Hot Chocolate Pudding Shots

4.60 from 5 votes

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Here’s a fun party idea for those who like the idea of jello shots but would rather something a little different. Hot chocolate pudding shots are perfect for the holidays and can be made with a peppermint twist too!

Hot cocoa shots are part cocktail and part dessert and if you ask me, that’s a winning combination this time of year.

hand holding a hot chocolate pudding shot

Try our other festive holiday ideas like Santa Hat Jello Shots or a cinnamon roll cocktail.

What I Love about this Recipe

  • Easy
  • Fun adult treat
  • Make ahead
  • Christmas pudding shots
  • Great for a holiday party

Ingredients Needed

Just a few simple ingredients are needed to make these hot cocoa pudding shots.

First, I’ll show you how these are made and then share some variations if you want to change up the flavors.

cocoa pudding shot ingredients

Here’s what you need:

  • Instant chocolate pudding
  • Hot cocoa mix with mini marshmallows
  • Whole milk
  • Vodka (peppermint or vanilla)
  • Cool Whip (thawed)
  • Whipped cream for topping
  • 2oz plastic cups, condiment cups or shot glasses
  • Mini candy canes
  • Mini chocolate chips

How to Make The Pudding Shots

Make your creamy chocolate pudding shots the day before your event for an easy and quick setup. This treat can be made in a variety of ways with different types of liquor so feel free to get creative.

First, add the instant chocolate pudding mix to a large bowl and whisk in the vodka and milk.

pour milk and vodka in to pudding

Slowly fold he thawed Cool Whip into the mixing bowl and combine chocolate pudding until smooth.

add cool whip to pudding mixture

Scoop into the plastic shot cups leaving a little room for expansion.

add pudding to cups

Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of hot cocoa mix and marshmallow bits.

Add a candy cane and mini chocolate chips for garnish if desired and chill until ready to serve. Or top with a Bugles Santa Hat!

cocoa pudding shots with candy canes

Pudding Shot Variations

Creamy pudding shots are a huge hit at holiday parties and you can make them in many different ways. Below are a few fun ideas to customize this tasty treat.

  • Top with chocolate shavings
  • Use peppermint, vanilla vodka, or whipped cream vodka
  • Add chocolate liqueur for even more chocolate flavor
  • Instead of cool whip, make this whipped hot cocoa to fold into the pudding

Storage Tips

Cover your hot chocolate shots with lids or place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to enjoy. Serve within 1-2 days.

If you loved this recipe, please leave a star rating and/or comment below! 🌟

Print the Recipe

The holiday season is so much fun and what better way to spread Christmas cheer than with a little something for your sweet tooth. Enjoy!

Hot Chocolate Pudding Shots

4.60 from 5 votes
Delicious hot chocolate pudding shots are made with pudding, whipped cream and a touch of vodka and peppermint. Talk about a cup of cheer!
Prep: 15 minutes
Total: 45 minutes
Yield: 10 pudding shots

Ingredients 

  • 3 oz Instant chocolate pudding
  • Hot chocolate with marshmallows
  • 1/2 Cup whole milk
  • 1 Cup Peppermint Vodka
  • 6 oz Cool Whip, thawed
  • Whipped cream
  • Mini candy canes
  • Mini chocolate chips

Instructions 

  • First, add the instant chocolate pudding mix to a large bowl and whisk in the vodka and milk.
  • Slowly fold he thawed Cool Whip into the mixing bowl and combine chocolate pudding until smooth.
  • Scoop into the plastic shot cups leaving a little room for expansion.
  • Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of hot cocoa mix and marshmallow bits.
  • Add a candy cane and mini chocolate chips for garnish if desired and chill until ready to serve.

Notes

Refrigerate in an airtight container until ready to serve. Return any leftovers to the fridge for 1-2 days. 

Nutrition

Serving: 1pudding shot, Calories: 164kcal, Carbohydrates: 18g, Protein: 2g, Fat: 4g, Saturated Fat: 2g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 1g, Trans Fat: 0.02g, Cholesterol: 7mg, Sodium: 166mg, Potassium: 61mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 14g, Vitamin A: 82IU, Vitamin C: 0.03mg, Calcium: 46mg, Iron: 0.2mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Course: Desserts, Drinks
Cuisine: American

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About Andrea Updyke

Andrea Updyke is a married mom of two boys living in Raleigh, NC. She is a published author and blogger of more than 18 years and loves to celebrate the little things that make life awesome.

Whether she's sharing tasty recipes, traveling or hanging with the family, Andrea's goal is to help make your days a little easier and a lot more fun! Email inquiries to andreaupdyke@gmail.com.


4.60 from 5 votes (5 ratings without comment)

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