Christmas Chocolate Kahlua & Baileys Pudding Shots are a creamy, boozy holiday treat that’s as fun to make as it is to enjoy. Ready in just minutes, these rich little desserts bring festive cheer and irresistible flavor to any holiday gathering. With smooth chocolate pudding, a splash of Kahlua, and a touch of Baileys, Christmas Chocolate Kahlua & Baileys Pudding Shots are the perfect way to sweeten your celebration.
Every Christmas, I love creating playful desserts that surprise my family, and these pudding shots instantly became a new tradition. They remind me of cozy evenings by the fireplace, sharing laughter over plates of fudge and other sweet treats. Making this Christmas Chocolate Kahlua & Baileys Pudding Shots recipe feels like passing on that joy, just like when I share my favorite eggnog cookies with friends.
Why You’ll Love Christmas Chocolate Kahlua & Baileys Pudding Shots
You’ll love Christmas Chocolate Kahlua & Baileys Pudding Shots because they’re the ultimate holiday indulgence—rich, creamy, and perfectly spiked with just the right balance of chocolate, coffee, and Irish cream. They come together quickly, making them an easy yet impressive treat for parties. Best of all, they can be served in festive little cups, turning an ordinary gathering into a fun and memorable celebration.
These pudding shots are also versatile—you can top them with whipped cream, chocolate shavings, or even crushed candy canes for extra holiday flair. Whether you’re hosting a Christmas Eve party or simply want a sweet grown-up dessert, these shots are sure to bring cheer to every sip and spoonful.
PrintChristmas Chocolate Kahlua & Baileys Pudding Shots
These creamy and indulgent pudding shots are the perfect addition to holiday gatherings, blending rich chocolate with coffee and Irish cream flavors for a festive, adult-friendly dessert.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: Chill Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 10–12 pudding shots 1x
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup Red Velvet Baileys (or regular Baileys)
- 1/4 cup Kahlua coffee liqueur
- 1 small box JELLO Chocolate Instant Pudding Mix
- 3/4 cup Milk
- 8 oz container Cool Whip
- Christmas Sprinkles for garnish
Instructions
Prepare the Pudding Base: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the cold milk, Baileys, and Kahlua until well combined.
Add the Pudding Mix: Slowly whisk in the chocolate pudding mix until smooth. Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes to thicken.
Fold in Cool Whip: Gently fold the Cool Whip into the pudding mixture until fully incorporated, creating a light and fluffy texture.
Chill: Spoon the mixture into small shot glasses or dessert cups. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up.
Garnish and Serve: Just before serving, top each shot with a dollop of extra Cool Whip (optional) and finish with festive Christmas sprinkles. Serve chilled and enjoy responsibly!
Notes
Try different Baileys flavors like salted caramel or chocolate cherry to customize the shots.
For a creamier consistency, chill in the refrigerator; for a firmer texture, freeze.
Add extra flair with whipped cream or edible glitter on top.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ~1 shot glass
- Calories: ~210 kcal
- Sugar: ~15 g
- Sodium: ~130 mg
- Fat: ~8 g
- Saturated Fat: ~6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: ~2 g
- Trans Fat: <0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: ~22 g
- Fiber: ~1 g
- Protein: ~2 g
- Cholesterol: ~15 mg
Ingredients
- ½ cup Red Velvet Baileys (or classic Baileys if you prefer a more traditional Irish cream flavor)
- ¼ cup Kahlua coffee liqueur
- 1 small box JELL-O Chocolate Instant Pudding Mix (3.9 oz)
- ¾ cup cold milk (whole milk works best for a creamier texture)
- 1 (8 oz) container Cool Whip (thawed)
- Christmas sprinkles (for garnish, or substitute with chocolate curls, cocoa powder, or crushed candy canes for variation)
Step-by-Step Instruction
Step 1: Prepare the Pudding Base
Start by grabbing a medium-sized mixing bowl and pouring in the cold milk, Baileys, and Kahlua. Using a whisk, blend the liquids together until they are smooth and fully combined. This step ensures that the flavors of Irish cream and coffee liqueur infuse evenly into the milk, creating a rich and velvety base. The Baileys adds a creamy, slightly sweet note, while the Kahlua brings a deep coffee flavor that balances perfectly with chocolate. For best results, make sure the milk is well chilled—this helps the pudding set faster later on.
Step 2: Add the Pudding Mix
Once the liquid base is ready, slowly sprinkle in the chocolate instant pudding mix while whisking continuously. This gradual approach prevents lumps and creates a smooth, silky mixture. Whisk until the pudding powder is completely incorporated and the mixture looks even. Allow the mixture to sit for about 5 minutes; during this time, the pudding will thicken and develop its signature texture. This step is crucial because the pudding needs a stable base before you fold in the whipped topping—otherwise, the shots may turn runny.
Step 3: Fold in Cool Whip
Now comes the fun part! Take your thawed Cool Whip and gently fold it into the thickened pudding mixture. Use a spatula or large spoon and work slowly, turning the mixture over in smooth motions rather than stirring vigorously. Folding keeps the pudding light and airy, giving the shots their fluffy, mousse-like consistency. The Cool Whip not only softens the chocolate flavor but also helps balance the richness of the liqueurs, making each spoonful smooth and decadent.
Step 4: Chill the Shot
Spoon the mixture evenly into small shot glasses, mini dessert cups, or even festive plastic cups if you’re serving a larger crowd. Fill each container about three-quarters full to leave room for toppings. Once filled, transfer them to the refrigerator and let them chill for at least 1 hour. This step allows the pudding shots to firm up properly, ensuring they hold their shape while still being creamy and spoonable. Chilling also enhances the flavors, allowing the Baileys, Kahlua, and chocolate to meld together beautifully.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Just before serving, add the finishing touches. Top each pudding shot with a small dollop of extra Cool Whip (optional but highly recommended for presentation). Then, sprinkle over some festive Christmas sprinkles to give them a holiday sparkle. For variety, you can also try crushed candy canes, mini chocolate chips, or a light dusting of cocoa powder. Serve the shots chilled, and remind your guests to enjoy responsibly—these sweet little desserts pack a delightful boozy kick!
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Creative Twists on Christmas Chocolate Kahlua & Baileys Pudding Shots
Once you’ve tried the original Christmas Chocolate Kahlua & Baileys Pudding Shots, you can easily give them a fresh spin with a few fun flavor variations. Here are some delicious ideas to keep your holiday table exciting:
- Minty Chocolate Wonderland Shots: Stir in a splash of peppermint schnapps to the pudding mixture and finish with crushed candy canes on top. The refreshing mint flavor paired with creamy chocolate makes these perfect for a snowy holiday evening.
- Caramel Indulgence Shots: Swap the chocolate pudding for caramel pudding and use a salted caramel version of Baileys. The combination of sweet caramel and a hint of salt creates an irresistible balance of flavors.
- Cookies & Cream Delight Shots: Fold in crushed chocolate sandwich cookies before chilling the mixture. Every spoonful delivers a crunchy surprise alongside the smooth, boozy pudding.
- Nutty Mocha Bliss Shots: Replace the Kahlua with hazelnut liqueur and whisk in a spoonful of cocoa powder. This variation adds a warm, nutty depth that coffee and chocolate lovers will find hard to resist.
Serving Suggestions
Presentation is key to making these pudding shots a memorable part of your holiday festivities. Here are a few ideas:
- Individual Shot Cups with Spoons: Serve each shot with a mini spoon, allowing guests to enjoy every last bite.
- Add Edible Glitter or Edible Gold Stars: For an extra festive touch, sprinkle edible glitter or gold stars on top of the shots.
- Serve on a Festive Tray: Arrange the shots on a holiday-themed tray to add a decorative element to your presentation.
- Layer with Whipped Cream and Garnish: For added indulgence, layer the shots with whipped cream and sprinkle the top with shaved chocolate or crushed cookies.
Conclusion
Christmas Chocolate Kahlua & Baileys Pudding Shots are the perfect blend of festive fun and indulgent flavor, making them a standout treat for any holiday gathering. Creamy, boozy, and delightfully easy to prepare, they bring a touch of elegance and playfulness to your Christmas table. Whether you enjoy the classic version or experiment with creative variations like peppermint, caramel, or cookies and cream, these pudding shots are guaranteed to spread cheer with every spoonful. Serve them chilled, top with festive garnishes, and watch them disappear in no time—because nothing says holiday celebration quite like these irresistible little desserts.