Some desserts come and go with trends—but shakes? They’re forever. No matter how many new fads or food crazes hit the scene, nothing replaces the timeless joy of sipping a thick, creamy milkshake made with real ice cream. At Cookie Dough Monster, we’ve seen flavors evolve over the years, but certain classics never lose their charm.

These are the shakes that make people smile, bring back memories, and remind us why simplicity, quality, and tradition matter most. Whether you’re a fan of the smooth Vanilla, the rich Chocolate, or something with a little more flair, this guide to classic shake recipes that never go out of style will have you craving one before you finish reading.

The Beauty of the Classic Shake

Before diving into the recipes themselves, it’s worth celebrating what makes classic shakes so irresistible. The magic lies in three key elements:

1. Premium ice cream. The foundation of every unforgettable shake.
2. Perfect consistency. Thick enough to need a straw (and maybe a spoon).
3. Authentic flavors. No shortcuts, no syrup-only bases—just pure, creamy bliss.

At Cookie Dough Monster, every shake starts with Hershey’s Old-Fashioned ice cream, known for its creamy texture and rich flavor. It’s what gives our shakes that old-school, diner-style quality people can’t get enough of. Explore these timeless flavors for yourself on our menu page.

1. The Classic Vanilla Shake

The Vanilla Shake is the simplest—and arguably the most perfect—shake ever made. It’s smooth, comforting, and lets the ice cream speak for itself.

Ingredients:

• 3 scoops of Hershey’s Old-Fashioned Vanilla Ice Cream
• ¾ cup whole milk
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• Whipped cream for topping

How to Make It:

1. Blend ice cream, milk, and vanilla extract until silky smooth.
2. Pour into a chilled glass.
3. Top with whipped cream and a cherry for that nostalgic touch.

Why It Never Goes Out of Style:
Vanilla may seem simple, but that’s the beauty of it. Its clean, creamy flavor complements almost any meal—especially our BBQ Bacon Burger or Classic Cheeseburger, which you can find on the Cookie Dough Monster menu.

2. The All-Time Favorite Chocolate Shake

Chocolate lovers, this one’s for you. The Chocolate Shake is rich, indulgent, and deeply satisfying. It’s the dessert equivalent of a cozy blanket on a cold day.

Ingredients:

• 3 scoops of Hershey’s Old-Fashioned Chocolate Ice Cream
• ½ cup whole milk
• 2 tablespoons chocolate syrup
• Whipped cream and chocolate drizzle for topping

How to Make It:

1. Blend ice cream, milk, and syrup until thick and creamy.
2. Pour into a tall glass.
3. Top with whipped cream and drizzle chocolate syrup for that extra touch.

Pro Tip:
Add a pinch of sea salt or a swirl of peanut butter for a gourmet twist.

Why It’s Timeless:
Chocolate has universal appeal—it’s comforting, decadent, and familiar. Whether you’re celebrating or winding down, this shake always hits the spot.

3. The Strawberry Shake

There’s something nostalgic about a Strawberry Shake—the pastel pink color, the fruity sweetness, the memories of summer days and drive-in diners.

Ingredients:

• 3 scoops of Hershey’s Strawberry Ice Cream
• ½ cup whole milk
• Fresh strawberries (optional)
• Whipped cream for topping

How to Make It:

1. Blend ice cream, milk, and strawberries until smooth.
2. Pour into a chilled glass.
3. Garnish with a strawberry slice and whipped cream.

Why It’s a Forever Favorite:
Unlike many artificially flavored versions, ours uses real strawberry ice cream. The result? A fresh, fruity flavor that tastes just as good as it looks. Pair it with our Crispy Fries for that classic sweet-and-salty combo.

4. The Cookies & Cream Shake

Now this one’s a crowd-pleaser. The Cookies & Cream Shake bridges the gap between nostalgic and indulgent, blending the crunch of real Oreos with creamy Hershey’s ice cream.

Ingredients:

• 3 scoops of Hershey’s Vanilla Ice Cream
• ½ cup whole milk
• 5 Oreo cookies
• Whipped cream and cookie crumbs for topping

How to Make It:

1. Blend ice cream, milk, and Oreos until chunky but smooth.
2. Pour into a frosted glass.
3. Top with whipped cream and crushed cookies.

Why It Never Fades Away:
It’s textural, rich, and fun. Kids love it, adults crave it—it’s the perfect middle ground between comfort and indulgence.

5. The Peanut Butter Shake

If you love peanut butter, this shake is the ultimate treat. It’s thick, nutty, and sweet without being overwhelming.

Ingredients:

• 3 scoops of Hershey’s Vanilla Ice Cream
• ½ cup milk
• 2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter
• 1 tablespoon chocolate syrup (optional)

How to Make It:

1. Blend all ingredients until smooth.
2. Pour into a tall glass and top with whipped cream and crushed Reese’s Cups.

Why It’s a Classic:
Peanut butter lovers never grow out of this flavor—it’s hearty, nostalgic, and satisfying. For an even richer version, try our Reese Cup Shake, available on the menu.

6. The Banana Shake

Banana shakes are an underrated gem in the world of milkshakes. Creamy, naturally sweet, and full of flavor, they’re perfect for any time of day—even breakfast.

Ingredients:

• 2 ripe bananas
• 2 scoops of Hershey’s Vanilla Ice Cream
• ½ cup milk
• 1 teaspoon honey (optional)

How to Make It:

1. Blend bananas, ice cream, and milk until smooth.
2. Add honey for extra sweetness if desired.
3. Pour into a glass and top with banana slices.

Why It Never Loses Its Appeal:
It’s light, energizing, and hits that balance between indulgence and freshness. Plus, it pairs perfectly with our Loaded Fries for a satisfying meal.

7. The Malt Shake

A true old-school favorite, the Malt Shake takes you back to soda shops and diners of the 1950s. The addition of malted milk powder gives it a unique, nutty flavor that stands apart from standard shakes.

Ingredients:

• 3 scoops of Hershey’s Vanilla Ice Cream
• ½ cup milk
• 2 tablespoons malted milk powder
• Chocolate syrup or caramel drizzle (optional)

How to Make It:

1. Blend ice cream, milk, and malted powder until creamy.
2. Pour into a chilled glass and top with whipped cream.

Why It’s Still a Hit:
Malt shakes deliver a nostalgic flavor that’s warm, toasty, and deeply comforting—a reminder of simpler times.

The Secret to Timeless Shakes

The reason these classic shakes have lasted for decades comes down to quality ingredients and expert preparation. At Cookie Dough Monster, we never cut corners. Our shakes are hand-spun using Hershey’s Old-Fashioned Ice Cream—the real deal that delivers texture, taste, and consistency every single time.

Every shake is crafted to perfection, and you can taste that dedication in every sip. Whether you’re in Pigeon Forge for vacation or a local who knows the secret, you’ll always find something sweet waiting for you here.

Want to explore these flavors in person? Head over to our menu and check out all our classic and creative shakes.

Make It Your Own: Customizing the Classics

One of the best things about classic shakes is that they’re a perfect canvas for creativity. You can tweak any of these recipes to match your mood or craving:

• Add caramel drizzle to your vanilla shake for a buttery upgrade.
• Mix a handful of pretzel pieces into your chocolate shake for a salty crunch.
• Blend peanut butter into your cookies & cream base for a new twist.
• Swap in almond milk or oat milk for a dairy-free alternative.

If you love playing with flavors, you’ll want to try building your own shake combo the next time you visit. Or, if you’re planning an event, our catering service can bring your favorite shakes to your guests—customized and made fresh.

Frequently Asked Questions About Classic Shakes

1. What makes a shake “classic”?
Classic shakes are based on timeless, simple flavors like vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry. They’ve stayed popular for generations because they rely on quality ingredients and balanced flavor.

2. Do you use real ice cream at Cookie Dough Monster?
Absolutely! We only use Hershey’s Old-Fashioned Ice Cream for authentic flavor and creaminess in every shake.

3. Can I customize a classic shake?
Yes, you can add toppings, sauces, or mix-ins to make it your own. Check out our menu for inspiration.

4. What’s the most popular shake flavor?
Chocolate remains a fan favorite, but our Cookies & Cream and Reese Cup shakes are close behind.

5. Are your shakes available for events?
Yes! Our catering options are perfect for birthdays, parties, and company events.

6. Do you have dairy-free options?
We offer dairy-free alternatives upon request so everyone can enjoy a shake that fits their lifestyle.

7. What toppings go best with classic shakes?
Whipped cream, cherries, chocolate drizzle, and cookie crumbs are always a hit.

8. How thick should a perfect shake be?
The best shake should be thick enough to need a straw but smooth enough to sip comfortably.

9. What foods pair best with classic shakes?
Our burgers and fries complement shakes beautifully—especially the sweet-and-salty pairing.

10. Where can I try these shakes?
Visit Cookie Dough Monster in Pigeon Forge or browse our menu to see all our classic and signature shake creations.

A Sweet Legacy That Keeps Growing

Classic shakes aren’t just recipes—they’re part of our culture. They bring back memories, create new ones, and remind us that simple pleasures never fade away. At Cookie Dough Monster, we’re proud to keep that tradition alive with real ingredients, handcrafted quality, and a love for every scoop.

So next time you’re in the mood for something timeless, skip the trends and go for the classics. Because no matter how many new flavors come and go, these shakes will always have your heart.

Ready to rediscover your favorite flavor? Head to our menu page and see what’s waiting for you today—or reach out through our contact page to plan your next visit or event.

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