The holidays are a time for joy, laughter, and indulging in festive treats that bring everyone together. What could be more delightful than turning your favorite sugar cookie flavors into creamy pudding shots? These little cups of holiday cheer are easy to make, customizable, and guaranteed to be a hit at your Christmas gatherings. Whether you’re entertaining guests or looking for a fun DIY dessert, sugar cookie pudding shots are a merry addition to your holiday repertoire. They’re sweet, festive, and oh-so-easy to prepare.
With just a handful of ingredients and a bit of creativity, you’ll have a treat that everyone will rave about. They’re also versatile, allowing you to make them boozy for adults or alcohol-free for family-friendly fun. Trust me, these pudding shots will quickly become a holiday favorite, and you might even make them a new tradition!
Why You’ll Love These Sugar Cookie Pudding Shots
These pudding shots are the perfect blend of festive charm and indulgence. First and foremost, they taste like the holidays in a cup. Imagine the creamy sweetness of vanilla pudding infused with the warm, buttery flavor of sugar cookie liqueur. Then, add a topping of fluffy whipped cream and festive sprinkles, and you’ve got a show-stopping dessert.
Moreover, they’re incredibly easy to make. No complicated techniques or fancy tools are required! They’re ready in no time and can even be prepared ahead, which is perfect for busy holiday schedules. Best of all, they’re endlessly customizable. Want to make them boozy for your party? Done. Need a kid-friendly option? Simply skip the alcohol. With their versatility and festive appeal, they’re a treat that everyone will love.
Ingredients for Sugar Cookie Pudding Shots
Here’s what you’ll need to create these delightful holiday treats:
- 1 packet of vanilla pudding mix (instant): The creamy base for our pudding shots.
- 1 cup of milk: To mix with the pudding for a perfect consistency.
- ½ cup of sugar cookie liqueur: Adds that signature sugar cookie flavor. Popular options include Bailey’s Vanilla or similar liqueurs.
- ½ cup of vodka (optional): For a boozy twist. This can be omitted for a non-alcoholic version.
- Whipped cream: For topping each shot with a creamy finish.
- Festive sprinkles or sugar decorations: Add a fun, colorful touch that screams holiday cheer.
Tools You’ll Need
Before getting started, gather the necessary tools:
- A mixing bowl to combine the ingredients.
- A whisk or hand mixer for smooth mixing.
- Small plastic cups (shot size) to portion the pudding mixture.
- A spoon or piping bag for adding whipped cream and garnishes.
- A refrigerator to chill the pudding shots.
How to Make Sugar Cookie Pudding Shots
Making these pudding shots is as simple as mixing, chilling, and decorating! Follow these steps, and you’ll have holiday magic ready to serve in no time.
1. Prepare the Pudding
In a mixing bowl, combine the instant vanilla pudding mix with 1 cup of milk, ½ cup of sugar cookie liqueur, and ½ cup of vodka (if using). Whisk until smooth and thickened, which usually takes about 2 minutes. If you prefer a richer consistency, let the mixture sit for another minute or two.
2. Fill the Cups
Using a spoon or ladle, pour the pudding mixture evenly into small plastic shot cups. Leave about half an inch of space at the top of each cup to allow room for the whipped cream and decorations.
3. Chill the Shots
Refrigerate the filled cups for at least 2 hours. This step is crucial as it allows the pudding to set and the flavors to meld together.
4. Decorate and Serve
Just before serving, top each shot with a generous swirl of whipped cream. Use a piping bag or spoon for a neat look. Finally, garnish with sprinkles, edible glitter, or even small candy canes for extra holiday flair.
Tips and Substitutions
These pudding shots are versatile and easy to customize. Here are some ideas to make them even better:
For a kid-friendly version, skip the liqueur and vodka, and replace them with an additional ½ cup of milk. This keeps the pudding creamy while making it alcohol-free. If you can’t find sugar cookie liqueur, substitute it with vanilla-flavored liqueur or even eggnog for a seasonal twist. You can also experiment with other pudding flavors like white chocolate or cheesecake.
To elevate your presentation, add creative toppings like mini sugar cookies, crushed candy canes, or edible glitter. For an extra indulgent touch, drizzle caramel or white chocolate sauce over the whipped cream. Don’t forget to use festive cups or add themed decorations to make them even more eye-catching!
What to Serve with Sugar Cookie Pudding Shots
Sugar cookie pudding shots pair wonderfully with a variety of holiday treats. They’re a delightful addition to a dessert platter, alongside classic Christmas cookies like gingerbread men or snickerdoodles. For a refreshing drink pairing, consider serving them with a Grinch Kids Mocktail for a citrusy burst of flavor.
For a nostalgic twist, try pairing these shots with a Santa’s Hat Shirley Temple. If you’re looking for something tropical, a Frosty the Snowman Mocktail will add a bright and fruity touch to your holiday spread. These pudding shots also make fantastic edible gifts. Simply package them in decorative cups with lids, tie a ribbon around them, and add a festive note!
Storage Instructions
If you’re preparing these pudding shots in advance, refrigerate them without the whipped cream topping. They can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Add the whipped cream and decorations just before serving to keep them looking fresh and festive. Avoid freezing, as this may alter the creamy texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make these dairy-free? Yes! Substitute the milk with almond, oat, or coconut milk, and use a dairy-free pudding mix and whipped topping.
2. Can I use homemade pudding instead of instant? Absolutely! Just ensure the homemade pudding is thick enough to set properly in the shot cups.
3. How far in advance can I prepare these? You can prepare the pudding mixture up to two days ahead. Store the filled cups in the refrigerator and add toppings right before serving.
4. Can I experiment with other flavors? Definitely! Try using chocolate, butterscotch, or peppermint pudding for a festive twist. You can also play with different liqueurs to create unique combinations.
Bring Sweet Cheer to Your Holiday Table
Sugar cookie pudding shots are the ultimate crowd-pleaser. They’re quick, versatile, and so much fun to share. Whether you’re hosting a lively holiday bash or enjoying a cozy family night, these treats add a sprinkle of magic to the season.
If you’re feeling creative, experiment with different toppings and decorations. Arrange them on a tiered stand for a stunning presentation, or serve them in clear cups to showcase their festive layers. For more holiday fun, check out these other recipes: Grinch Kids Mocktail, Santa’s Hat Shirley Temple, and Frosty the Snowman Mocktail.
Nutritional Information (per shot)
- Calories: ~110 (with alcohol), ~70 (without alcohol)
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Protein: 1g
- Fat: 3g
Enjoy every festive bite, and happy holidays!
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Sugar Cookie Pudding Shots: A Sweet Holiday Treat!
- Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 12-15 shots (depending on cup size) 1x
Description
Creamy, sweet, and festive, these Sugar Cookie Pudding Shots combine the nostalgia of sugar cookies with the fun of pudding shots. Perfect for holiday parties, they’re customizable to be boozy or kid-friendly and come together in no time with just a few ingredients.
Ingredients
- 1 packet vanilla pudding mix (instant)
- 1 cup milk
- ½ cup sugar cookie liqueur (like Bailey’s Vanilla or similar)
- ½ cup vodka (optional)
- Whipped cream
- Festive sprinkles or sugar decorations
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the vanilla pudding mix, milk, sugar cookie liqueur, and vodka (if using) until smooth and thickened.
- Pour the mixture into small plastic shot cups, leaving about ½ inch of space at the top.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until the pudding sets.
- Just before serving, top each shot with whipped cream and garnish with sprinkles or sugar decorations.
Notes
- To make a kid-friendly version, replace the liqueur and vodka with an additional ½ cup of milk.
- Store pudding shots in the refrigerator for up to 3 days without toppings. Add whipped cream and decorations just before serving.
- Experiment with flavors by substituting sugar cookie liqueur with vanilla liqueur, eggnog, or peppermint schnapps.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: None
- Category: Dessert, Holiday Treat
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pudding shot (with alcohol)
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 140mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
Keywords: Sugar Cookie Pudding Shots, Holiday Dessert, Pudding Shots, Christmas Party Treat