I do not recommend freezing these pudding shots. I tried it once, thinking I could make a huge batch for the season. While they technically froze, the thawing process caused separation and a grainy, unpleasant texture. The dairy and liqueur don’t freeze and thaw cohesively. The good news is they’re so quick to make that a fresh batch is always the best strategy. Consider the fridge your best friend for make-ahead prep.
There is no reheating involved, and that’s the point! These are meant to be enjoyed chilled. If you’ve had them out on a buffet for a while and they’ve softened slightly, just pop the whole tray back into the fridge for 20-30 minutes to firm back up. They are very forgiving that way. I always return any leftovers directly to the fridge—they’re a delightful midnight snack or next-day treat.
Nutrition Information
Let’s be real here: these are a decadent holiday treat, not a health food. A single pudding shot contains a meaningful amount of sugar from the pudding mix, liqueurs, and whipped topping, along with a fair share of fat. I consider them a special-occasion indulgence, much like a rich piece of cheesecake or a few truffles. Enjoying one or two is part of the festive experience, and I never feel guilty about it because they are so intentionally celebratory.
That said, you can make slightly lighter choices if you wish. Using a sugar-free instant pudding mix and a light whipped topping will cut down on calories and sugar significantly. The flavor will be slightly different—often a bit more artificial—but it can be a good option if you’re mindful. The liqueurs, however, will still contribute sugar and alcohol calories, so keep that in mind.
My personal philosophy with holiday desserts is to savor them mindfully and without stress. One of these pudding shots is a perfectly portioned delight that satisfies a sweet and boozy craving in just a few delicious bites. I’d rather have one of these than three mediocre cookies from a platter. It’s about quality, joyful indulgence.
FAQ Section
Can I make these pudding shots completely non-alcoholic?
Absolutely, and I do this often for family gatherings with all ages. Simply replace the total 1 cup of Kahlúa and Bailey’s with 1 cup of cold milk or a mix of milk and strong cold-brew coffee. You’ll want to add an extra teaspoon of vanilla extract and maybe a tablespoon of cocoa powder to the pudding mix to boost the flavor lost from the liqueurs. They’re still creamy and delicious!
How far in advance can I make them?
You can confidently make these 24-48 hours in advance. In fact, I strongly recommend making them at least the night before. This gives them ample time to set firmly and allows the flavors to meld and mellow beautifully. The alcohol flavor becomes smoother, and the whole texture becomes more cohesive. Just keep them covered in the fridge.
Can I use fresh whipped cream instead of frozen whipped topping?
I’ve tried this, and I don’t recommend it for this specific recipe. Fresh whipped cream, while delicious, doesn’t have the same stabilizers. Your shots will be softer, may not hold their piped shape as well, and can separate or weep liquid after a day in the fridge. The frozen topping ensures a stable, scoopable, and reliable texture that lasts.
What’s the best way to transport these to a party?
This is where the disposable cups with snap-on lids are worth their weight in gold. I arrange them snugly in a shallow cardboard box or a plastic container with tall sides. I then place that container in a cooler or insulated bag, perhaps with a small ice pack on top (not directly on the cups). This keeps them cold and prevents any lid-popping or sliding during the car ride.
My mixture seems runny after folding. Did I do something wrong?
Don’t panic! This usually means one of three things: your milk wasn’t cold enough, you didn’t whisk the initial pudding mixture for a full two minutes, or you need to simply let it chill. Transfer it to the cups and give it the full 3-4 hours in the fridge. The instant pudding needs that time to fully hydrate and set, even in the presence of the liqueurs. They will almost certainly firm up.
Conclusion
Making these Christmas Chocolate Kahlúa & Bailey’s Pudding Shots has become one of my most cherished holiday kitchen traditions. They represent the joy of the season: a little indulgent, full of good cheer, and meant to be shared with people you love. I hope this recipe finds its way into your home and brings you as many smiles and happy moments as it has brought to mine. From my kitchen to yours, happy holidays and happy eating