Introduction

There’s something undeniably magical about Christmas desserts. From decadent pies to frosted cookies, the holiday season is a time when sweet treats take center stage. But if you’re looking for something a little different—something indulgent, playful, and most importantly, adult-friendly—these Christmas Chocolate Kahlua & Baileys Pudding Shots are exactly what you need. They’re festive, creamy, and spiked with two of the most beloved liqueurs of all time: Baileys Irish Cream and Kahlua. Whether you serve them at a Christmas Eve gathering, a holiday cocktail party, or a cozy get-together, they’re sure to spark joy (and conversation!).

My recipe story

This recipe was born out of my love for turning classic desserts into creative, cocktail-inspired bites. A few years ago, while preparing for a Christmas potluck, I wanted to bring something unique that wasn’t just another tray of cookies. I remembered tasting pudding shots at a summer BBQ, and the idea struck—why not give them a holiday makeover? With Baileys and Kahlua already in my cabinet, the rest came together quickly. I whipped up a batch, topped them with festive sprinkles, and watched as they disappeared before dinner even started. Since then, they’ve become a holiday staple, requested every year by friends and family. These pudding shots combine the nostalgic comfort of chocolate pudding with the grown-up elegance of holiday spirits.

💡 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Festive and fun, making them perfect for Christmas gatherings.

Rich chocolate flavor balanced with smooth Baileys and bold Kahlua.
Easy to make in under 15 minutes with minimal prep.
Customizable with toppings like whipped cream, sprinkles, or crushed candy canes.

Portable, individual servings that make entertaining simple and stylish.

Ingredient breakdown

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. With just a handful of ingredients, you’ll be able to create a dessert that feels sophisticated yet approachable. Each ingredient plays an important role in the final flavor and texture of the pudding shots.

Baileys Irish Cream (or Red Velvet Baileys): This creamy liqueur provides the rich, smooth backbone of the recipe. If you can find the Red Velvet Baileys, it adds a delightful festive twist, but the classic version works just as well. Its notes of chocolate, vanilla, and cream pair beautifully with the other ingredients.

Kahlua Coffee Liqueur: Kahlua brings depth and complexity with its coffee-forward flavor. The slight bitterness of coffee complements the sweetness of the pudding, creating a well-rounded and indulgent taste experience. It’s also what makes these shots feel so grown-up.

Chocolate Instant Pudding Mix: The star ingredient that creates the luscious texture. Instant pudding ensures this recipe comes together in minutes without any cooking required. Choose a high-quality chocolate pudding mix for the best flavor.

Cold Milk: The base liquid that activates the pudding mix. Whole milk gives the richest results, but 2% works if you prefer a lighter option. Avoid non-dairy substitutes unless they are specifically designed for pudding, as they may not set properly.

Whipped Cream (Optional Topping): Adds a creamy, cloud-like finish. Whether you pipe it on for elegance or simply dollop it, whipped cream is the perfect finishing touch for these boozy bites.

Equipment you’ll need

Mixing bowls
Whisk or electric mixer

Measuring cups
Small serving cups or shot glasses (plastic or glass)
Piping bag or spoon (for topping)

Refrigerator space for chilling

Step-by-step directions

Step 1: Prepare your pudding base. In a large mixing bowl, combine the instant chocolate pudding mix with the cold milk. Whisk vigorously for about 2 minutes until the mixture begins to thicken. The texture should be smooth and free of lumps, with a rich chocolate aroma filling the air. Let it rest for 1–2 minutes to set slightly before adding the liqueurs.

Step 2: Add the Baileys and Kahlua. Gently pour the Baileys and Kahlua into the pudding base, whisking continuously to fully incorporate the flavors. Take your time during this step—ensuring the alcohol blends evenly is key to a perfectly smooth and balanced pudding shot. The mixture should become creamier and slightly looser in texture.

Step 3: Portion into serving cups. Spoon or pipe the mixture into small plastic shot cups or glass serving dishes. Aim for even portions, filling each cup about 3/4 full to leave room for toppings. This recipe typically yields 12–15 pudding shots, depending on the size of your containers.

Step 4: Chill the pudding shots. Transfer the filled cups to the refrigerator and chill for at least 1–2 hours. This allows the pudding to fully set while giving the flavors time to meld. Don’t rush this step—it ensures that each shot has the perfect spoonable consistency.

Step 5: Garnish and serve. Just before serving, top each pudding shot with a swirl of whipped cream. For extra holiday flair, sprinkle on crushed candy canes, mini chocolate chips, or festive sprinkles. Serve chilled with small spoons or simply enjoy them straight from the cup.

Variations & substitutions

If you’d like to experiment, this recipe is wonderfully versatile. Swap out the chocolate pudding for white chocolate or even butterscotch for a different flavor profile. You can also replace Baileys with flavored cream liqueurs like Peppermint Schnapps or Amarula for a unique twist. For coffee lovers, adding an extra splash of espresso or using a mocha pudding mix will amplify the richness. If you want a dairy-free version, try using coconut-based cream liqueur and almond milk pudding mix, though note that the consistency may differ slightly. For a non-alcoholic option, simply omit the Baileys and Kahlua and replace them with flavored syrups.

💡 Expert Tips & Troubleshooting

Use very cold milk when preparing the pudding to ensure it sets properly.

Don’t overdo the alcohol—too much will prevent the pudding from thickening.
For a smooth texture, whisk continuously while adding the Baileys and Kahlua.
If your pudding is too runny, refrigerate for an extra hour before serving.

Prepare the garnishes right before serving to keep them fresh and crunchy.

Storage, freezing & make-ahead

These pudding shots can be made up to 24 hours in advance, making them ideal for stress-free entertaining. Simply cover the cups with plastic wrap and keep them in the refrigerator until ready to serve. If you’re making them for a large party, prepare the base the night before and add the toppings just before serving. Freezing isn’t recommended, as the pudding texture may become grainy after thawing. Leftovers (if you have any!) can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days, though the whipped cream topping may deflate over time.

Serving ideas & pairings

Christmas Chocolate Kahlua & Baileys Pudding Shots are perfect on their own, but they also pair beautifully with other holiday treats. Serve them alongside a dessert platter of cookies, fudge, and truffles for a full festive spread. For drinks, they pair wonderfully with hot coffee, espresso martinis, or even a glass of champagne for contrast. You can also serve them as part of a dessert bar with a variety of toppings so guests can customize their own pudding shot. The possibilities are endless, making them a versatile addition to your holiday menu.

FAQ

Can I make these without alcohol? Yes! Simply replace the Baileys and Kahlua with flavored syrups like chocolate, coffee, or caramel for a kid-friendly version.

Can I use homemade pudding instead of instant? You can, but keep in mind it will take longer to prepare and may not set as firmly in small cups.

What size cups should I use? Small 2-ounce plastic shot cups work perfectly, but you can also use mini glass dessert cups for a more elegant presentation.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd? Absolutely. This recipe scales easily—just keep the ratios consistent and use a large mixing bowl.

Do these taste strong? The alcohol flavor is present but not overwhelming. It’s balanced by the chocolate pudding, making them creamy and smooth rather than boozy.

Final thoughts

Christmas is the season for indulgence, laughter, and creating memories with loved ones. These Christmas Chocolate Kahlua & Baileys Pudding Shots check all the boxes for a perfect holiday dessert: fun, festive, and deliciously decadent. Whether you’re hosting a party, bringing a dish to a potluck, or simply treating yourself, this recipe delivers big holiday cheer in small, irresistible portions. Once you try them, they just might become your new go-to Christmas tradition.

Christmas Chocolate Kahlua & Baileys Pudding Shots

Author: Sarah White
Total Time: 10 minutes plus chilling time

Yield: 12–15 pudding shots
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Creamy chocolate pudding blended with Baileys and Kahlua, served in festive mini cups. A fun, boozy dessert perfect for holiday parties.

Ingredients

1/2 cup Red Velvet Baileys (or regular Baileys Irish Cream)
1/4 cup Kahlua coffee liqueur
1 box (3.9 oz) instant chocolate pudding mix

1 1/4 cups cold milk
Whipped cream, for topping
Crushed candy canes, sprinkles, or mini chocolate chips, for garnish

Instructions

In a mixing bowl, whisk the pudding mix with cold milk for 2 minutes until thickened.
Add Baileys and Kahlua, whisking until smooth and fully combined.
Spoon or pipe mixture into small shot cups, filling about 3/4 full.

Chill in the refrigerator for 1–2 hours until set.
Top with whipped cream and festive garnishes just before serving.

Notes

Make ahead up to 24 hours in advance and keep refrigerated until serving. Not suitable for freezing. For a non-alcoholic version, replace the liqueurs with chocolate or coffee syrup.

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: No-Bake

Cuisine: American