Shakes have always held a special place in dessert culture. From classic vanilla to over-the-top creations dripping with candy, cookies, and sauces, shakes are more than just a drink—they’re an experience. While the ice cream base sets the stage, the toppings are where creativity really shines. At Cookie Dough Monster, we believe a shake isn’t complete without the kind of toppings that make you stop and say, “Wow.”

In this guide, we’ll explore the wild, creative, and downright delicious toppings that can take your shake from ordinary to extraordinary. Whether you’re into candy-loaded indulgence, fresh and fruity twists, or cookie-packed explosions, these shake toppings will blow your mind and leave you craving more.

The Role of Toppings in Shake Perfection

A shake without toppings is like a sundae without a cherry—it’s fine, but it’s missing something extra. Toppings add texture, flavor, and visual appeal. They can turn a simple shake into a gourmet treat or transform a childhood favorite into an Instagram-worthy masterpiece.

The beauty of shake toppings is their versatility. They allow you to customize your dessert based on mood, cravings, or even the season. Want a nostalgic experience? Add Oreos and chocolate drizzle. Craving freshness? Top with strawberries or bananas. Looking for something indulgent? Pile on peanut butter cups and cookie dough chunks.

At Cookie Dough Monster, our shakes are designed with this philosophy in mind. We don’t stop at creamy Hershey’s Old-Fashioned ice cream bases—we build layers of toppings that make every sip and spoonful exciting.

Classic Toppings That Never Go Out of Style

Some toppings are timeless because they’re just that good. These classics bring comfort, familiarity, and an irresistible taste every single time.

• Whipped Cream – The fluffy crown of nearly every shake. Light, sweet, and the perfect contrast to a dense shake base.
• Sprinkles – Colorful, fun, and nostalgic. They don’t add much flavor, but their crunch and festive look elevate the experience.
• Chocolate Syrup – A drizzle of chocolate syrup on top and along the sides of the cup makes for both presentation and flavor perfection.
• Cherries – That bright red maraschino cherry on top? It’s a symbol of shake culture. One bite of sweet-tart goodness finishes things off right.

These toppings may be simple, but when paired with high-quality shakes, they become essential parts of the experience.

Candy Bar Madness

If you’ve ever wished you could drink your favorite candy bar, toppings make that dream possible. Candy-based shakes are some of our most popular creations because they blend the indulgence of a shake with the crunchy, chewy, sweet goodness of candy.

Some favorites from our menu include:

• Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups – Crumbled right into our Reese Cup Shake, this topping delivers chocolate and peanut butter in every sip.
• Oreos – Our Cookies & Cream Shake wouldn’t exist without chunks of real Oreo cookies swirled throughout and sprinkled on top.
• M&Ms – Colorful, crunchy, and fun. These little bites add a pop of texture to any shake.
• Kit-Kats – Broken into crispy chunks, they add both crunch and chocolate satisfaction.

Candy toppings make shakes indulgent and playful, and they’re often the reason people snap that photo before taking the first sip.

Fruity Freshness

Not every topping has to be heavy or candy-coated. Sometimes, the best way to elevate a shake is with fruit. Fresh or blended fruit toppings provide balance, cutting through the richness of the ice cream while adding natural sweetness.

Some fruity shake favorites at Cookie Dough Monster include:

• Strawberries – Essential for our Strawberry Shake and Strawberry Banana Shake, strawberries add color, freshness, and a juicy punch.
• Bananas – A key part of our fan-favorite Strawberry Banana Shake, bananas bring creaminess and tropical flavor.
• Cherries – Whether on top or blended in, cherries add a tart bite that perfectly offsets rich shakes.
• Pineapple or Mango (Seasonal Specials) – Occasionally featured in limited-edition shakes, these fruits add a bright and refreshing twist.

Fruit toppings are perfect for those who want their shake to feel fresh, light, and balanced without losing the indulgent factor.

Cookie and Cake Creations

If shakes and cookies sound like a dream pairing—it’s because they are. At Cookie Dough Monster, we’re known for infusing cookie flavors into our desserts, and shakes are no exception.

• Cookie Dough Chunks – A house specialty. Our cookie dough toppings bring edible, soft, and flavorful bites that pair beautifully with shakes.
• Brownie Bites – Fudgy, chewy, and irresistible. Brownie chunks turn a chocolate shake into something downright decadent.
• Cake Pieces – From birthday cake crumbles to red velvet, cake toppings create shake experiences that double as celebrations.
• Graham Crackers – Crushed graham crackers add a sweet, crumbly texture that complements fruity and chocolate shakes alike.

Cookies and cake bring out the inner kid in all of us, and they’re one of the reasons dessert shakes have become legendary.

Sauces and Drizzles That Transform a Shake

Drizzles may look decorative, but they also infuse flavor into every sip. They line the cup, blend into the shake, and top everything with gooey sweetness. Some customer favorites include:

• Hot Fudge – Classic and irresistible, fudge creates that rich molten chocolate flavor.
• Caramel Sauce – Sweet, buttery caramel swirled into a shake is next-level indulgence.
• Peanut Butter Drizzle – A savory-sweet topping that’s particularly delicious on our Reese Cup Shake.
• Marshmallow Cream – Sticky, sweet, and fluffy, marshmallow drizzle makes any shake instantly more fun.

The combination of sauces with other toppings creates layers of flavor that turn every sip into a new experience.

Over-the-Top Shake Toppings

Sometimes, you don’t want a simple shake—you want a dessert spectacle. That’s where extreme toppings come in. These are the showstoppers that make shakes jaw-dropping:

• Full-Sized Cookies perched on the rim.
• Cotton Candy piled high like a sugary cloud.
• Mini Donuts stacked on skewers above the shake.
• Candy Sticks and Lollipops poking out for a fun, playful look.
• Waffles or Pancakes layered in for breakfast-meets-dessert creations.

These toppings transform shakes into works of edible art, making them perfect for celebrations, parties, or just spoiling yourself.

Customizing Your Shake Experience

What really makes shake toppings mind-blowing is the ability to customize. At Cookie Dough Monster, we encourage you to mix and match flavors and toppings to create your own signature shake. Pair fruit with candy, drizzle caramel with brownies, or add cookie dough to a classic chocolate base.

Not sure where to start? Explore our menu of shakes and fries for inspiration. You’ll find everything from simple favorites to bold flavor bombs.

Catering: Bringing Toppings to Your Events

Planning a birthday, office party, or family celebration? Imagine offering a full shake bar where guests can pick their toppings and create their own dream shakes. That’s exactly what we offer with our catering service.

From cookie dough chunks to candy galore, our catering options let you and your guests experience the joy of shake toppings firsthand. It’s interactive, customizable, and unforgettable.

Final Sip: Toppings That Redefine Shakes

The world of shakes is full of creativity, and toppings are where imagination comes alive. At Cookie Dough Monster, we’ve made it our mission to deliver shakes that don’t just taste amazing—they wow you with every detail.

Whether you’re a fan of candy overload, fruity freshness, or outrageous creations that defy gravity, the right topping will take your shake from good to unforgettable.

So next time you’re in Pigeon Forge and craving a sweet escape, visit us to try one of our over-the-top creations—or create your own masterpiece. And if you want the shake magic delivered, you can always contact us here.

Because when it comes to mind-blowing shake toppings, no one does it quite like Cookie Dough Monster.

Frequently Asked Questions About Shake Toppings

1. What are the most popular shake toppings at Cookie Dough Monster?
Our most popular toppings include whipped cream, cookie dough chunks, Oreo crumbles, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, and caramel drizzle. Customers love mixing and matching these for a one-of-a-kind shake.

2. Can I create my own custom shake with different toppings?
Yes! At Cookie Dough Monster, you can customize your shake by choosing from a variety of ice cream flavors and toppings. It’s the perfect way to design a dessert that matches your cravings.

3. Do you offer fruity shake toppings?
Absolutely. We feature fresh fruits like strawberries, bananas, and cherries that pair perfectly with our shakes. Seasonal fruits are also available in limited-time specials.

4. What toppings make shakes extra indulgent?
If you’re looking for over-the-top indulgence, try adding cookie dough chunks, brownie bites, hot fudge, or a peanut butter drizzle. These rich toppings transform a classic shake into a decadent dessert.

5. Are your cookie dough toppings safe to eat raw?
Yes! Our cookie dough is specially made to be edible and safe to enjoy without baking. That’s why it’s one of our signature shake toppings.

6. Do you have vegan or dairy-free shake topping options?
Some of our toppings, such as fruit and certain syrups, are naturally dairy-free. If you’re looking for vegan-friendly options, we recommend asking our team which toppings best fit your dietary needs.

7. Can I order shakes with extra toppings for delivery?
Yes, our shakes (and their toppings) are available for takeout and delivery. You can place your order online or through our contact page.

8. What’s the wildest shake topping you’ve ever offered?
We’ve created shakes with cotton candy, donuts, and even entire cookies stacked on top. These fun toppings make our shakes perfect for celebrations and Instagram-worthy moments.

9. Do toppings cost extra?
Some specialty toppings may come with a small additional charge, while many are included in our signature shake recipes. It depends on the customization.

10. Can I book a shake bar with toppings for a party or event?
Yes! Our catering services include customizable shake options with toppings so your guests can build their own creations. It’s one of the most popular features for birthdays, weddings, and corporate events.