Christmas Chocolate Kahlua & Baileys Pudding Shots

When the holiday season rolls around, nothing says festive indulgence quite like a creamy, boozy dessert. These Christmas Chocolate Kahlua & Baileys Pudding Shots are the ultimate holiday party treat—rich, chocolatey, spiked with liqueur, and topped with colorful Christmas sprinkles. They’re easy to make ahead of time, fun to serve, and guaranteed to impress your guests. Whether you’re hosting a big Christmas dinner, a holiday cocktail night, or simply want to enjoy a festive adult treat, these pudding shots are the perfect addition to your celebration.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Festive & Fun – The combination of chocolate pudding, Baileys, and Kahlua gives a creamy, rich flavor with a touch of holiday cheer.
Easy to Make Ahead – Perfect for parties, you can prepare them hours or even a day before serving.
Customizable – Change up the flavors with different Baileys variations or toppings.
Crowd-Pleaser – Everyone loves a dessert that’s both sweet and boozy.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make about 12 pudding shots, gather the following:

1/2 cup Red Velvet Baileys Irish Cream (or use classic Baileys if you prefer)
1/4 cup Kahlua coffee liqueur – adds a deep coffee kick that pairs beautifully with chocolate.
1 small box JELLO Chocolate Instant Pudding Mix (3.9 oz / 110 g)
3/4 cup Cold Milk – use whole milk for extra creaminess.
8 oz (225 g) Cool Whip, thawed – this creates the light and fluffy texture.
Christmas Sprinkles – for garnish and festive flair.

Step-by-Step Directions

Prepare the Base Mixture
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the Baileys, Kahlua, milk, and chocolate pudding mix. Whisk until smooth and slightly thickened.
Fold in the Cool Whip
- Gently fold the thawed Cool Whip into the pudding mixture. This creates a light, mousse-like texture. Make sure it’s fully combined, but don’t overmix.
Fill the Cups
- Using a spoon or piping bag, divide the pudding mixture evenly into 12 plastic shot cups or small dessert cups.
Chill Until Set
- Place the filled cups in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to firm up. If you prefer a slightly frozen treat, you can pop them in the freezer for about 1 hour before serving.
Decorate & Serve
- Just before serving, top each pudding shot with Christmas sprinkles, mini chocolate chips, or even a dollop of whipped cream. Serve with small spoons.

Tips for the Best Pudding Shots

Use cold milk so the pudding sets properly.
Make ahead – prepare them a day in advance and keep refrigerated.
Garnish right before serving so sprinkles stay fresh and colorful.
If you want stronger pudding shots, reduce the milk slightly and add a splash more Baileys.

Variations to Try

Peppermint Twist – Replace Red Velvet Baileys with Baileys Peppermint and top with crushed candy canes.
Cookies & Cream – Add crushed Oreos on top instead of sprinkles.
Extra Chocolatey – Stir in mini chocolate chips or drizzle with chocolate syrup.
Nutty Flavor – Swap Kahlua for Frangelico (hazelnut liqueur).

Serving Ideas

These pudding shots are perfect for:

Christmas Eve gatherings
Holiday potlucks
New Year’s Eve celebrations
Adult dessert bars

Serve them in mini shot cups, festive dessert cups, or even chocolate dessert shells for an extra touch.

Storage Instructions

Refrigerator: Store covered for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze for up to 1 week for a more frozen shot-style dessert. Let sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving.

With their velvety texture, boozy kick, and festive sprinkles, these Christmas Chocolate Kahlua & Baileys Pudding Shots are guaranteed to be the hit of your holiday party. Easy to prepare, fun to serve, and even more fun to eat—this recipe is the holiday dessert you’ll want to make year after year!