Christmas Chocolate Kahlua Baileys Pudding Shots: Easy Holiday Dessert Shots

White Christmas Version: Use instant white chocolate pudding mix. Replace the Kahlúa with Peppermint Schnapps and garnish with crushed candy canes for a pure peppermint experience.

Eggnog Twist: Substitute the milk with prepared, chilled eggnog and add a pinch of nutmeg to the pudding base for a classic holiday flavor.

Mocha Madness: Add 1-2 teaspoons of instant espresso powder to the liquid mixture to intensify the coffee flavor alongside the Kahlúa.

Vegan Friendly: Use a plant-based instant pudding mix, oat or almond milk, and a vegan whipped topping. Substitute the liqueurs with coffee extract and a vegan Irish cream syrup (alcohol-free).

Cookies and Cream: After folding in the whipped topping, gently stir in ¼ cup of crushed Oreo cookie pieces.

Serving Suggestions for Christmas Chocolate Kahlúa & Baileys Pudding Shot:

The Classic Display: Arrange the shots on a festive platter or a tiered dessert stand for a stunning centerpiece.

Shot Glass Charms: Tie small, different-colored ribbons or mini bells around each shot glass so guests can easily identify their own.

The DIY Topping Bar: Set out small bowls of various toppings (crushed peppermint, sprinkles, chocolate shavings, caramel sauce) and let guests garnish their own shots.

With a Coffee Chaser: Serve these rich pudding shots alongside small cups of hot coffee for the ultimate adult dessert course.

Prep Time:

20 minutes

Setting Time:

Minimum 1 hour (freezer)

Total Time:

1 hour 20 minutes (plus chilling)

Nutritional Information

(Please note: Nutritional information is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients and garnishes used. This is an adult treat and should be enjoyed in moderation.)

Calories: ~180

Protein: 2g

Sodium: 150mg

Sugar: 18g

Fat: 8g

Carbohydrates: 22g

Fiber: 0.5g

FAQs about Christmas Chocolate Kahlúa & Baileys Pudding Shot:

Q: Can I make these non-alcoholic?
A: Absolutely! Replace both the Kahlúa and Baileys with an additional 1 cup of milk. You can add 1 teaspoon of instant coffee granules dissolved in a tablespoon of hot water to mimic the Kahlúa flavor and a splash of vanilla and cream for the Baileys note.

Q: How far in advance can I make them?
A: You can prepare them up to 1 week in advance. Keep them tightly covered with plastic wrap in the freezer. The garnishes may bleed a little color over many days, so for the freshest look, adding the whipped cream and garnishes 1-2 days before serving is ideal.

Q: Why are my pudding shots runny?
A: The most common causes are: 1) Using Cook & Serve pudding instead of Instant, 2) Not whipping for the full two minutes, or 3) Adding too much alcohol, which throws off the liquid-to-powder ratio needed for setting.

Q: Can I use a different size cup?
A: Yes, you can use larger 3-oz cups for a more substantial dessert. This recipe will yield approximately 10-12 larger shots.

Q: Do you eat them with a spoon or shoot them?
A: They have a mousse-like, semi-frozen consistency that is meant to be eaten with a small spoon or a shot glass spoon. They are too thick to “shoot” in the traditional sense.

Final Thoughts:

The Christmas Chocolate Kahlúa & Baileys Pudding Shot is more than just a recipe; it’s a tiny vessel of holiday joy. It represents the ease and elegance that modern entertaining demands, without sacrificing an ounce of flavor or festivity. The process of creating them is as enjoyable as consuming them, offering a moment of creative calm during the bustling holiday season. From the first rich, chocolatey spoonful that gives way to the warm kick of liqueur, to the final festive sprinkle, this treat is designed to delight. So, this holiday season, gift your guests, and yourself, with the ultimate fusion of dessert and cheer.