Christmas Chocolate Kahlua & Baileys Pudding Shots
(The Ultimate Holiday Dessert Shot Everyone Will Talk About!)
If you’re searching for the ultimate holiday treat that combines the warmth of Christmas cheer with the luxurious flavor of chocolate and liqueur, these Christmas Chocolate Kahlua & Baileys Pudding Shots are exactly what you need. They’re creamy, chocolatey, boozy, and downright irresistible — the kind of treat that turns any Christmas gathering into an unforgettable celebration.
 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There’s something magical about the combination of Baileys Irish Cream, Kahlua coffee liqueur, and rich chocolate pudding. The result is a silky-smooth, melt-in-your-mouth dessert shot that tastes like a grown-up chocolate mousse. Perfect for parties, Christmas dinners, or cozy nights by the fireplace, these pudding shots bring together two classic holiday indulgences — dessert and cocktails — in one adorable, festive cup.
They’re easy to make, require no baking, and can be prepared in advance. Plus, they look stunning when topped with whipped cream and sparkly Christmas sprinkles!
 Ingredients You’ll Need
- ½ cup Red Velvet Baileys (or regular Baileys if you prefer the classic flavor)
- ¼ cup Kahlua coffee liqueur – adds that deep, rich coffee flavor that balances the sweetness perfectly
- 1 small box chocolate instant pudding mix (JELLO brand or similar)
- ¾ cup cold milk – whole milk works best for creaminess
- 1 (8 oz) container of Cool Whip – thawed, for that light and fluffy texture
- Christmas sprinkles or chocolate shavings, for decoration
Yields: About 12 pudding shots, depending on the size of your cups.
 Step-by-Step Instructions
- Mix the Pudding Base:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the milk, Baileys, and Kahlua until smooth. Slowly add the chocolate instant pudding mix, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Continue whisking for about 2 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly. - Fold in the Cool Whip:
Once your pudding mixture has started to set, gently fold in the Cool Whip. Use a spatula and make soft, slow movements to keep the texture light and fluffy. You should end up with a silky, mousse-like consistency that’s rich and creamy. - Fill the Shot Cups:
Spoon or pipe the mixture into small plastic or glass shot cups. You can use a piping bag or a ziplock bag with the corner snipped off for a clean, professional look. Fill each cup almost to the top. - Chill and Set:
Place the filled cups in the refrigerator for at least 2 to 3 hours, or in the freezer for about 30 to 45 minutes if you need them ready faster. The colder they are, the thicker and more satisfying the texture becomes. - Add the Festive Touch:
Right before serving, top each pudding shot with a small dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of Christmas-colored decorations — think red, green, white, and gold sprinkles. You can also add mini chocolate curls or crushed candy canes for an extra festive touch.
 Tips for Perfect Pudding Shots
- For a stronger kick: Add a splash more Kahlua or Baileys — just be careful not to make the mixture too runny.
- For a non-alcoholic version: Replace Baileys and Kahlua with chocolate milk and a few drops of coffee extract.
- Storage: These can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 2 weeks.
- Serving idea: Serve them on a silver tray with candy canes, Christmas ornaments, or dusted cocoa powder for a professional holiday presentation.
 Variations You Can Try
- Peppermint Mocha Pudding Shots: Replace Baileys with Peppermint Schnapps and add a hint of cocoa powder.
- White Chocolate Dream: Use white chocolate pudding mix and substitute regular Baileys with Baileys White Chocolate or Vanilla Cinnamon flavor.
- Tiramisu-Inspired: Add a layer of crushed ladyfingers soaked in espresso at the bottom of each shot cup for a decadent twist.
 Serving Ideas for the Holidays
These pudding shots are perfect for Christmas Eve parties, New Year’s celebrations, or even as a creative dessert option at your holiday dinner table. Pair them with chocolate truffles, cookies, or a cup of espresso to complete the experience.
They also make a fun edible gift idea — simply prepare them in mini glass jars, decorate with ribbons and labels, and gift them chilled to friends and family.
 Final Thoughts
These Christmas Chocolate Kahlua & Baileys Pudding Shots combine the best flavors of the season — chocolate, cream, coffee, and a touch of magic. They’re indulgent but not too heavy, sweet but balanced, and festive enough to impress any guest.
So this holiday, skip the ordinary desserts and serve something that truly captures the Christmas spirit — smooth, creamy, and just a little bit naughty!