The Ultimate Boozy Christmas Treat: Chocolate Kahlúa & Baileys Pudding Shots
By Jason Griffith
Introduction
The holidays are all about bringing people together, and let’s be honest, sometimes that gathering needs a little oomph. You need a recipe that’s fun, festive, easy to make ahead, and absolutely irresistible. Enter my Christmas Chocolate Kahlúa & Baileys Pudding Shots.
These aren’t your college party Jell-O shots, folks. This is a creamy, decadent, grown-up dessert disguised as a shot. Imagine a rich, instant chocolate pudding elevated with the deep coffee notes of Kahlúa and the smooth, milky sweetness of Baileys Irish Cream. Fold in a generous amount of whipped topping, and you get a luxurious, boozy bite that will be the hit of your holiday party. Best of all? They take minutes to whip up and can be prepped days in advance. No last-minute stress, just pure, creamy, chocolatey cheer!
Why I Love This Recipe
I’m a big fan of holiday baking, but when I’m hosting, I want my focus to be on my guests, not on a hot oven. That’s why I’m obsessed with this recipe—it’s a simple, no-bake dessert that feels incredibly special. The flavor combination is classic for the winter months: chocolate, coffee, and a hint of warm Irish cream.
Plus, there’s an element of surprise. Handing out a tiny cup of what looks like simple pudding, only for guests to discover the delightful, boozy kick, is always a great party moment. They’re a fantastic conversation starter and a welcome break from the usual heavy holiday desserts. For another fun, easy dessert, check out these super-rich https://chefmaniac.com/these-chocolate-chip-cookie-dough-brownie-bombs-are-my-favorite-sweet-obsession/.
Ingredients (Makes 12–16 Shots)
- 1 box (3.9 oz) instant chocolate pudding mix (make sure it’s instant!)
- 1 cup cold milk (whole milk is best for creaminess)
- ½ cup Kahlúa (or another coffee liqueur)
- ½ cup Baileys Irish Cream (or another Irish cream liqueur)
- 8 oz container whipped topping (like Cool Whip), thawed
- Crushed candy canes or chocolate shavings for garnish
Swaps and Notes
- Pudding Flavor: You can easily swap the chocolate pudding for white chocolate or even vanilla for a different look and flavor profile.
- Liqueur Power: If you want a slightly stronger shot, you can slightly increase the amount of Kahlúa and Baileys, but you may need to reduce the milk by an equal amount to maintain a thick consistency.
- Whipped Topping: While Cool Whip is simple and holds its shape well, you can absolutely use homemade whipped cream. Just ensure it is very stiffly whipped before folding it in.
- Garnish Fun: Try mini chocolate chips, a drizzle of caramel, or finely chopped toasted pecans instead of candy canes.
- Serving Vessels: Small plastic soufflé cups (2 oz size) with lids are ideal for prepping and transporting.
Instructions: Step-by-Step Recipe
- Whisk the Base: In a large bowl, pour in the contents of the instant chocolate pudding mix and the cold milk. Whisk thoroughly for about 1–2 minutes until the mixture starts to thicken. Don’t over-whisk, but ensure all the dry powder is incorporated.
- Add the Booze: Slowly stir in the Kahlúa and the Baileys Irish Cream. Stir until the mixture is smooth and evenly combined. It will thin out slightly once the liqueurs are added—that’s normal.
- Fold in the Fluff: Gently fold in the thawed whipped topping using a rubber spatula. Use a cutting and folding motion to keep the mixture light and creamy. Keep going until no streaks of pudding or whipped topping remain.
- Portion and Chill: Spoon or pipe the mixture into your shot cups or mini dessert glasses. Fill them almost to the top.
- Set Up: Place the filled shots into the refrigerator. They need to chill for at least 1–2 hours to fully set into a firm, scoopable pudding. You can also freeze them for a firmer, almost ice-cream-like shot!
- Garnish and Serve: Just before serving, top each shot with a dollop of fresh whipped cream and your choice of garnish—crushed candy canes for a festive look, or elegant chocolate shavings.
Tips for Success
- The Key is Instant: Be sure to use instant pudding mix, not cook-and-serve. The instant variety sets up much faster and is essential for this recipe.
- Keep it Cold: Use very cold milk. Cold liquids help the instant pudding set up faster and firmer.
- Don’t Overmix the Cream: When folding in the whipped topping, be gentle. Overmixing will deflate the whipped topping, leading to a thinner, less fluffy shot.
- Prep Ahead: These pudding shots are fantastic when made the night before your event. Just keep them sealed and refrigerated, and add the garnish right before serving.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
These creamy, boozy shots are best served chilled, straight from the fridge or even the freezer.
- A Hot Drink Counterpart: Pair the cold shot with a warm, cozy beverage like a simple black coffee or a creamy hot chocolate (or try making these fun https://chefmaniac.com/these-hot-chocolate-cookie-cups-are-my-favorite-winter-treat-to-share-and-savor/!). The contrast of hot and cold is always a delight.
- The Ultimate Dessert Bar: Serve them alongside other simple-to-make, no-bake holiday treats. The minty flavor of a https://chefmaniac.com/this-grasshopper-pie-is-my-favorite-no-bake-dessert-with-a-mint-chocolate-twist/would be a wonderful companion, or offer up a bowl of https://chefmaniac.com/this-brownie-batter-dip-is-my-favorite-no-bake-dessert-for-instant-chocolate-cravings/ for dipping pretzels or cookies.
- A Fun Treat for All Ages (Sort Of): If you have kids at your party, make a separate, clearly labeled batch using only milk and no alcohol so everyone can enjoy the creamy chocolate flavor! You could even add some colorful fun by making this https://chefmaniac.com/this-unicorn-poop-bark-is-the-magical-treat-thats-always-a-hit-with-kids/.
Nutritional Information Per Serving (Estimate, 14 servings)
- Calories: ~180-220
- Fat: ~5g
- Carbohydrates: ~20g
- Protein: ~2g
- Alcohol Content: Please note that these shots are highly alcoholic. Consume responsibly.
This is an estimate and will vary based on brands and exact measurements.
Storage and Leftover Tips
Because of the high alcohol and sugar content, these pudding shots actually freeze really well.
- Refrigerated Storage: Cover the shots with the lids (if using) or plastic wrap and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezer Storage: For longer storage, cover and place them in the freezer. They won’t freeze solid due to the alcohol content, making them a fantastic, slushy-like boozy treat. They are great for up to 1 month in the freezer. Just remember to pull them out 10 minutes before serving.
- Serving Thinner Shots: If your shots are a little too thin, a few hours in the freezer will firm them up nicely.
More Recipes You Will Love
Need more easy, impressive crowd-pleasers for your next bash? Try these:
- https://chefmaniac.com/these-chocolate-chip-cookie-dough-brownie-bombs-are-my-favorite-sweet-obsession/
- https://chefmaniac.com/this-grasshopper-pie-is-my-favorite-no-bake-dessert-with-a-mint-chocolate-twist/
- https://chefmaniac.com/these-hot-chocolate-cookie-cups-are-my-favorite-winter-treat-to-share-and-savor/
Final Thoughts
The holidays should be spent enjoying good company, not stressing over complicated recipes. These Chocolate Kahlúa & Baileys Pudding Shots are my go-to recipe for effortless holiday cheer. They are creamy, decadent, easy to make ahead, and guaranteed to put a smile on your guests’ faces.
Give this recipe a try this season and let me know how it goes! Tag me on social media, or leave a comment below. What’s your favorite holiday cocktail or boozy dessert? I’m always looking for inspiration!
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