These boozy hot chocolate pudding shots are a sweet holiday treat for the grown-ups! They look just like a miniature mug of hot cocoa!
Christmas Pudding Shots
A few years ago I shared this Tipsy Peppermint Mocha recipe, based on my favorite Starbucks holiday drink. It’s been such a hit and I’m so excited to share this follow-up recipe!
These cute little Christmas pudding shots not only look like a miniature mug of hot chocolate, they taste like one too! With a kick, of course! Like a jello shot, but with pudding!
For this recipe, we used smooth pudding and peppermint vodka to create a minty and chocolatey flavored treat. Then we topped the cups with a swirl of real whipped cream and holiday sprinkles, plus a candy cane!
These boozy pudding shots are sure to be a huge hit at the next Christmas party because they’re so unique and cute! But don’t let the cuteness fool ya…these little cups of cocoa are tasty treats but they also pack a punch!
Related: For another boozy dessert combo, try our Gingerbread Jello Shots too!
Ingredients
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- 1 Box Chocolate Instant Pudding Mix (3oz box)
- 1/2 Cup Milk
- 1 Cup Peppermint Vodka
- 1 Container Whipped Topping, such as Cool Whip (16oz)
Decorative Garnishes
- Whipped Cream
- Mini Candy Canes
- Christmas-Themed Sprinkles
Kitchen Tools Used
- 2 oz plastic condiment cups or plastic shot glasses
- Large Mixing Bowl
- Baking Sheet or Muffin Tin
- Small or Medium Saucepan
- Wire Whisk
Note: This recipe is intended for readers 21+; please enjoy responsibly!
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the vodka, milk & contents of the box of chocolate pudding mix.
- Slowly fold or stir in the entire tub of Cool Whip topping (or similar brand of whipped topping).
- Scoop the chocolate pudding mixture into the plastic shot cups, leaving a little room at the top for expansion.
- Chill in the fridge until completely set, about 2-3 hours.
Prep Tips
- Wait to add the toppings until you’re ready to serve so the whipped cream keeps it shape. If left on too long, the whipped cream will start to soften and the colors from the Christmas sprinkles and candy canes will begin to run a bit.
- We decorated our hot cocoa pudding shots with mini candy canes, but another fun idea would be to serve with little spoons!
- A muffin tin or cookie sheet makes it easier to move the pudding shots in and out of the fridge.
- We used both real whipped cream and whipped topping for this recipe. The two are different, so be sure to make note that the whipped topping goes inside the shots when mixing the pudding and the dairy-based whipped cream is used as a topping. Of course, you can just use more whipped topping as a garnish if you don’t want to buy both!
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Do Pudding Shots Take To Set?
Like jello shots, pudding shots will take a couple hours to set. I’d set aside anywhere from 2-4 hours of time in the refrigerator. So you see, this recipe itself isn’t much work at all and only takes about 20 minutes of prep time, but you do need a little time for the magic to happen!
Can I Use Another Type Of Alcohol?
We used peppermint vodka for this recipe because when mixed together with the other ingredients, it tastes just like a peppermint hot cocoa drink! However, you could use regular plain vodka if that’s what you have on hand, whipped vodka, vanilla vodka, etc.
If vodka is not your thing, you could alternatively use peppermint schnapps to get the mint flavor. Or you could switch it up and use rum or another mild-flavored spirit.
Can I Make Them Non-Alcoholic?
Sure! If you want to make a batch for the kids or any non-drinkers in the family, simply use more milk in place of the vodka in this recipe. Be sure to distinguish between the boozy bites and the family-friendly variations by using different sprinkles, different colors of candy canes, etc.
Can I Make Them Non-Dairy?
Sure! To make these dairy free or lactose free, use a pudding mix that is labeled as such and your favorite plant-based milk. Whipped topping is generally dairy free, but you will want to check labels because some brands differ. I noticed that Cool Whip started using cream in their ingredient list, but some store brands are dairy free.
More Easy Holiday Drink Recipes To Try
- Boozy Hot Chocolate
- Mistletoe Margaritas
- Holiday Pomegranate Margaritas
- Jack Frost Cocktail
- Tipsy Santa Shooters
- Christmas Cranberry Vodka Spritzers
- White Christmas Mimosa Recipe
- Holiday Palomas
- Candy Cane Jello Shots
Hot Chocolate Pudding Shots Recipe (Printable Recipe Card)
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Christmas Hot Chocolate Pudding Shots
Equipment
- 2 oz plastic condiment cups or plastic shot glasses
- Large Mixing Bowl
- Baking Sheet or Muffin Tin
- Small or Medium Saucepan
- Wire whisk
Ingredients
- 1 box Chocolate Pudding Mix 3oz box
- 1/2 Cup Milk
- 1 Cup Peppermint Vodka
- 1 Tub Whipped Topping such as Cool Whip (16oz)
Optional Toppings and Garnish Ideas
- Whipped Cream
- Mini Candy Canes
- Holiday Sprinkles
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the vodka, milk & pudding mix.
- Slowly fold in the whipped topping.
- Scoop pudding mixture into the plastic cups, leaving a little room at the top for expansion.
- Chill in the fridge until completely set, about 2-3 hours.
Notes
Nutrition
Pin our Hot Cocoa Pudding Shots on Pinterest:
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