8 Fast-Food Holiday Menu Items We Want to See Again in 2022
Updated: Feb. 15, 2024
Santa would like you to leave McDonald's holiday drinks near the Christmas tree this year.
We look forward to the holidays for plenty of reasons—decorating, baking all the Christmas cookies we can handle, tuning in to watch Hallmark Christmas movies—but there’s something else to celebrate. Here are the holiday menu items we hope to see again this December (and where to find them)! Oh, and this list of restaurants open on Christmas might also come in handy.
McDonald’s Holiday Pie
If you’re a fan of the golden arches, you’re probably familiar with this treat. McDonald’s brought back its holiday pie for a limited time last year, and though this elusive goodie can be hard to get ahold of, we’re hoping to see it on the menu again.
In 2020, they were only served in a handful of locations, so you might have to call ahead before you head to the drive-thru—not every McDonald’s location will carry the holiday pie. As for flavor, you can expect all the decadence of the holidays. It’s made with vanilla custard tucked inside a flaky crust, and the whole thing is finished with sugar glaze and rainbow sprinkles. Yum! If Santa finished your last carton of milk, have no fear—some stores are open on Christmas Day.
McDonald’s Peppermint Mocha
The holiday pie may be good, but it’s not Christmas unless you’re pairing it with one of the McDonald’s holiday drinks. This cozy mocha gives you the kick you need to keep during the icy winter months, and cuts bitter espresso and rich chocolate with a dash of cool peppermint. This cup of delicious, chocolaty goodness kept us going through 2020, so while we don’t know if any other McDonald’s holiday drinks will make an appearance, we’re definitely hoping to see this one back on the menu.
Luckily, Wendy’s new Peppermint Frosty offers a cold take on this holiday favorite.
Dairy Queen Frozen Hot Chocolate
DQ’s Frozen Hot Chocolate is a sight to behold! This delicious sipper is a fan-favorite people craved so much they started a petition to bring it back for 2020. For a limited time, Dairy Queen served up Frozen Hot Chocolates in small, medium and large sizes garnished with whipped cream and melty cocoa fudge. This not-so-hot chocolate is a holiday must-have. Keep in mind that the Frozen Hot Chocolate is usually only available at participating locations, so call ahead before you hit the drive-thru.
The Cheesecake Factory Peppermint Bark Cheesecake
It’s not Christmas if you’re not indulging in this minty-sweet treat from The Cheesecake Factory. Everyone’s favorite cheesecakery has been rolling out the goods all year—did you try the Coconut Cream Pie Cheesecake yet?!—so we’re keeping our fingers crossed that they’ll be bringing back this icon.
And if you want more than a slice? You can get a whole 10-inch cheesecake for family gatherings…or for eating by yourself after the kids head to bed.
IHOP Milk ‘n’ Cookies Pancakes
If you’re craving breakfast, you’re probably craving IHOP. Last year, the leader in all things early morning served up Milk ‘n’ Cookies Pancakes, which taste just as dreamy as you might think.
Each stack had four fluffy, buttermilk pancakes made with Oreo pieces and layered with sweet mousse. You could customize these pancakes however you liked, but the standard order also comes with a finishing dollop of mousse, vanilla sauce drizzle, more Oreo cookie pieces, powdered sugar and finally, festive red and green holiday sprinkles. If Santa had a favorite holiday breakfast menu, it would definitely be IHOP’s—so we’re hoping to see it back on the menu for 2022.
Starbucks Caramel Brulee Latte
Even if you’re not a Starbucks lover, you’re probably familiar with the siren’s highly-anticipated holiday drinks. After the Pumpkin Spice Latte fades, Starbucks whips out the Peppermint Mocha, Chestnut Praline and, most importantly, the Caramel Brulee Latte. It locks in the subtle sweetness of the holiday season with caramel notes, finished with whipped cream and a crunchy, seasonal topping.
This is a flavor you can’t find anywhere but Starbucks. It should be back on November 4, so make sure you get into Starbucks ASAP.
Dunkin Peppermint Mocha
Dunkin’s holiday lineup debuted early in November last year, and we couldn’t stop sipping on the seasonal goodness. Our personal favorite—and probably yours, too—was the Peppermint Mocha, which makes an appearance every year around the holidays. It’s what you’d expect out of a seasonal latte: steamed milk, chocolate sauce, sweet peppermint and a whole lot of whipped cream on top!
We’re definitely hoping to see it back on the menu this year, but if you’re worried about overindulging during the holidays, you can pick up one of these surprisingly healthy items at Dunkin‘.
Chick-fil-A Peppermint Chocolate Chip Shake
We aren’t sure if this wintry shake will be back for 2022, but we have hope. Chick-fil-A makes its Peppermint Chocolate Chip Shake with cool peppermint, rich chocolate chips and fluffy whipped cream. Don’t forget to order the most popular Chick-fil-A item, too.
Originally Published: October 13, 2021
