Hot Cocoa Pudding Shots

Or Santa’s Little Helper as I like to call them 😉

BONUS POST!

These Hot Cocoa Pudding Shots from delish were my entry for the Annual Cookie Exchange and the somewhat controversial win for “Most Creative.” A win is a win, cookies be damned, so thank you very much!

You may accuse me of playing to the judges because knowing that the panel would be a stacked with a bunch of college students, I figured spiked shots would be right up their alley. With that said, these are tasty little treats for young adults and kids at heart–just not kids!

The pudding shots can be made in advance (a minimum of 2 hours in advance per the instructions although I made them the day prior) but do not top with whipped cream and decorate until just before serving. As they sit, the cream wilts and they become far less appealing.

Other than that, these are easy, fun and a perfect little treat. Something that Santa would certainly not be disappointed to find waiting for him as he makes the rounds on Christmas Eve.

Merry Christmas and I will be back in 2024!

Hot Cocoa Pudding Shots

Hot Cocoa Pudding Shots

Servings: 12 shots

Ingredients

  • 1 3.9oz package instant chocolate pudding mix
  • 4 tsp hot cocoa powder
  • 2/3 c whole milk
  • 2/3 c Baileys Irish Cream
  • 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • whipped cream for serving
  • cocoa powder, sprinkles, marshmallow bits for garnish

Instructions

  • In a large bowl, combine chocolate pudding and cocoa mix with milk. Whisk until fully incorporated.
  • Add Baileys and vanilla and whisk again. Pour into cups and refrigerate until thickened, 2 hours.*
  • Just before serving, top with whipped cream, a sprinkle of cocoa powder, sprinkles (if using) and marshmallow bits. Serve.

Notes

I let the shots set overnight and served in disposable plastic shot cups. Depending on how much you fill the cups, you may get a few more or less than the recipe indicates. I made the recipe x5 to yield approximately 60 shots.