These Christmas Chocolate Kahlua & Bailey’s Pudding Shots are the ultimate grown-up holiday dessert—creamy, boozy, chocolatey, and irresistibly festive. Each shot blends silky chocolate pudding with the rich coffee flavor of Kahlua and the smooth Irish cream notes of Bailey’s, creating a luxurious, velvety treat with just the right amount of holiday spirit. Served in small shot cups and topped with whipped cream, Christmas sprinkles, or mini chocolate shavings, they’re perfect for Christmas parties, New Year celebrations, cookie exchanges, and adults-only holiday gatherings.
Why You’ll Love These Christmas Chocolate Kahlua & Bailey’s Pudding Shots
You’ll love this recipe because it’s easy to prepare, incredibly indulgent, and guaranteed to impress any holiday crowd. The combination of chocolate, coffee liqueur, and Irish cream feels cozy, festive, and decadent without requiring complicated steps. Additionally, these pudding shots chill quickly, transport well, and can be made ahead—ideal for busy December entertaining. They offer all the fun of holiday cocktails with the creamy smoothness of dessert.
Why You Should Try This Recipe
If you’re searching for a unique Christmas treat that stands out, these pudding shots are a must. They’re simple, affordable, and make a playful addition to any holiday table. Moreover, they’re completely customizable: adjust the strength, add toppings, change the flavor profile, or turn them into layered shots for a stunning dessert presentation. Because they’re portioned individually, they’re perfect for parties and effortless to serve.
Ingredients You’ll Need
1 box (3.9 oz) instant chocolate pudding mix
1 ½ cups cold milk
½ cup Bailey’s Irish Cream
½ cup Kahlua coffee liqueur
1 cup Cool Whip or homemade whipped cream
Extra Cool Whip for topping
Mini chocolate chips, chocolate curls, or Christmas sprinkles for garnish
Plastic shot cups (2 oz)
How to Make Christmas Chocolate Kahlua & Bailey’s Pudding Shots (Step-by-Step)
Step 1 – Mix the Pudding: Begin by whisking the instant chocolate pudding mix with the cold milk until slightly thickened. This creates the base of the dessert.
Step 2 – Add the Liqueurs: Pour in the Bailey’s and Kahlua, then whisk until smooth and fully combined. The mixture will loosen slightly, which is normal.
Step 3 – Fold in Whipped Cream: Gently fold the Cool Whip into the pudding mixture, keeping the texture airy and velvety.
Step 4 – Fill the Cups: Spoon or pipe the mixture into small shot cups. Filling them neatly helps them look polished for serving.
Step 5 – Chill to Set: Refrigerate the pudding shots for at least 1 hour so they thicken and develop a creamy, mousse-like texture.
Step 6 – Decorate and Serve: Before serving, top each shot with whipped cream and festive garnishes such as chocolate curls, crushed candy canes, or holiday sprinkles.
Nutritional Information (Approx. per shot)
Calories: 110
Fat: 5g
Carbs: 11g
Sugar: 8g
Alcohol: varies per serving
Tips for the Best Christmas Pudding Shots
Use very cold milk so the pudding thickens properly.
Chill the bowl beforehand for even faster setting.
Avoid overmixing once the whipped cream is added.
Adjust alcohol levels to taste—more or less is fine.
Use high-quality chocolate pudding for richer flavor.
For firmer shots, add a spoonful of softened cream cheese.
Pipe the mixture for cleaner, prettier presentation.
Chill at least one hour before serving for perfect consistency.
Decorate just before serving to keep toppings crisp.
Store tightly covered so the pudding stays fresh.
Variations & Substitutions
White Chocolate Version: Use white chocolate pudding.
Mocha Shots: Add a teaspoon of instant espresso powder.
Mint Chocolate: Add a splash of peppermint liqueur.
Salted Caramel: Drizzle caramel topping over each shot.
Extra Creamy: Fold in mascarpone for richer texture.
Vegan Option: Use dairy-free pudding mix and coconut whip.
Stronger Shots: Increase Bailey’s to ¾ cup and reduce milk.
Christmas Layered Shots: Alternate chocolate pudding with peppermint whipped cream.
What to Serve With Christmas Chocolate Pudding Shots
Pair them with holiday cookies, brownie bites, chocolate bark, or truffles. They complement Christmas cocktails, espresso martinis, hot cocoa, or Irish coffee. On party tables, they shine alongside mini cheesecakes, sugar cookie fudge, cranberry bars, and other bite-sized desserts.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Don’t add alcohol too soon or the pudding may fail to thicken.
Avoid using warm milk—cold milk is essential.
Don’t skip chilling or the shots will be too soft.
Avoid overmixing whipped cream, which reduces airiness.
Don’t overfill the cups—leave space for toppings.
Storing Tips
Refrigerate pudding shots in a covered container for up to 3 days. Add whipped cream only when ready to serve. If making ahead, keep them chilled until party time for the best texture.
Conclusion
Christmas Chocolate Kahlua & Bailey’s Pudding Shots are the perfect combination of creamy chocolate, smooth liqueurs, and festive holiday flavor. They’re easy, indulgent, and guaranteed to be the hit of any Christmas gathering. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or creating a fun adult dessert table, these pudding shots bring Christmas cheer in every creamy spoonful.
Recipe FAQs
- Can I make these without alcohol? Yes—replace the liquor with milk or coffee.
- Can I use sugar-free pudding? Absolutely.
- Can I freeze the shots? No, they lose their texture.
- Can I double the recipe? Yes, it scales perfectly.
- Can I use homemade whipped cream? Yes, and it tastes amazing.
- Does the alcohol prevent thickening? Not if added after the pudding sets slightly.
- Can I use different liqueurs? Amaretto, rumchata, and peppermint schnapps work well.
- How long do they last? Up to 3 days chilled.
- Can I pipe the filling? Yes—this makes them look elegant.
- Are they strong? They’re mild but can be made stronger easily.