Okay, picture this: holiday party, twinkling lights, and you need a dessert, FAST. But you’re, like, SO over cookies. That’s where these Peppermint Chocolate Pudding Shots swoop in to save the day! Seriously, they’re ridiculously easy and festive. I made them last year for my friend’s Christmas bash, and they were GONE in minutes. People were practically fighting over the last one! So, if you’re looking for a super simple, crowd-pleasing treat, you’ve GOT to try these. They’re the perfect blend of chocolatey goodness and pepperminty zing!

Why You’ll Love These Peppermint Chocolate Pudding Shots

Seriously, what’s not to love? These little guys are:

Super quick to make!
Crazy easy – even I can’t mess them up!
Totally festive and scream “holiday cheer!”
That peppermint chocolate combo? To die for!
The perfect party treat. Trust me, they’ll be a hit!

Quick and Easy Dessert

I’m talking ridiculously fast, people! You just whisk a few things together, stir in some Cool Whip, and chill. Boom! Done! From craving to chilling in, like, five minutes flat. Seriously, if I can do it while wrangling kids and pets, anyone can!

Perfect for Holiday Parties

Forget slaving away over a complicated dessert! These Peppermint Chocolate Pudding Shots are individual servings, so they’re super easy for guests to grab. Plus, that peppermint flavor just *screams* holidays. They look adorable with some sprinkles on top, too!

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Ingredients for Peppermint Chocolate Pudding Shots

Okay, here’s what you’ll need. Nothing too fancy, promise! Grab one of those 3.4 oz boxes of instant chocolate pudding mix (Jell-O brand works great!), a cup of COLD whole milk, a cup of COLD peppermint schnapps (the good stuff!), a teaspoon of coffee extract, and maybe a teaspoon of peppermint extract if you’re feeling extra. Oh, and an 8-ounce tub of Cool Whip, thawed, of course!

How to Make Peppermint Chocolate Pudding Shots: Step-by-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get down to business! These are seriously so simple, you’ll be amazed. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have delicious Peppermint Chocolate Pudding Shots in no time. Don’t worry, I’ll walk you through it!

Mixing the Peppermint Chocolate Pudding Shots

First, grab a medium-sized bowl – nothing fancy needed. Dump in your chocolate pudding mix, then pour in the milk, peppermint schnapps, and those extracts. Now, WHISK! Whisk it all together for about two minutes. You want it nice and smooth, no lumps allowed! It should start to thicken up a bit. If it doesn’t, don’t panic, just keep whisking!

Incorporating the Cool Whip

Okay, this is the easy part. Grab that thawed Cool Whip and plop it right into the bowl with the pudding mixture. Now, gently whisk it in until everything’s smooth and creamy. You don’t want to overmix it, just enough to combine. We’re going for a light and fluffy texture here!

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Chilling and Serving Your Peppermint Chocolate Pudding Shots

Time to get these babies into shot glasses! I like to use a small cookie scoop to divide the pudding evenly. You can also use those little condiment containers with lids if you want to make them ahead of time and take them to a party. Once they’re all portioned out, pop them in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to chill. This is important! They need to set up. Before serving, top them with some extra Cool Whip or whipped cream, a sprinkle of crushed peppermint, and some chocolate shavings. Ta-da! Festive and delicious!

Tips for Perfect Peppermint Chocolate Pudding Shots

Want to take your Peppermint Chocolate Pudding Shots from good to AMAZING? Here are a few little tricks I’ve learned along the way. Trust me, they make a difference! These little tweaks will have everyone begging for your secret recipe!

Adjusting the Alcohol Content

Not a big fan of the schnapps kick? No problem! You can totally dial it back. Just use a little less schnapps and add a splash of vodka to make up the difference. Or, for a totally alcohol-free version (more on that later!), skip the schnapps altogether and add an extra splash of peppermint extract. Easy peasy!

Flavor Variations for Your Peppermint Chocolate Pudding Shots

Okay, so peppermint chocolate is a classic, but don’t be afraid to get creative! Try adding a little vanilla extract for a warmer flavor, or even a dash of almond extract for something totally different. A tiny pinch of sea salt can also really enhance the chocolate flavor. Experiment and see what you like best!

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Peppermint Chocolate Pudding Shots

Let’s chat ingredients! Knowing a little more about what you’re using can really elevate these Peppermint Chocolate Pudding Shots. Plus, I’ve got some easy swaps if you’re missing something or have dietary restrictions. It’s all about making it work for YOU!

Choosing Your Pudding Mix

Okay, so I usually go for just plain ol’ instant chocolate pudding. But, you could totally use dark chocolate for a richer flavor, or even chocolate fudge for something extra decadent! Just keep in mind that the darker the chocolate, the less sweet your pudding shots will be. So, maybe add a tiny bit of extra sugar if you go that route!

Dairy-Free Peppermint Chocolate Pudding Shots Option

Wanna make these dairy-free? No problem! Just swap out the regular milk for almond milk, soy milk, or any other dairy-free milk you like. And instead of Cool Whip, grab a tub of dairy-free whipped topping. They’re pretty easy to find these days! Just make sure everything is well chilled before you start mixing!

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Frequently Asked Questions About Peppermint Chocolate Pudding Shots

Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are a few of the most common things people ask me about these amazing Peppermint Chocolate Pudding Shots. Hopefully, this clears everything up!

Can I make these Peppermint Chocolate Pudding Shots ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, I often do! They’re perfect for making a day or two in advance. Just assemble them in your shot glasses or containers, cover them tightly, and store them in the fridge. They might get a *little* softer over time, but they’ll still taste amazing!

Can I make these Peppermint Chocolate Pudding Shots without alcohol?

Yep! Just skip the peppermint schnapps and add an extra teaspoon (or even a little more, to taste!) of peppermint extract. You might also want to add a splash of milk to compensate for the liquid you’re leaving out. They’ll still be super festive and delicious, promise!

How long do Peppermint Chocolate Pudding Shots last in the refrigerator?

Okay, so technically, they’re safe to eat for about 3-4 days. But honestly? They’re SO good, they never last that long in my house! Just make sure they’re covered tightly to prevent them from drying out or absorbing any weird fridge odors.

Serving Suggestions for Peppermint Chocolate Pudding Shots

Okay, so these are pretty amazing on their own, BUT if you wanna get fancy, try serving them with some chocolate-covered pretzels! The salty-sweet thing is SO good. Or, you could set out a little bowl of crushed peppermint candies for people to sprinkle on top. Yum!

Disclaimer on Nutritional Information for Peppermint Chocolate Pudding Shots

Just a heads-up: I don’t have exact nutrition info, since it totally depends on the brands you use! So, don’t take it as gospel, okay?

Rate and Review These Peppermint Chocolate Pudding Shots!

Loved these little guys? Let me know! Leave a comment, give the recipe a rating, and share it with your friends! Happy holidays!