Christmas Dessert Shots

If you’re looking for a fun and creative way to serve dessert this holiday season, Christmas dessert shots are a festive crowd-pleaser.

These mini layered treats are full of seasonal flavors—perfect for parties, cookie exchanges, or cozy nights by the tree.

Each bite offers a taste of the holidays, from chocolate and peppermint to eggnog and caramel.

Because these Christmas desserts are served in small glasses, cleanup is simple and portions stay manageable.

Whether you’re hosting a big gathering or just adding a sweet touch to family dinner, these desserts bring a little holiday cheer to every table.

A collage of festive Christmas dessert shots in small glasses, topped with whipped cream, sprinkles, cookies, candy canes, and holiday decorations, with the text “Christmas Dessert Shots” in the center.

Don’t Forget To…

  • Scroll down to print the full recipe with step-by-step instructions and exact measurements.
  • Check out my Kitchen Essentials for the pans, mixing bowls, and baking tools I use to make this recipe a breeze.
  • Save or share this recipe on Pinterest!

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Tips & Tricks for Perfect Christmas Dessert Shots

  • Use clear cups or shot glasses so your layers shine—presentation makes all the difference!
  • Pipe your fillings with a pastry bag or zip-top bag for clean, even layers.
  • Chill between layers to keep the textures neat and defined, especially for pudding or mousse-based desserts.
  • Balance flavors and textures—mix creamy fillings with crunchy cookie crumbs or fruit compotes.
  • Add festive touches like whipped cream, sprinkles, candy cane bits, or chocolate curls just before serving for a holiday-ready look.
  • You can assemble dessert shots up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate them, covered with plastic wrap or lids.
  • Leave whipped cream or toppings off until right before serving to keep them fresh and fluffy.
  • For freezer-friendly versions, freeze the base layers only (like mousse or cheesecake) and thaw in the fridge before adding final toppings.
  • Store assembled dessert shots in a covered tray or airtight container to prevent flavors from absorbing fridge odors.

What to Serve with Christmas Dessert Shots

Serve your mini desserts alongside Christmas cookies, bite-sized brownies, or mini cupcakes for a fun dessert sampler spread. They also pair perfectly with warm hot chocolate, a peppermint mocha, or a festive Christmas punch for guests who want something to sip on.

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How far in advance can I make dessert shots?

You can make them up to 24 hours ahead. Just keep them covered in the refrigerator and add whipped cream or toppings right before serving.

Can I make them non-alcoholic?

Absolutely! Most Christmas dessert shots are alcohol-free, but you can swap in rum extract, coffee, or flavored syrups for that festive touch.

How do I transport dessert shots to a party?

Place them in a deep tray or cupcake carrier, cover with plastic wrap, and keep them chilled until ready to serve.

Get ahead this season with Easy Make-Ahead Desserts for Christmas — your ebook full of crowd-pleasing treats you can prep now so you can enjoy the magic later.Get ahead this season with Easy Make-Ahead Desserts for Christmas — your ebook full of crowd-pleasing treats you can prep now so you can enjoy the magic later.Get ahead this season with Easy Make-Ahead Desserts for Christmas — your ebook full of crowd-pleasing treats you can prep now so you can enjoy the magic later.

 

Stay organized and stress-free this holiday season with the Christmas Baking Planner — your go-to guide for effortless, joy-filled Christmas baking!Stay organized and stress-free this holiday season with the Christmas Baking Planner — your go-to guide for effortless, joy-filled Christmas baking!Stay organized and stress-free this holiday season with the Christmas Baking Planner — your go-to guide for effortless, joy-filled Christmas baking!

 

A collage of various colorful Christmas dessert shots in small cups, topped with festive decorations like whipped cream, sprinkles, candy canes, and gingerbread cookies. Text reads: “Christmas Dessert Shots. Celebrate the season with these fun and festive recipes!”.

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.
  • 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.

Must Try Christmas Dessert Shots

1
Apple Pie Shot Recipe
funmoneymom.com
Apple Pie Shot Recipe
Capture the cozy taste of apple pie in a glass with this easy Apple Pie Shot recipe. Made with warm cinnamon and sweet apple flavors, it’s perfect for holiday parties or Thanksgiving gatherings.
Check out this recipe
2
Chocolate Mousse Cups
playpartyplan.com
Chocolate Mousse Cups
These Chocolate Mousse Cups are rich, creamy, and made for chocolate lovers. Serve them in mini cups for an elegant yet easy make-ahead dessert everyone will adore.
Check out this recipe
3
Hot Chocolate Peppermint Shots
spabettie.com
Hot Chocolate Peppermint Shots
Turn a classic winter drink into a party-ready treat with Hot Chocolate Peppermint Shots. The creamy chocolate base and cool peppermint flavor make every sip taste like Christmas cheer.
Check out this recipe
4
Gumdrop Christmas Punch
thesoccermomblog.com
Gumdrop Christmas Punch
Gumdrop Christmas Punch is a colorful, kid-friendly drink that brightens up any holiday celebration. It’s sweet, bubbly, and easy to make in big batches for festive gatherings.
Check out this recipe
5
Gingerbread Jello Shots
thesoccermomblog.com
Gingerbread Jello Shots
Add some holiday spice to your party with Gingerbread Jello Shots! These fun and boozy treats capture the flavors of gingerbread cookies in one festive bite.
Check out this recipe
6
Easy Grinch Jello Shots
recipesfromapantry.com
Easy Grinch Jello Shots
These Easy Grinch Jello Shots bring a mischievous touch to your Christmas party! Bright green with a hint of citrus and sweetness, they’re a playful nod to everyone’s favorite holiday character.
Check out this recipe
7
Pink Peppermint Jello Shots
xoxobella.com
Pink Peppermint Jello Shots
Sweet, creamy, and perfectly pink—these Pink Peppermint Jello Shots are a must for your holiday celebrations. They combine smooth peppermint flavor with a festive, eye-catching look.
Check out this recipe
8
Raspberry Linzer Cookie Shots
xoxobella.com
Raspberry Linzer Cookie Shots
Inspired by the classic cookie, Raspberry Linzer Cookie Shots are a delicious mix of nutty and fruity flavors. These mini dessert shots make a stunning addition to any Christmas dessert table.
Check out this recipe
9
Rumchata pudding shots
balancingmotherhood.com
Rumchata pudding shots
Creamy, sweet, and packed with cinnamon flavor, RumChata Pudding Shots are an irresistible grown-up dessert. They’re perfect for serving at holiday parties or after-dinner gatherings.
Check out this recipe
10
Eggnog Pudding Shots
sugarandsoul.co
Eggnog Pudding Shots
Eggnog Pudding Shots combine creamy pudding with the rich holiday flavor of eggnog and a touch of rum. They’re festive, boozy, and so easy to make ahead for Christmas parties.
Check out this recipe
11
Mint Oreo Pudding Shots
bitzngiggles.com
Mint Oreo Pudding Shots
Mint Oreo Pudding Shots are a creamy and crunchy treat that’s as fun as it is delicious. With layers of minty flavor and cookie crumbles, they’re the perfect winter party dessert.
Check out this recipe
12
Christmas Pudding Shots
myheavenlyrecipes.com
Christmas Pudding Shots
These Christmas Pudding Shots are a festive mix of creamy pudding and holiday liqueur. They’re quick to whip up and add a touch of cheer to your dessert table.
Check out this recipe
13
Three cookie cups with chocolate chips are shaped like cups, each rimmed with chocolate, filled with milk, and have a blue-striped straw inside. More cookie cups are blurred in the background.
princesspinkygirl.com
Chocolate Chip Cookie Shooters
Serve up milk and cookies with a twist using these Chocolate Chip Cookie Shooters! Edible cookie shot glasses filled with milk, cream, or Baileys make for a playful and tasty treat.
Check out this recipe
14
Santa Strawberry Angel Food Cheesecake Shooters
bethbryan.com
Santa Strawberry Angel Food Cheesecake Shooters
Light, creamy, and perfectly festive, these Santa Strawberry Angel Food Cheesecake Shooters are a no-bake holiday favorite. Layers of fluffy cake, cheesecake mousse, and strawberries make each bite irresistible.
Check out this recipe
15
White Chocolate Champagne Cheesecake Shooters
thefirstyearblog.com
White Chocolate Champagne Cheesecake Shooters
White Chocolate Champagne Cheesecake Shooters are a sparkling way to celebrate the season. With creamy white chocolate and bubbly champagne flavor, they’re the ultimate New Year’s dessert.
Check out this recipe

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