🎄 Introduction
The holiday season is a time for sparkle, laughter, and indulgent treats that bring people together. These Christmas Chocolate Kahlua & Baileys Pudding Shots are the perfect fusion of festive cheer and creamy decadence. With rich chocolate, smooth liqueurs, and a whipped topping that melts on the tongue, they’re a grown-up dessert that feels playful, elegant, and irresistibly celebratory.
Whether you’re hosting a holiday party, planning a cozy night in, or looking for a unique dessert to share with friends, these pudding shots deliver flavor and flair in every spoonful. They’re easy to make, require no baking, and can be customized with sprinkles, garnishes, or flavored liqueurs to match your mood or theme. Each shot is a miniature celebration—velvety, boozy, and beautifully festive.
In this post, we’ll explore the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, tips for perfect texture, and creative variations. You’ll learn how to make these pudding shots ahead of time, store them properly, and serve them with style. By the end, you’ll have a go-to recipe that turns any gathering into a holiday highlight.
🍫 Ingredients Quantity
This recipe yields approximately 12 pudding shots, depending on how generously you fill each cup. The ingredients are simple but luxurious, combining pantry staples with seasonal liqueurs for a dessert that’s both easy and indulgent.
- ½ cup Red Velvet Baileys (or regular Baileys): Adds a creamy, Irish whiskey-infused richness with hints of cocoa and vanilla. The Red Velvet version brings a festive twist and deeper chocolate notes.
- ÂĽ cup Kahlua coffee liqueur: Enhances the chocolate flavor with a subtle coffee undertone, adding complexity and warmth.
- 1 small box JELLO Chocolate Instant Pudding Mix: The base of the dessert, providing structure and deep chocolate flavor. Instant pudding ensures a smooth, quick set.
- Âľ cup Milk: Activates the pudding mix and balances the richness of the liqueurs. Whole milk is ideal for creaminess, but any milk works.
- 8 oz container of Cool Whip: Adds lightness and volume, transforming the pudding into a mousse-like texture. It also helps stabilize the mixture for easy scooping.
- Christmas Sprinkles: Optional but festive, these add color, crunch, and holiday spirit to each shot.
These quantities are optimized for flavor and texture. You can double the recipe for larger gatherings or halve it for intimate celebrations—just maintain the ratios for consistent results.
đź’ˇ Tips for Success
To ensure your pudding shots turn out perfectly every time, follow these tips for texture, flavor, and presentation. They’ll help you avoid common pitfalls and elevate your dessert game.
Use chilled milk and liqueurs to help the pudding set faster and more evenly. Room temperature liquids may slow the process and affect consistency. Whisk the pudding mix thoroughly with the milk and liqueurs until smooth—no lumps should remain. A hand mixer can speed this up and ensure a silky base.
When folding in the Cool Whip, do so gently. Overmixing can deflate the whipped topping and result in a denser texture. Use a spatula and fold in slow, sweeping motions until fully incorporated. The mixture should be light, airy, and mousse-like.
Choose small shot cups or mini dessert glasses for serving. Clear cups showcase the rich chocolate color and festive sprinkles, adding visual appeal. Use a tablespoon or piping bag to fill the cups neatly and evenly.
Chill the pudding shots in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or in the freezer for 30–45 minutes if you’re short on time. This helps the mixture firm up and enhances the flavor. Avoid over-freezing, which can affect texture and make the shots too hard to enjoy.
Add sprinkles just before serving to preserve their crunch and color. You can also top with shaved chocolate, crushed candy canes, or a dollop of whipped cream for extra flair.