If there’s ever been a dessert that captures the spirit of Christmas in one creamy, boozy bite, it’s these Christmas Chocolate Kahlua & Baileys Pudding Shots. They’re sweet, chocolatey, and just a little bit naughty — perfect for your holiday parties or after-dinner treats.
Combining the rich flavors of Baileys Irish Cream and Kahlua coffee liqueur with silky chocolate pudding and fluffy Cool Whip, these little cups of joy are the ultimate adult dessert. They’re quick to make, easy to serve, and guaranteed to bring smiles to your Christmas gatherings.
Ingredients
½ cup Red Velvet Baileys (or regular Baileys)
¼ cup Kahlua coffee liqueur
1 small box JELLO Chocolate Instant Pudding Mix
¾ cup cold milk
8 oz container of Cool Whip (thawed)
Christmas sprinkles, for garnish
Yield: About 12 pudding shots
This simple combination gives you the perfect texture — creamy, fluffy, and rich — with a delightful kick from the Baileys and Kahlua. The festive sprinkles on top add a touch of Christmas magic.
Mixing the Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine the Baileys, Kahlua, and milk. Whisk until the liquids are fully blended. Slowly add the chocolate pudding mix while continuing to whisk. The mixture will start to thicken as the pudding activates.
Keep whisking for about 2 minutes until everything is smooth and creamy. At this point, your kitchen will already smell like chocolate and coffee heaven — the perfect aroma to kick off your holiday mood.
Folding in the Cool Whip
Once the pudding mixture is set and slightly thickened, gently fold in the Cool Whip using a spatula. Take your time — fold, don’t stir. This keeps the texture light and airy, giving the pudding that luscious, mousse-like consistency.
You want everything evenly combined, with no streaks of Cool Whip or pudding left visible. The result should be a silky, fluffy mixture that’s irresistible even before chilling.
Filling the Cups
Prepare small plastic or glass shot cups — the kind used for desserts or party servings. Using a tablespoon or piping bag, fill each cup about three-quarters full with the pudding mixture.
Smooth the tops gently and wipe any excess from the edges. If you want to make them extra festive, top each one with a swirl of Cool Whip before chilling.
Chilling the Pudding Shots
Place the filled cups on a tray and refrigerate for at least 2 to 3 hours before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the pudding to firm up nicely.
If you prefer a firmer texture, place them in the freezer for 30 to 45 minutes before serving — just long enough for a cool, creamy bite that melts perfectly in your mouth.
Right before serving, decorate with colorful Christmas sprinkles or shaved chocolate. The bright reds and greens make them pop on any dessert table.
Serving Suggestions
These Christmas pudding shots are best served chilled. They make a perfect addition to:
• Holiday parties and family gatherings
• After-dinner desserts with coffee or hot chocolate
• Festive get-togethers with friends
• Christmas Eve celebrations or New Year’s Eve parties
For an elegant presentation, serve them in small glass dessert cups or mini martini glasses. You can also top them with mini chocolate chips, cocoa powder, or a drizzle of chocolate syrup.
Tips for the Best Pudding Shots
• Always use cold milk — it helps the pudding set faster and creates the right texture.
• Chill your mixing bowl and whisk before making the pudding for extra smoothness.
• For a lighter flavor, reduce the Kahlua slightly and add more milk.
• Want them stronger? Add a splash more Baileys or Kahlua — just be careful not to thin the mixture too much.
• Make them a day ahead — they hold up beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe is the perfect balance of rich flavor and creamy texture. The Baileys brings warmth and smoothness, the Kahlua adds a deep coffee richness, and the chocolate pudding ties everything together into a dessert that’s luxurious but not heavy.
The Cool Whip keeps it light and fluffy, while the milk ensures it sets perfectly without becoming too dense. It’s a no-bake recipe that delivers incredible flavor with almost no effort — a true holiday win.
It’s also easy to adapt — you can swap out the Baileys for other flavored cream liqueurs or adjust the ratio of milk to liqueur to match your taste.
Variations to Try
• Peppermint Mocha Version: Add a few drops of peppermint extract and top with crushed candy canes.
• Cookies & Cream Style: Fold in crushed chocolate cookies before chilling.
• White Chocolate Twist: Use white chocolate pudding mix instead of chocolate for a smooth, creamy alternative.
• Non-Alcoholic Version: Substitute the Baileys and Kahlua with coffee creamer and chocolate syrup for a kid-friendly dessert.
Each version brings a fun, festive twist while keeping that indulgent holiday vibe.
Home-Cook Review
“I made these Christmas pudding shots for our family holiday party, and they disappeared in minutes! Everyone loved the creamy texture and the balance of chocolate and coffee flavor. I doubled the batch for New Year’s — they’re that good! Even people who don’t usually like desserts couldn’t resist them.”
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
These pudding shots can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, covered tightly with plastic wrap or lids. If you plan to make them ahead of time, add the sprinkles just before serving to keep them fresh and colorful.
You can also freeze them for up to 2 weeks. Let them sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before serving for a semi-frozen, creamy texture — almost like a frozen mousse.
Final Touch
Christmas Chocolate Kahlua & Baileys Pudding Shots are everything you want in a holiday dessert — sweet, rich, creamy, and filled with that festive cheer. They’re the kind of treat that instantly puts people in a good mood, combining the best of dessert and after-dinner drinks in one delightful cup.
Whether you’re hosting a Christmas party, a cozy winter gathering, or just want to treat yourself to something special, these pudding shots are sure to become a holiday favorite.
So grab your whisk, pour the Baileys, and spread a little Christmas spirit — one creamy shot at a time.