little garnish, there’s no harm in crunching up last year’s candy canes for a super festive topping. Yum!)
Keep Your Barista in Mind
While this is one of the easier secret menu drinks to order, you’ll still want to have the recipe ready at the drive-thru window. Make sure you specify the base Frappuccino is a creme-based Vanilla Bean—otherwise, you may end up with a Peppermint Mocha Frappuccino, which most baristas are used to making around this time of year.
Every Peppermint Recipe You'll Ever Need
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Peppermint Stick Dessert
With every spoonful of this cool, creamy concoction, my family goes back in time to when our Grandma Dagmar made it each Christmas. The minty, refreshing flavor can't be topped. —Dianne Oertel, Racine, Wisconsin
Hidden Mint Morsels
Is it a cookie or a candy? No matter which answer folks choose, they find these minty morsels yummy. The recipe makes so much that you can whip up tons of gifts at once. —Adina Skilbred, Prairie du Sac, Wisconsin
Peppermint Chip Cheesecake
I love to make cheesecakes and frequently give them as gifts or donate them to fundraisers. This one is very popular. —Gretchen Ely, West Lafayette, Indiana
Candy Cane Chocolate Mini Loaves
Having a bunch of leftover candy canes after the holidays inspired me to use them up by adding them to a chocolate bread. Coffee and cocoa intensify the flavor. —Shelly Platten, Amherst, Wisconsin
Peppermint Puff Pastry Sticks
I wanted to impress my husband's family with something you'd expect to find in a European bakery, and these chocolaty treats are what I came up with. The flaky pastry melts in your mouth. —Darlene Brenden, Salem, Oregon
Peppermint Cream Pound Cake
I came up with this recipe when I was looking for a twist on traditional pound cake. I love the look and flavor of peppermint, especially at Christmas, so it seemed like a natural pairing. Everyone at work loved the results, and my family did, too. — Carolyn Webster, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
Mint Chocolate Snaps
It wouldn't be Christmas if I didn't make this cookie. Several years ago, I submitted the recipe to our local newspaper and it won first prize of $35. Since then, my family refers to it as the "&35 Cookie"!
Minted Chocolate Torte
Our family has enjoyed this remarkable layered cake for years. It's a favorite for many occasions. —Barbara Humiston, Tampa, Florida
Peppermint Pretzel Dippers
A friend made these treats and gave them away in pretty canning jars. The combination of sweet, salty and peppermint is just right. Try dipping them in white candy coating and rolling them in crushed candy canes for variety.—Michelle Krzmarzick, Redondo Beach, California
Candy Cane Blossom Cookies
We like to stir different flavored candy canes into the dough for fun variety. —Joan Cossette, Colbert, Washington
Frozen Peppermint Delight
If you’re looking for a dessert that’s festive, delicious and easy to make, this is the one for you. Drizzled in hot fudge sauce and loaded with pretty peppermint pieces, this almost tempting treat will have guests asking for seconds. —Pam Lancaster, Willis, Virginia
Mint Sandwich Cookies
Canned frosting, peppermint extract and chocolate candy coating quickly turn crackers into these wonderful little no-bake cookies. My children and I like to assemble them for parties and holidays. I hope you and your family enjoy them as much as we do. -Melissa Thompson, Anderson, Ohio
Oreos and Candy Cane Chocolate Bark
There are incredible surprises in this festive bark, including dark chocolate, candy canes and cream-filled cookies. We keep a big supply ready for gift-giving. —Robin Turner, Lake Elsinore, California
Candy Cane Snowballs
I bake dozens of kinds of Christmas cookies to give to family and friends. I came up with this recipe when I had leftover candy canes. We dip the snowballs into a white candy coating, then into crushed peppermint candy. —Debby Anderson, Stockbridge, Georgia
Chocolate & Peppermint Ice Cream Roll
Here's an extra-special treat from the freezer. Peppermint ice cream rolled into a homemade chocolate cake gives dinner a refreshing finale. —Jill Evely, Wilmore, Kentucky
Mocha Mint Coffee
This doctored-up coffee benefits from hints of mint, cocoa and cinnamon. The marshmallows on top are a playful addition that brings out the youngster in anyone. —Mindie Hilton, Susanville, California
Mint Chocolate Cheesecake
I created this mint chocolate cheesecake for our high school's annual fundraiser. We were told that it brought a hefty price and was one of the first desserts to go! If desired, you can stir the cookie pieces into the batter instead of adding them in a layer. Keep the pieces fairly small or they have a tendency to rise to the top. —Sue Gronholz, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin
Chocolate Mint Dreams
Since chocolate and mint is my favorite flavor combination, these dainty frosted treats are hard to resist. But I manage to save some for guests, because they make my cookie trays look so elegant. —Anne Revers, Omaha, Nebraska
Mint Chocolate Bark
After sampling peppermint bark from an upscale store, I thought, "I can make that!" Using four ingredients, I came up with a simple version that won over my friends and family. —Patti Maurer, Wise, Virginia
Chocolate Peppermint Spritz Cookies
I love to make spritz cookies. Each year I make several varieties of cookies and then deliver them to friends. I love to watch them crack a smile when they see a plate full of cookies. —Margaret Otley, Waverly, Nebraska
Peppermint Biscotti
Dipped in melted chocolate and rolled in crushed peppermint candy, these flavorful biscotti are a favorite. They are among the many sweets I make for Christmas. —Paula Marchesi, Lenhartsville, Pennsylvania
Peppermint-Fudge Brownie Mix
With the crushed peppermints sparkling against the dark chocolate, this mix is so pretty! I package the jar in a gift basket with red and white napkins, and then tuck in the baking instructions neatly printed on an index card. —Barbara Burge, Los Gatos, California
Perfect Peppermint Patties
Calling for just a few ingredients, this is one candy that's simple to prepare. I make lots of different candy at Christmas to give as gifts. It's time consuming, but worth it to see the delight it brings to people. -Joanne Adams, Bath, Maine
Mint Swirl Fudge Cake
Mint pairs with a silky, mild chocolate flavor for this colorful, beautiful cake that will be the talk of the holiday buffet. —Heidi Kelly, Norwood, Missouri
Creamy Coconut Peppermint Pie
Garnished with toasted coconut and more peppermint candy, this creamy dessert welcomes the holidays! Look for premade shortbread crusts in the baking aisle of the grocery store. —Cheryl Perry, Hertford, North Carolina
Hot Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
This is a variation of the cookies my mother made when I was growing up. Now my 13-year-old daughter and I bake them together. They’re always a huge hit! The taste is like rich hot chocolate baked into a scrumptious cookie. —Larry Piklor, Johnsburg, Illinois
Frosty Peppermint Dessert
This creamy freeze with candy and a chocolate crust delivers make-ahead convenience. I'll often whip up two.—Carolyn Satterfield, Emporia, Kansas
Chocolate Mint Creams
This recipe came from an old family friend and is always high on everyone's cookie request list. I make at least six batches for Noel nibbling and give some away as gifts. —Beverly Fehner, Gladstone, Missouri
White Chocolate Peppermint Crunch
This is my favorite confection to make at Christmas. Not only is it easy, it's delicious as well. I like to fill small bags with the crunchy candy to place in gift baskets.—Nancy Shelton, Boaz, Kentucky
Peppermint Lava Cakes
It never ceases to amaze to see warm chocolate pudding ooze out of the center of this tender chocolate cake. These cakes are a showstopper on a plate! Serve lava cakes with whipped cream or ice cream. —Carolyn Crotser, Colorado Springs, Colorado
Shortcut Peppermint Layer Cake
When I first made this cake it was snowing outside, the entire family was home, and we enjoyed it all together. A perfectly pretty holiday cake for a perfect holiday moment! Be sure to measure the the peppermint extract carefully—it's strong, and a little bit goes a very long way. —Mindie Hilton, Susanville, California
Easy Mint Thins
My friends often try to guess the ingredients, but I never tell them how simple they are to make. They taste just like the Girl Scout cookie, and they're perfect for Christmas and bake sales. —Jennifer Setser, Morgantown, Indiana
Layered Mint Candies
These incredible melt-in-your-mouth candies have the perfect amount of mint nestled between layers of mild chocolate. Even when I make a double batch for everyone to enjoy, the supply never lasts long at Christmas! —Rhonda Vauble, Sac City, Iowa
Triple-Chocolate Peppermint Treats
Santa is sure to stop by your house if you leave these minty chocolate cookies waiting for him. They're quick and easy for the whole family to make together. —Teresa Ralston, New Albany, Ohio
Chocolate Mint Parfaits
This minty chocolate dessert tastes so light and refreshing. For fun, you can add some tempting finishing touches to the dessert parfaits. Top them with shaved chocolate, nuts or crumbled cookies. Or you can substitute vanilla or banana pudding.—Karalee Reinke, Omaha, Nebraska
Swirled Mint Cookies
No one will believe that these rich and buttery cookies are light, but they are! With their colorful swirls, each one of these minty, sugary bites has its own look. —Lois Hill, Thomasville, North Carolina
Chocolate Mint Sandwich Cookies
I got this recipe from my daughter years ago. I've taken these chewy filled cookies and the treasured recipe to many cookie exchanges.
Mint Chocolate Wafers
My grandmother gave me a cookbook stuffed with recipes. This is a slight twist on one of the first—and best—recipes I made from the book. It's best to store these in the refrigerator. —Mary Murphy, Evansville, Indiana
Frozen Grasshopper Torte
I first made this minty cool torte for a ladies' meeting at our church. I’m still making it, and the compliments keep coming. —Elma Penner, Oak Bluff, Manitoba
Chocolate Mint Wafers
These festive cookies remind my family of after dinner mints. With my husband and our two children munching on these chocolaty treats with cool mint filling, a batch never stays around long. —Annette Esau, Durham, Ontario
Christmas Candy Cane Cookies
These cookies were a holiday tradition in my family since I was a young child. Now my own family requests them before any others at Christmas. —Pat Schmeling, Germantown, Wisconsin
Nana's Chocolate Cupcakes with Mint Frosting
Even though Nana is no longer with us, her treats bring me so much joy every time I bake them. For a more indulgent version, double the frosting and pile it on high! —Chekota Hunter, Cassville, Missouri
Mint Twist Meringues
Light and airy, these delicate meringues give you a refreshing burst of peppermint. I sprinkle them with crushed mint candies and baking cocoa. —Cheryl Perry, Hertford, North Carolina
Chocolate Peppermint Cheesecake
After making some delicious dessert bars, I was determined to turn the recipe into a chocolate peppermint cheesecake. This festive dessert is the result and one of my favorites to serve for the holidays. Whether I share it with family or give it as a gift, it always receives rave reviews. —Sue Gronholz, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin
Chocolate-Mint Dream Sandwich Cookies
For the family cookbook, my cousin submitted a cookie I've tinkered with, and it’s a showstopper. These dreamy cookies with chocolate and mint pretty much melt in your mouth. —Shannon Koene, Blacksburg, Virginia
Winter Wishes Trifle
I created this light and fluffy trifle for a dear friend who was looking for a stunning dessert. This recipe hit the mark. —Susan Stetzel, Gainesville, New York
Candy Cane Pie
When my college roommate first made this pie, I couldn't get enough! Using a store-bought crust helps save time when you're in the midst of the holidays. —Charlotte Stewart, Mesa, Arizona
Soft Peppermint Spritz Cookies
This quick recipe makes a lot of cookies, and the peppermint flavor is a change from traditional spritz cookies. I tint some of the dough green or red, and I leave the rest white. The decorating ideas are endless! —Carole Resnick, Cleveland, Ohio
Chocolate Toffee Peppermint Cookies
Chocolate and peppermint are a natural match, so I put them together in this easy cookie recipe. It's one of our favorite holiday cookies because it tastes delicious and there's no fussy decorating. —Carole Resnick, Cleveland, Ohio
Meringue Torte with Peppermint Cream
The mother of my brother-in-law, Bill, often made this melt-in-your-mouth torte. A few years after she passed away, I surprised him by serving it at Christmas. He was delighted.—Christine Venzon, Peoria, Illinois
Peppermint Popcorn
Crisp and minty, this simple popcorn snack is a hit with all 10 of our children. For variety, use whatever kind of candy you like. —Shirley Mars, Kent, Ohio
Peppermint Candy Sandwich Cookies
I love to include a little homemade treat in teacher's gifts and hostess gifts. These delicious lovelies come together in 15 minutes, and never fail to charm. Store in an air-tight container at room temperature.
Peppermint Stars
I make these buttery mint cookies each Christmas because they're my daughter's favorite. Use whatever cookie cutter design you prefer. —Lois White, Brookfield, Missouri
Peppermint Brownies
My grandmother encouraged me to enter these mint brownies in the county fair some years ago—and they earned top honors! They're a delicious treat to serve during the holidays. —Marcy Greenblatt, Redding, California
Chocolate-Candy Cane Meringue Wreath
These stunning meringues melt in your mouth. Set the minty masterpiece in the center of the table to accent your spread, then enjoy it for dessert later. —Nicole Tran, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
Molten Peppermint-Chocolate Cakes
I doctored up a recipe I found in the newspaper years ago. When you see the gooey chocolate dripping out, you know you're in for an awesome dessert. —Genise Krause, Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin
Peppermint Sandwich Cookies
Crisp and chewy with a creamy filling, these perfectly pepperminty cookies taste just like a popular brand. You absolutely cannot eat just one. I always need to double the recipe! —Judy Wilson, Sun City West, Arizona
Crushed Peppermint Cheesecake
We’re cheesecake fans. When we first tried peppermint Oreos, we knew they'd make an awesome crust. The minty cool crunch makes our favorite dessert even better. —Jeannie Burkhead, Pequot Lakes, Minnesota
Red Velvet Peppermint Thumbprints
Red velvet cookies and cakes are so pretty, but I always wish they had a bigger flavor. I infused these thumbprints with a peppermint pop. —Priscilla Yee, Concord, California
Candy Cane Shortbread Bars
I created these bars for my daughter, who loves peppermint. The buttery shortbread texture just melts in your mouth. It’s a hit wherever I take it. —Susan Ciuffreda, Wauwatosa, Wisconsin
Peppermint-Kissed Fudge Mallow Cookies
Christmas just wouldn’t be the same without these cute-as-can-be treats. Fudgy-rich chocolate cookies with refreshing mint flavor, soft marshmallow, crunchy candy...it’s a must-try holiday recipe! —Priscilla Yee, Concord, California
Peppermint Fudge
Three of the season's best flavors-nuts, chocolate and peppermint-combine in a delightful manner in this scrumptious fudge. The two distinct layers are eye-catching-another reason why this candy makes a great holiday gift. —Connie Denmark, St. Joseph, Illinois
Mint Brownie Pie
I first served this treat to my family on St. Patrick's Day, and it was an instant success. Now I serve it year-round; in the winter, I leave out the green food coloring to make a cool white mint pie. —Karen Hayes,Conneaut Lake, Pennsylvania.
Chocolate Peppermint Log
What a great make-ahead treat! This cake log is perfect for the holidays because you can make it when you have time, store it in the freezer and scratch dessert off of your to-do list. —Brenda Sinclair, Princeton, Missouri
Peppermint Meltaways
This recipe for peppermint meltaways is very pretty and festive-looking on a cookie platter. I often cover a plate of these peppermint cookies with red or green plastic wrap and a bright holiday bow in one corner. And yes, they really do melt in your mouth! —Denise Wheeler, Newaygo, Michigan
Truffle Topiary
I wanted to give family and friends something they’d remember, so I whipped up piles of these sweets for everyone. Set them out in a pretty pattern on a cookie tray or turn them into a stunning centerpiece. —Elisa Schmidt, Bethel Park, Pennsylvania
Layered Peppermint Icebox Cake
Our home economists take four ingredients and turn them into an impressive, no-bake cake. Do-ahead desserts don't get any better! —Taste Of Home Test Kitchen
Peppermint Chocolate Almond Crisps
Peppermint, chocolate, lemon and almonds give these cookies a delightful holiday flavor. My husband's office staff love these cookies, and I make sure to send a plate every year. —Jamie Seifert, Windermere, Florida
Frozen Grasshopper Pie
When I first started experimenting with cream pies, this seemed like the right recipe to create for a house of chocolate lovers. I guessed right. This is more of an adult New Year's Eve pie, but some have made it for Christmas dessert—served after the kids have gone to bed! —Lorraine Caland, Shuniah, Ontario
Peppermint Crunch Christmas Cookies
Several years ago, I took a basic shortbread recipe and turned it into a much more festive Christmas cookie. These gems are now a family favorite and are among the best Christmas cookies of the holiday season. —Heather Carter, Wasilla, Alaska
Chocolate Peppermint Bark
These treats are such a snap to make, I almost feel guilty serving them. But nobody seems to mind I didn't put in much effort—they just keep coming back for more. —Keslie Houser, Pasco, Washington
Meringue Candy Canes
These red-and-white striped treats get lots of compliments for their cute looks and minty taste. The seasonal confections are easy to make and so light that they melt in your mouth! —Anne Lindway of Indianapolis, Indiana
Peppermint Patty Sandwich Cookies
At my annual holiday party, these cookies are a big hit with everyone, especially when I mix festive food coloring or crushed candy canes into the filling. —Amy Martin, Vancouver, Washington
Peppermint Cake Rolls
With angel food cake, fudge sauce and peppermints, this cake roll is easy and pretty. —Suellen Calhoun, Des Moines, Iowa
Red Velvet Candy Cane Fudge
My favorite kind of cake, red velvet, inspired me to create this fudge. If you'd like, spoon the candy mixture into paper-lined mini-muffin cups instead of spreading it into a pan. —Crystal Schlueter, Northglenn, Colorado Originally Published: September 30, 2020
