Indulge in Festive Fun: Boozy Christmas Sugar Cookie Jello Shots with Baileys, Butterscotch & Kahlua

Get ready to add a splash of adult-only fun to your holiday festivities with these incredible Christmas Sugar Cookie Jello Shots! Imagine the comforting, sweet flavor of a classic sugar cookie, transformed into a delightful, jiggly shot with a grown-up twist. Crafted with a magical blend of Baileys Irish Cream, Butterscotch Schnapps, and Kahlua, these creamy, dreamy treats are designed to be the star of your holiday party, guaranteed to bring smiles and festive cheer.

Just like our beloved Christmas Cookie Cocktail, these jello shots capture the essence of a classic Christmas sugar cookie in every sweet, boozy bite. They are the perfect way to offer a unique and memorable dessert or cocktail option that will have your guests asking for the recipe. And the best part? They are incredibly simple to prepare, making them an ideal choice for even the busiest holiday host.

Why These Sugar Cookie Jello Shots Are Your New Holiday Favorite

If you’ve enjoyed our other festive creations like the Layered Christmas Jello Shots, playful Grinch Jello Shots, or charming Santa Hat Jello Shots, you already know how effortlessly delicious our holiday recipes can be. These sugar cookie-inspired shots are no exception. They are super simple to make, requiring minimal effort for maximum impact. If you can boil a pot of water and stir, you can create these unbelievably tasty and festive Christmas jello shots that will impress all your adult guests.

Beyond their ease of preparation, these jello shots offer a unique flavor profile that truly sets them apart. The combination of creamy liqueurs perfectly mimics the rich, buttery taste of a freshly baked sugar cookie, making them a comforting yet exciting indulgence. They’re visually appealing with their festive toppings, making them a delightful addition to any dessert table or bar cart. Plus, they can be made well in advance, freeing you up to enjoy your party without last-minute stress. They are truly the quintessential adult holiday treat!

Key Ingredients for the Perfect Sugar Cookie Flavor

This section provides detailed ingredient notes and convenient substitution options. For precise measurements and step-by-step instructions, please refer to the printable recipe card located at the end of this post.

• Unflavored Gelatin: This is the backbone of any jello shot! We typically use Knox Gelatine, but any generic brand with standard 0.25-ounce (7g) packets should work perfectly. Make sure it’s unflavored to let the delightful cookie liqueurs shine through.
• Baileys Irish Cream: A true holiday classic! This sweet, creamy, whiskey-based liqueur brings a luscious vanilla and subtle chocolate flavor that forms the rich, dairy-like base of our “sugar cookie” taste. It adds essential creaminess and a hint of warmth.
• Butterscotch Schnapps: For that distinctive buttery, caramelized sugar note found in a classic sugar cookie. We highly recommend De Kuyper’s Buttershots for its authentic and smooth butterscotch flavor, which is key to achieving that desired cookie taste profile.
• Kahlua Coffee Liqueur: While it might seem unconventional for a “sugar cookie” flavor, Kahlua (a rum-based coffee liqueur with sweet vanilla hints) adds a wonderful depth and warmth. It doesn’t make the shots taste like coffee, but rather enhances the richness and complexity, completing the authentic sugar cookie experience without overpowering.
• Water: Essential for dissolving the gelatin and creating the jello base. Room temperature water is used initially for blooming, followed by heating.
• Whipped Cream: Not just a garnish, whipped cream adds an additional layer of sweetness and creaminess, enhancing the dessert-like quality of the shots. It’s also crucial for dressing them up festively for your holiday party.
• Christmas Sprinkles: Purely for fun and festive flair! Red and green jimmies or themed sprinkles instantly transform these shots into holiday showstoppers. Don’t skip these for that extra visual appeal.

Essential Tips for Making Flawless Jello Shots

Crafting perfect jello shots is easy when you know a few tricks. Follow these expert tips to ensure your Christmas Sugar Cookie Jello Shots turn out beautifully set, delicious, and ready to impress!

• Don’t Skip the “Blooming” Step: This is absolutely crucial! Before heating, sprinkle your unflavored gelatin over room temperature water and let it sit for about 5 minutes. This process, known as “blooming,” softens the gelatin powder, allowing it to dissolve completely and evenly when heated. Skipping this can result in grainy or poorly set jello shots.
• Plan Ahead for Setting Time: For best results and peace of mind, make your jello shots the day before your party or event. This provides ample time (at least 2-3 hours, but overnight is ideal) for them to set perfectly firm, ensuring they hold their shape and have the right texture.
• Use a Spouted Measuring Cup for Easy Pouring: To minimize mess and ensure even distribution, pour your liquid mixture into a glass measuring cup with a spout. This makes it incredibly easy to fill individual shot glasses or plastic cups without spills.
• Utilize a Baking Pan for Transportation: Arranging your jello shot cups in a baking pan (or on a tray with raised edges) before filling them makes them much easier to carry to and from the refrigerator. This prevents accidental spills and keeps everything organized, especially when dealing with multiple shots.
• Understand Your Yield: This recipe is designed to yield approximately 20-24 standard (2-ounce) plastic jello shot cups, depending on how high you fill each one. If you opt for larger cups or glass shooters, the recipe will naturally yield fewer shots. Adjust your quantities if you need a specific number for your gathering.
• Proper Storage is Key: Always refrigerate your jello shots until you are ready to serve them. Store them covered to prevent them from drying out or absorbing other refrigerator odors. They will stay fresh and perfectly set for up to 3-5 days in the fridge.
• Chill Your Liquors: While not strictly necessary, chilling your Baileys, Butterscotch Schnapps, and Kahlua before mixing can help the overall mixture cool down faster, potentially reducing setting time slightly.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Craft Your Christmas Sugar Cookie Jello Shots

Making these festive jello shots is a breeze! Here’s a detailed walkthrough to ensure your success:

1. Bloom the Gelatin: In a medium saucepan, pour 2 cups of water. Evenly sprinkle the 4 envelopes of unflavored gelatin over the surface of the water. Do not stir it in immediately. Let it sit undisturbed for 5 minutes. This “blooming” process is essential for the gelatin to properly hydrate and dissolve smoothly, preventing any grainy texture in your finished shots.
2. Gently Heat and Dissolve: After blooming, place the saucepan over medium heat. Whisk continuously for about 2 minutes, or until all the gelatin powder is completely dissolved and the mixture is clear. It’s crucial not to let the water come to a boil, as excessive heat can weaken the gelatin’s setting power and affect the flavor of the liqueurs later. Just bring it to a gentle warmth where the gelatin melts.
3. Mix in the Liqueurs and Pour: Remove the pot from the heat immediately. Stir in the 1 cup of Baileys Irish Cream, ½ cup of Butterscotch Schnapps, and ½ cup of Kahlua. Whisk until thoroughly combined. Carefully pour the mixture evenly into your prepared shot cups. If using a baking pan for convenience, now is when it really helps!
4. Chill Until Set: Transfer the filled shot cups in their baking pan to the refrigerator. Allow them to chill until completely set, which typically takes about 2-3 hours. For best firmness, especially if making them for a party, refrigerating them overnight is ideal.
5. Garnish and Serve: Just before serving, top each set jello shot with a generous dollop of whipped cream and a festive sprinkle of Christmas-themed jimmies. The combination of creamy topping and crunchy sprinkles adds both visual appeal and an extra layer of sweetness that truly makes these shots feel like a dessert.

Variations and Customizations for Your Festive Shots

While this recipe is perfect as is, you can easily customize these Christmas Sugar Cookie Jello Shots to suit different tastes or occasions:

• Non-Alcoholic Version: To make a family-friendly version, simply omit the liqueurs. Instead, use 1 cup of warmed milk or cream, and add 1/2 cup of sugar cookie flavored syrup (like Torani) and 1/2 cup of a caramel or vanilla flavored coffee creamer. Adjust sweetness to taste.
• Flavor Twists: Experiment with different liqueurs! A splash of vanilla vodka could enhance the cookie flavor, or a touch of almond liqueur could add another layer of richness.
• Different Garnishes: Beyond whipped cream and sprinkles, consider finely crushed shortbread cookies, a drizzle of caramel sauce, or a dusting of cinnamon for alternative festive toppings.
• Layered Shots: For an extra impressive look, you could create distinct layers. Allow one layer to partially set before carefully pouring the next.

Frequently Asked Questions About Christmas Sugar Cookie Jello Shots

Got questions? We’ve got answers to help you master these holiday treats:

• Can I make these jello shots ahead of time? Absolutely! In fact, we highly recommend it. Making them the day before ensures they have plenty of time to set perfectly and frees up your time on party day. They can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-5 days.
• How long do these jello shots last? When properly stored in airtight containers in the refrigerator, these boozy jello shots will stay fresh and firm for up to 3 to 5 days.
• Can I use flavored gelatin? For this specific “sugar cookie” flavor profile, unflavored gelatin is essential. Flavored gelatin would overpower the delicate balance of the liqueurs. If you want a different flavor, it’s best to find a recipe specifically designed for flavored gelatin.
• What if my jello shots don’t set? The most common reasons for jello shots not setting are not blooming the gelatin correctly, boiling the gelatin mixture (which can degrade the protein), or adding too much alcohol. Ensure you follow the blooming and heating steps carefully and measure your liqueurs accurately.
• Are these very strong? The alcohol content is distributed across 20-24 shots. While they contain a significant amount of alcohol, they are designed to be a sweet, enjoyable treat rather than a pure shot. Always consume responsibly!

More Christmas Party Drink Ideas

Looking for more festive sips to complement your holiday spread? Check out these other delightful recipes:

• Gingerbread Cookie Cocktail
• Cranberry Mimosa
• Vodka Cranberry Cocktail
• Christmas Punch

Christmas Cookie Jello Shots Recipe

Author: Jaclyn

Rating: 4.45 from 109 votes

• Prep Time: 5 mins
• Cook Time: 10 mins
• Set Time: 3 hrs
• Total Time: 3 hrs 20 mins

Christmas Sugar Cookie Jello Shots with Baileys Irish Cream, Butterscotch Schnapps, and Kahlua are a sweet Christmas treat for the grown-ups.

Servings: 22 jello shots

Ingredients

• 4 envelopes unflavored gelatin (such as Knox, 1 ounce total)
• 2 cups water
• 1 cup Baileys Irish Cream (8 ounces)
• ½ cup Butterscotch Schnapps (4 ounces)
• ½ cup Kahlua Coffee Liqueur (4 ounces)
• Whipped cream for topping
• Christmas Sprinkles for topping

Instructions

1. Add water to a medium saucepan. Sprinkle gelatin on top of the water and allow it to sit for 5 minutes to allow the gelatin to “bloom”.
2. Heat over medium heat, whisking until the gelatin powder is dissolved, about 2 minutes. Do not let the water come to a boil!
3. Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the Baileys, butterscotch schnapps, and Kahlua. Pour evenly into shot cups and refrigerate until set, about 2-3 hours (or overnight).
4. Before serving, top each shot with whipped cream and sprinkles.

Notes

• I recommend making your jello shots the day before your party or celebration to give them plenty of time to set.
• Place your jello shot cups in a baking pan to make them easy to carry to and from the fridge.
• Refrigerate jello shots until serving.
• This recipe yields enough for about 22 (2-ounce) plastic jello shot cups. If you are using large cups or glass shooters the recipe will yield less.
• You can halve the recipe for a smaller batch by using 1 cup of water, 2 packets of gelatin, 1/2 cup Baileys, and 1/4 cup each of Kahula and the schnapps.

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 70kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.01g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.04g | Cholesterol: 1mg | Sodium: 4mg | Potassium: 1mg | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 5IU | Calcium: 2mg | Iron: 0.01mg

This recipe was carefully revised on 12/16/22 after further testing, ensuring improved texture and an even more delightful taste for these Christmas Sugar Cookie Jello Shots.