Print

Festive Peppermint Chocolate Jello Shots: Easy Christmas Party Dessert

peppermint chocolate jello shots - featured image

These layered peppermint chocolate Jello shots are a rich, creamy holiday treat that will convert even the most skeptical party guest. Perfect for Christmas gatherings, they’re easy to make ahead and visually stunning.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 box (3 oz) chocolate Jello
  • 1 cup boiling water
  • 1/2 cup cold vodka
  • 1/4 cup peppermint schnapps
  • 1 box (3 oz) unflavored gelatin
  • 1/4 cup cold water
  • 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 cup boiling water
  • 1/2 cup vodka
  • 1/4 cup crushed candy canes (about 4–5 mini or 2 regular)
  • Whipped cream (optional)

Instructions

  1. Arrange 20-24 shot cups on a baking sheet. Clear a shelf in the refrigerator.
  2. In a liquid measuring cup, empty the chocolate Jello powder. Pour in 1 cup boiling water and whisk until completely dissolved (about 2 minutes). Let cool for 5 minutes.
  3. Add 1/2 cup cold vodka and 1/4 cup peppermint schnapps. Whisk gently. Let sit to allow bubbles to rise, then pop them with a toothpick.
  4. Pour the chocolate mixture into each cup, filling halfway. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours until firm.
  5. In a small bowl, sprinkle unflavored gelatin over 1/4 cup cold water. Let bloom for 5-10 minutes.
  6. In a separate bowl, pour the sweetened condensed milk. Bring 1 cup water to a boil, pour over bloomed gelatin, and whisk until dissolved (about 1 minute).
  7. Pour the dissolved gelatin mixture into the sweetened condensed milk and whisk until smooth. Add 1/2 cup cold vodka and whisk again. Let cool for 10 minutes.
  8. Remove the baking sheet from the refrigerator. Carefully pour the cream mixture over the set chocolate layer, filling each cup almost to the top (leave 1/4 inch for garnish).
  9. Refrigerate for at least 2 more hours, or overnight.
  10. Just before serving, crush candy canes in a sealed Ziploc bag with a rolling pin. Sprinkle about 1/2 teaspoon over each shot. Add whipped cream if desired. Serve cold.

Notes

Let the chocolate layer cool for 5 minutes before adding alcohol to prevent evaporation. Ensure the first layer is fully set (at least 2 hours) before adding the cream layer to avoid mixing. For clean layers, pour the cream layer slowly against the side of the cup. These shots taste better after a day in the refrigerator. For a non-alcoholic version, replace vodka and schnapps with cold water and 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract, and reduce boiling water by 2 tablespoons.

Nutrition

Keywords: Jello shots, peppermint chocolate, Christmas dessert, party dessert, holiday shots, layered Jello shots