Christmas dessert shots are the easiest way to serve something sweet at a holiday party.
These Christmas dessert recipes layer ingredients like creamy pudding, cheesecake, mousse, and cookie crumbs into tiny cups that guests can grab and go.
From peppermint brownie to eggnog pudding, these Christmas shooter desserts are festive, creamy, and perfect for sharing.
Each one looks impressive, uses simple ingredients, and can be made a day ahead. Scroll down for my easy layering formula and a roundup of favorites.
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Grinch Shot: green pudding or mousse layers topped with a red candy heart
What Size Shot Glass Is Best for Dessert?
A 2 to 3 oz shot glass or mini dessert cup works well for rich fillings like cheesecake or mousse.
Go up to 4 to 5 oz for parfait-style shots with several layers. Plastic cups are easiest for big parties, and glass looks nicer on a dessert table.
Creamy Mousse, Cheesecake & Cocoa Shooters
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Chocolate Mousse Cups
These rich, creamy chocolate mousse cups are a chocolate lover’s dream in Christmas dessert shot form. They look elegant on a holiday dessert table and can be made ahead, so you’re not stuck in the kitchen during the party. They’re easy enough for beginners and impressive enough for guests.
Think of your favorite winter drink turned into a party-ready treat, with a creamy chocolate base and cool peppermint flavor. They’re a fun twist on a classic and taste just like Christmas. Pick these if you want a cozy, crowd-pleasing shot glass dessert with very little fuss.
Fluffy angel food cake, cheesecake mousse, and fresh strawberries make a light, fruity shooter in festive red and white. Because they’re no-bake, they’re an easy way to feed a crowd without turning on the oven. Choose these if you want something fresh to balance all the heavy chocolate and peppermint treats.
These sparkling little cheesecake shooters pair creamy white chocolate with bubbly champagne flavor. They’re a pretty, celebratory option that works for Christmas parties and New Year’s Eve alike. Pick this one if you want your dessert table to feel a little extra fancy.
These edible cookie shot glasses are filled with milk, cream, or Baileys for a playful milk-and-cookies twist. Guests get to eat the cup, so there’s less to clean up and plenty to talk about. They’re a great pick if you want a Christmas shooter dessert that’s fun for kids and adults.
Inspired by the classic Linzer cookie, these shots mix nutty and fruity flavors for a bright, bakery-style treat. They add a pop of color to your Christmas dessert table and feel more special than a standard pudding cup. Choose them when you want something a little different from the usual chocolate and mint.
Creamy, minty, and crunchy with Oreo cookie crumbles, these pudding shots taste like a holiday ice cream sundae in a cup. They come together quickly and always disappear fast at parties. Pick this one for an easy shot glass dessert with big flavor and a fun texture.
Creamy pudding meets the rich, spiced flavor of eggnog, with a touch of rum for the adults. They’re easy to make ahead, which makes them perfect for busy holiday hosts. Choose these if you love classic Christmas flavors and want a no-stress dessert for your party.
These festive pudding shots combine a smooth, creamy pudding base with holiday liqueur for a grown-up sweet treat. They’re quick to whip up and easy to dress up with sprinkles or crushed candy canes. Pick them when you need a last-minute Christmas shooter dessert that still looks festive.
These jello shots capture the warm, spicy flavor of gingerbread cookies in one festive bite. They’re a fun option for the adult table at holiday gatherings and make great conversation starters. Choose them if you want a cozy Christmas flavor with a boozy twist.
Bright green with a hint of citrus and sweetness, these jello shots are a playful nod to everyone’s favorite Christmas character. They’re eye-catching, easy to prep ahead, and great for Grinch-themed parties. Pick this one for a fun pop of color on your holiday spread.
Sweet, creamy, and pretty in pink, these peppermint jello shots have a smooth candy cane flavor that tastes like the holidays. They’re simple to make and photograph beautifully for your Christmas party. Choose them when you want a festive adults-only treat that looks as good as it tastes.
Creamy, sweet, and full of cinnamon flavor, these pudding shots are an easy grown-up dessert for holiday parties and after-dinner gatherings. They taste like cinnamon roll icing in a cup. Pick them if you want a no-fuss, make-ahead shot that adults will go back for.
This colorful, bubbly punch is sweet, kid-friendly, and easy to make in big batches. It’s a fun drink to serve alongside your Christmas dessert shots so everyone has something festive to sip. Pick this one when you need a simple crowd-pleaser for guests of all ages.
They’re mini layered desserts served in shot glasses or small cups, usually made with pudding, cheesecake, mousse, cookie crumbs, and holiday toppings.
How many dessert shots should I make per person?
Plan on 2 to 3 per guest if they’re the only dessert, or 1 to 2 if you’re serving cookies and other treats too.
Can I use plastic cups for Christmas shot glass desserts?
Yes. Clear plastic 2 to 3 oz dessert cups with spoons are easy for parties and cleanup, and the layers still show.
Are Christmas dessert shots alcohol-free?
The creamy ones can be. Jello and pudding shots often contain alcohol, so label them or keep them on a separate tray.
Festive Christmas Dessert Ideas to Try Next
Be sure to check out these other festive Christmas ideas to make your holiday celebrations even sweeter!
Perfect for any party, these quick-to-assemble Easy Dessert Shooters deliver layers of flavor and look stunning on your dessert table.
Serve more bite-sized sweets with these Mini Dessert Recipes, perfect for holiday parties, cookie exchanges, and dessert tables.
Ring in the new year with a touch of sparkle. These creamy cheesecake layers paired with bubbly flavor make the ultimate celebratory dessert with New Year’s Champagne Cheesecake Shooters.
Add a little extra cheer to your menu with festive Christmas Cocktail Recipes like peppermint martinis, cranberry mimosas, and creamy eggnog cocktails.
Reesa Lewandowski is the creator of Momma Lew, a New Jersey-based food blog where she shares easy, family-friendly recipes inspired by everyday life. A mom of two teenagers and a self-taught cook and baker, Reesa has spent over a decade developing simple, approachable meals—from quick weeknight dinners to festive desserts—all tested in her own kitchen. Her recipes focus on comfort food with a modern twist, seasonal favorites, and stress-free baking. Drawing inspiration from her Jersey roots, Reesa’s goal is to help busy families enjoy delicious meals without the fuss.
