You know that moment when the scent of gingerbread cookies hits you and suddenly you’re 8 years old again, sneaking bites of dough while your mom pretends not to notice? That’s exactly the magic I wanted to capture when I created these Gingerbread Pudding Shots. Every December, my kitchen becomes a gingerbread wonderland – the warm spices, the molasses sweetness, that irresistible crumbly texture. But last holiday season, I thought: why should kids have all the fun?
These boozy little treats are my love letter to childhood Christmas memories, but with a very grown-up twist. The butterscotch schnapps adds this incredible caramel depth that plays so nicely with the gingerbread spices. And the best part? They come together in about 10 minutes of active time – no oven required! Perfect for when you’re juggling holiday parties, gift wrapping, and those last-minute cookie exchanges.
What started as a playful experiment has become my most requested holiday recipe. Friends now text me in November asking “Are you making the gingerbread shots this year?” There’s something about that familiar gingerbread flavor in creamy, shot-sized form that just makes everyone feel festive. Trust me, these will disappear faster than Santa’s milk and cookies!
Why You’ll Love These Gingerbread Pudding Shots
Let me count the ways these festive shots will become your new holiday obsession:
- Super simple – Just whisk, mix, and chill! No baking means more time for holiday fun
- All the cozy flavors – Gingerbread spices with a butterscotch kick that makes adults feel like kids again
- Party perfection – Cute little shots are the talk of any holiday gathering, Friendsmas, or New Year’s Eve bash
- Make-ahead magic – Whip them up days before your event – one less thing to stress about
The best part? Even though they look fancy, these take less effort than decorating sugar cookies – and you won’t find icing all over your kitchen afterward!
Ingredients for Gingerbread Pudding Shots
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to gingerbread magic! Here’s everything you’ll need to make these festive shots – I promise it’s all simple stuff you can find at any grocery store:
- 1 (3.4 oz.) box gingerbread-flavored instant pudding – This is your flavor base! Look for the seasonal limited edition boxes that pop up around the holidays. The spiced molasses flavor is just perfect.
- 3/4 cup milk – Whole milk gives the creamiest texture, but any milk works in a pinch.
- 3/4 cup butterscotch schnapps – The secret weapon! This adds that warm caramel kick that makes these shots so special.
- 1 (8 oz.) tub whipped topping – Cool Whip works great here – it lightens up the texture beautifully.
- Shot glasses – I use 2 oz. plastic ones for parties because they’re cute and disposable.
- Mini gingerbread men cookies – For the adorable finishing touch! The tiny ones are perfect for topping.
- Whipped cream and cinnamon – For garnish if you’re feeling extra festive.
See? Just seven simple ingredients stand between you and the most memorable holiday dessert shots ever. Now let’s mix them up right!
How to Make Gingerbread Pudding Shots
Okay, let’s get mixing! These little guys come together so easily – even if you’re juggling holiday chaos like me. Here’s exactly how I make them:
- Whisk your pudding base: Grab a big bowl (trust me, you’ll want room to stir) and whisk together the gingerbread pudding mix and milk until it’s smooth. No lumps allowed! This takes about 2 minutes of good whisking – think of it as your arm workout for the day.
- Add the fun part: Pour in that glorious butterscotch schnapps and whisk again. The mixture will thin out – that’s totally normal! The alcohol keeps it from setting firm like regular pudding, which is exactly what we want for shot texture.
- Fold in the fluff: Now gently fold in the whipped topping with a spatula. I do this in three additions – it helps keep everything light and airy. Don’t overmix or you’ll lose that dreamy texture!
- Chill time: Pop the bowl in the freezer for at least an hour. This firms it up just enough to spoon neatly into shot glasses. No freezer? Fridge works too, just give it 2 hours.
- Assembly line: Spoon or pipe the mixture into your shot glasses. Top each with a mini gingerbread man, a dollop of whipped cream, and a dusting of cinnamon. Voila – instant holiday magic!
See? Easier than wrapping presents! If you’re making these for a crowd, check out my no-bake Oreo balls too – they’re another lifesaver for busy hosts.
Tips for Perfect Gingerbread Pudding Shots
Here are my hard-earned secrets after making approximately a zillion of these shots:
- Seasonal pudding is key: That limited-edition gingerbread flavor makes ALL the difference. Stock up when you see it!
- Freeze before serving: An hour in the freezer gives the perfect spoonable texture – not too firm, not too soft.
- Get creative with toppings: Crushed candy canes, chocolate shavings, or even a drizzle of caramel take these next-level.
- Make ahead magic: These keep beautifully in the fridge for 3 days – just add toppings right before serving.
- Portion control: Use a small cookie scoop to fill shot glasses neatly without drips.
Now go forth and be the holiday hero with these irresistible little treats! Just don’t blame me when everyone asks for the recipe.
Variations for Gingerbread Pudding Shots
Once you’ve mastered the classic version, the fun really begins! Here are my favorite ways to mix up these holiday shots:
- Peppermint twist: Swap the butterscotch schnapps for peppermint schnapps and top with crushed candy canes – it’s like a boozy candy cane in a glass!
- Spiked eggnog style: Use half rumchata and half butterscotch for a creamy, spiced holiday flavor explosion.
- Cookie crumble: Mix crushed biscoff cookies into the pudding base for extra texture and caramel notes.
- Chocolate lovers: Add a tablespoon of cocoa powder to the mix and garnish with chocolate curls.
- Non-alcoholic option: Just use milk in place of schnapps and add a dash of vanilla and extra cinnamon.
The best part? You can make a few different batches and let guests do their own taste testing – instant holiday party activity!
Serving and Storing Gingerbread Pudding Shots
Here’s the scoop on keeping your gingerbread shots perfect from prep to party time! These little guys are best served chilled – I like to pull them from the fridge about 10 minutes before serving to take the edge off the cold. Arrange them on a festive tray with the gingerbread men cookies standing at attention – it makes such a cute presentation!
For storage, just cover the shot glasses with plastic wrap (I press it right onto the surface to prevent skin from forming) and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The texture actually gets better after a day as the flavors meld! If you’re prepping way ahead, you can freeze the mixture in an airtight container for 2 weeks – just thaw overnight in the fridge and re-whip before serving.
Pro tip: Wait to add the whipped cream and cookie toppings until right before serving so they stay crisp. And if you’re transporting these to a party, pack them in a cupcake carrier – the little slots keep everything upright and mess-free!
Nutritional Information for Gingerbread Pudding Shots
Now, I’m no nutritionist, but I can tell you these festive shots are definitely a “sometimes treat”! The nutritional info will vary depending on your exact ingredients – especially the type of milk and whipped topping you use. As with any dessert, enjoy these in moderation during the holiday season. The gingerbread spices might make you feel all warm and cozy, but remember these little guys pack some sweetness too!
Frequently Asked Questions
I get so many questions about these Gingerbread Pudding Shots at every holiday party – and I love sharing all my tips! Here are the answers to the ones I hear most often:
Can I make these non-alcoholic?
Absolutely! Just replace the butterscotch schnapps with an equal amount of milk and add an extra teaspoon of vanilla extract. The texture will be slightly firmer, but just as delicious. Kids love these topped with extra whipped cream and sprinkles!
How long do gingerbread pudding shots last in the fridge?
They’ll stay perfect for 3 days if you keep them covered. The flavors actually get better after 24 hours as the spices meld together. For longer storage, freeze the mixture (without toppings) for up to 2 weeks – thaw overnight in the fridge when you’re ready to serve.
What other liqueurs work besides butterscotch schnapps?
Oh, the possibilities! Peppermint schnapps makes them taste like Christmas in a glass. Rumchata gives a creamy eggnog vibe. For more holiday shot recipes inspiration, try cinnamon whiskey or even ginger liqueur for extra spice kick!
Can I use regular pudding instead of gingerbread flavor?
You can, but you’ll lose that magical holiday taste. The seasonal gingerbread pudding mix has the perfect blend of molasses and spices. If you can’t find it, try adding 1 tsp each of cinnamon, ginger, and a pinch of cloves to vanilla pudding mix instead.
What’s the best way to serve these at a party?
I arrange them on a baking sheet lined with crushed candy canes or holiday sprinkles – it looks so festive! Provide little spoons so guests can savor every creamy bite. And make extra – these disappear faster than Santa’s cookies!
Print
Gingerbread Pudding Shots
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 min
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A festive holiday dessert shot with gingerbread flavor and butterscotch schnapps.
Ingredients
- 1 (3.4 oz.) box gingerbread-flavored instant pudding and pie filling
- 3/4 cup milk
- 3/4 cup butterscotch schnapps
- 1 (8 oz.) tub whipped topping
- Shot glasses
- Mini gingerbread men cookies
- Whipped cream and cinnamon for topping
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix instant gingerbread pudding and milk with a whisk until combined.
- Add butterscotch schnapps and whisk again until combined. Slowly fold in whipped topping.
- Freeze for at least an hour to thicken.
- Spoon into shot glasses and top with gingerbread men cookies, whipped cream, and cinnamon.
- Refrigerate until serving.
Notes
- Use seasonal gingerbread pudding mix for best results.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 0 min
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 shot
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 10
- Sodium: 80
- Fat: 4
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Unsaturated Fat: 1
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 15
- Fiber: 0
- Protein: 1
- Cholesterol: 5
Keywords: Gingerbread Pudding Shots, holiday shots, Christmas dessert, party drinks