There’s something magical about the first sip of eggnog each December—it instantly transports me back to childhood Christmases at my grandma’s house. She’d whisk up her famous homemade eggnog, filling the kitchen with the warm scent of nutmeg and vanilla while we kids “helped” by sneaking tastes. Years later, I wanted to capture that nostalgic flavor in a fun, shareable way for our adult holiday gatherings. That’s how these Eggnog Pudding Jello Shots were born! Creamy, lightly spiced, and just boozy enough to feel festive, they’ve become the surprise hit of every Christmas party. The best part? They come together in minutes but taste like you spent hours crafting something special.
Why You’ll Love These Eggnog Pudding Jello Shots
Trust me, these aren’t your average jello shots! Here’s why they’ll become your new holiday staple:
- Creamy dreamy texture – The pudding mix and cool whip create a silky-smooth bite that melts in your mouth, just like grandma’s eggnog.
- Instant holiday cheer – One taste of that spiced rum and nutmeg flavor will have you humming Christmas carols before you finish your first shot.
- Foolproof to make – No cooking, no fancy techniques – just whisk, pour, and chill. Even my cousin who burns toast can manage these!
- Party superstar – They disappear faster than cookies left out for Santa. I always make a double batch because guests go wild for them.
Ingredients for Eggnog Pudding Jello Shots
Gathering these simple ingredients is like opening little presents before Christmas morning – each one plays a special role in creating that creamy, nostalgic flavor we love. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 (3.4 oz.) box instant vanilla pudding mix – The dry powder is your secret weapon for that perfect pudding-like texture. I always grab the “cook & serve” kind by accident – don’t be like me!
- 1¼ cup cold eggnog – Straight from the fridge, please! The colder it is, the better it’ll thicken. Store-bought works great, but if you’re feeling fancy, try my homemade eggnog version for extra richness.
- ¾ cup cold spiced rum – Chilled rum blends in smoothly without curdling the dairy. Captain Morgan’s is my go-to, but any spiced rum will do the trick.
- 4 ounces thawed cool whip – That’s half a regular container. Let it sit out for about 30 minutes – you want it soft but not runny. Pro tip: scrape the measuring cup with a spatula to get every fluffy bit!
See? Nothing complicated! Just four simple ingredients that transform into the most festive little treats. Now let’s make some magic happen!
How to Make Eggnog Pudding Jello Shots
Okay, let’s get mixing! These creamy little holiday treats come together so easily, you’ll be sipping festive flavors in no time. Here’s exactly how I make them – with all my little tricks to ensure perfect texture every time.
Step 1: The Magic Whisking
Grab your biggest mixing bowl – trust me, you’ll want the extra space! Pour in the cold eggnog and spiced rum first. Now here’s my secret: sprinkle the pudding mix over the liquid instead of dumping it all at once. This prevents those pesky powder clumps! Whisk vigorously for a full 2 minutes – set a timer if you need to. The mixture should look like a smooth, creamy latte when it’s ready.
Step 2: Fluffy Cloud Addition
Now for the fun part – folding in the cool whip! Add it in two batches, gently whisking after each addition until just combined. Don’t overmix here – we want to keep that airy texture. The batter should be thick enough to slowly drip off the whisk, like melted ice cream. Let it sit for 5 minutes to thicken slightly – perfect time to wash some shot glasses!
Step 3: Portioning Perfection
I use a small cookie scoop (about 1 tablespoon size) for perfectly even portions – it’s way less messy than spooning! Fill your shot glasses or mini dessert cups about ¾ full. Pro tip: wipe the rims with a damp paper towel for clean edges. They’ll look so pretty on your holiday table!
Step 4: The Chill Factor
Pop them in the fridge for at least 30 minutes – the wait is the hardest part! They’ll set up firm enough to hold their shape but still stay creamy-soft. If you’re prepping ahead, they keep beautifully for 24 hours covered with plastic wrap. Just take them out 10 minutes before serving to take the fridge chill off.
See? Easier than untangling Christmas lights! Now all that’s left is garnishing (a dusting of nutmeg is gorgeous) and watching your guests’ faces light up with that first creamy, spiced bite.
Tips for Perfect Eggnog Pudding Jello Shots
After making these dozens of times (okay, maybe hundreds – don’t judge my holiday spirit!), I’ve picked up some foolproof tricks:
- Cookie scoop is your BFF – That little ice cream scoop makes portioning a breeze and keeps your shot glasses looking picture-perfect. No messy drips!
- Chill out, literally – These taste best when they’re properly chilled. I stick mine in the freezer for the last 10 minutes before serving for that perfect creamy-yet-firm texture.
- Garnish game strong – A tiny sprinkle of nutmeg or cinnamon makes them look fancy. For parties, I add mini candy canes as edible stirrers – total crowd pleaser!
- Prep ahead smart – They keep great overnight, but always cover tightly with plastic wrap pressed right on the surface to prevent skin from forming.
Variations for Eggnog Pudding Jello Shots
Oh, the fun you can have with these little cups of holiday cheer! Here are my favorite ways to mix things up when I’m feeling creative:
- Bourbon bliss – Swap the spiced rum for bourbon if you prefer a deeper, caramel-like flavor. Just reduce it to ½ cup since bourbon packs more punch!
- Kid-friendly version – Skip the alcohol and use extra eggnog mixed with a splash of vanilla extract. Top with whipped cream and cinnamon for the cutest “kid cocktails.”
- Spiced to perfection – Add a pinch of cardamom or allspice to the mix for extra warmth. A light dusting of cocoa powder makes them look like little snow-dusted treats too!
The best part? You can taste-test your creations as you go – quality control is very important when developing new holiday traditions!
Serving Suggestions for Eggnog Pudding Jello Shots
Half the fun of these creamy little treats is making them look as festive as they taste! I love using clear plastic shot glasses – you can find them in holiday colors at any party store. For an extra special touch, rim the glasses with crushed gingersnaps or cinnamon sugar before filling. A tiny cinnamon stick poked into each one makes the perfect edible stirrer, and a light dusting of nutmeg on top looks like fresh snowfall. These pair beautifully with other holiday appetizers – try serving them alongside mini pecan pies or chocolate-dipped strawberries for the ultimate Christmas dessert spread. Pro tip: arrange them on a tiered dessert stand with fairy lights for a showstopping centerpiece that’ll have all your guests reaching for their phones to snap pics!
Nutritional Information for Eggnog Pudding Jello Shots
Just a quick note about nutrition – these creamy little treats are definitely in the “holiday indulgence” category! The exact numbers can vary depending on your eggnog brand and rum choice, but expect each shot to be rich and satisfying. Remember, it’s Christmas – we’re here for joy, not counting calories!
Frequently Asked Questions About Eggnog Pudding Jello Shots
Can I make these Eggnog Pudding Jello Shots ahead of time?
Absolutely! These actually taste even better when made a day ahead. Just cover them tightly with plastic wrap (press it right against the surface to prevent skin) and refrigerate overnight. Take them out about 10 minutes before serving to take the chill off – they’ll be perfectly creamy!
How long do these holiday shots last in the fridge?
They’ll stay fresh for about 3 days, though I doubt they’ll last that long! The texture holds up beautifully, but after day three the cool whip starts to break down a bit. If you need to store them longer, you can freeze them for up to a month – just thaw in the fridge overnight.
Can I use homemade eggnog instead of store-bought?
Oh my gosh, yes please! Homemade eggnog makes these extra special. Just make sure it’s completely chilled before mixing. My grandma’s recipe works perfectly – the extra richness takes these to another level. If your homemade nog is extra thick, you might need to whisk in a splash more rum to get the right consistency.
What can I use instead of spiced rum?
No spiced rum? No problem! Bourbon gives a lovely caramel note, or try vanilla vodka for a smoother flavor. For non-alcoholic versions, just replace the rum with extra eggnog and add an extra teaspoon of vanilla extract. The kids in my family go crazy for these “mocktail” versions!
Why did my pudding shots turn out runny?
Don’t worry – this happens if the eggnog wasn’t cold enough or if you didn’t whisk long enough. Next time, chill your liquids first and set a timer for the full 2 minutes of whisking. If they’re already mixed, just pop them in the freezer for 20 minutes to firm up. They’ll still taste amazing!
Share Your Eggnog Pudding Jello Shots Experience
I’d love to hear how your holiday shots turned out! Did you add any fun twists? Snap a pic of your festive creations and tag me on social – nothing makes me happier than seeing these creamy little treats at your celebrations. Leave a comment below if you have questions or just want to share your eggnog joy!
Print
Eggnog Pudding Jello Shots
- Total Time: 40 min
- Yield: 12-15 shots 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Creamy, festive holiday shots with eggnog and spiced rum.
Ingredients
- 1 (3.4 oz.) box instant vanilla pudding mix (dry)
- 1¼ cup cold eggnog
- ¾ cup cold spiced rum
- 4 ounces thawed cool whip (half of a regular container)
Instructions
- Whisk pudding mix, eggnog, and rum in a bowl for 2 minutes.
- Add cool whip and whisk until smooth. Let set for 5 minutes.
- Divide mixture into 1 oz. shot glasses or 2 oz. containers. Chill for 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use a cookie scoop for even portions.
- Best served chilled.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 0 min
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 shot
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: Eggnog Pudding Jello Shots, holiday shots, Christmas party recipes, festive desserts, easy jello shots