The Ultimate Christmas Chocolate Kahlua & Bailey’s Pudding Shots
These pudding shots are essentially a cocktail in dessert form. By combining the deep coffee notes of Kahlua with the velvety sweetness of Bailey’s Irish Cream, you create a festive “midnight secret” that is always the star of the holiday spread.
Why You’ll Love These
- No-Bake Ease: No oven required—just whisk, pour, and chill.
- The Perfect Party Favor: Pre-portioned in individual cups for easy grab-and-go serving.
- Nostalgic with a Twist: They have that creamy, melt-in-your-mouth pudding texture we all loved as kids, but with an adult-only upgrade.
Ingredients
| Category | Item | Quantity |
| The Base | Jell-O Chocolate Instant Pudding | 1 box (3.9 oz) |
| Cold Whole Milk | 1 cup | |
| The Spirits | Bailey’s Irish Cream (Red Velvet or Original) | 1/2 cup |
| Kahlua Coffee Liqueur | 1/2 cup | |
| The Cream | Cool Whip (Thawed) | 1 tub (8 oz) |
| Garnish | Christmas Sprinkles or Chocolate Shavings | As needed |
Instructions
1. Whisk the Pudding
In a large bowl, whisk together the instant chocolate pudding mix and the cold milk. Beat for about 2 minutes until the mixture begins to thicken.
2. Spike the Mixture
Slowly pour in the Bailey’s Irish Cream and the Kahlua. Whisk continuously until the alcohol is fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth and glossy.
3. Fold in the Fluff
Gently fold in the Cool Whip using a spatula. You want to keep as much air in the mixture as possible to ensure that “cloud-like” mousse consistency.
4. Portion and Decorate
Spoon or pipe the mixture into small plastic shot cups (2 oz size works best). Top each one with festive Christmas sprinkles or a dash of chocolate shavings for that professional holiday look.
5. The Big Chill
Place the lids on the cups and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. For a firmer, ice-cream-like texture, you can even pop them in the freezer!
Pro-Tips for Success
- The “Secret” Ingredient: Using Bailey’s Red Velvet (as seen in the photo) adds a subtle hint of cocoa and a beautiful richness that pairs perfectly with the Kahlua.
- Keep it Cold: These shots are best served straight from the fridge or cooler to maintain their velvety structure.
- Storage: These can be made up to 24 hours in advance, making them the perfect stress-free prep for a busy Christmas Eve.
