Easy Candy Cane Jello Shots Recipe

Some treats bring together the festive spirit and indulgence in a fun and exciting way. Easy Candy Cane Jello Shots do just that! This holiday-inspired treat adds a little zing to your celebrations with the vibrant flavors of peppermint and the creamy finish of whipped cream, all packed into a convenient, bite-sized shot. These colorful, fun shots are perfect for a holiday party, New Year’s Eve, or any celebration that calls for a festive touch.

The first time I made these Candy Cane Jello Shots, it was for a Christmas get-together with friends. I was looking for a unique way to bring a festive twist to the party, and these jello shots instantly caught everyone’s eye. They were a hit! The sweet, minty taste of candy canes combined with the creamy texture of whipped topping made them the perfect holiday treat. Watching everyone’s surprise when they tasted the shots for the first time made it clear—I had stumbled upon a new holiday tradition.

These Easy Candy Cane Jello Shots take less than 30 minutes to prepare (not including chilling time), making them a quick and festive addition to any holiday party spread. Whether you’re a seasoned mixologist or a beginner, these shots are easy to make, and even easier to enjoy!

Why This Easy Candy Cane Jello Shots Recipe Works
Selling Points:

• Festive and Fun: The red-and-white candy cane colors make these shots the perfect holiday treat.
• Minty and Creamy: A blend of peppermint and whipped cream gives these shots a smooth and refreshing flavor.
• Quick and Easy: Simple to prepare and can be made in advance, leaving you more time to enjoy the party.
• Customizable: Adjust the alcohol or make a non-alcoholic version to fit everyone’s preferences.
• Perfect for Parties: These shots are always a crowd-pleaser and will bring a playful vibe to your holiday celebrations.

What You Need for Easy Candy Cane Jello Shots
Ingredients:

• 1 (3 oz) box of cherry Jello
• 1 cup boiling water
• 1/2 cup cold water
• 1/2 cup peppermint schnapps
• 1/2 cup whipped cream (or heavy cream for a richer version)
• 1/4 cup sweetened condensed milk
• 12 mini candy canes (for garnish)
• Optional: Red and white sprinkles for decoration

How to Make Easy Candy Cane Jello Shots

1. Prepare the Jello Base:
   In a medium mixing bowl, dissolve the cherry Jello mix in 1 cup of boiling water, stirring until fully dissolved. Add 1/2 cup of cold water and 1/2 cup of peppermint schnapps to the mixture. Stir until well combined.
2. Pour into Shot Glasses:
   Carefully pour the Jello mixture into small plastic or silicone shot glasses, filling each about halfway. Place the shot glasses on a tray and refrigerate them for at least 2 hours or until the Jello sets.
3. Prepare the Cream Layer:
   In a separate bowl, combine the whipped cream (or heavy cream) and sweetened condensed milk. Stir until smooth and well combined.
4. Add the Cream Layer:
   Once the Jello shots are fully set, gently spoon or pipe the cream mixture on top of the Jello layer, filling the remaining space in each shot glass.
5. Chill Again:
   Return the shot glasses to the refrigerator for another 1-2 hours, or until the cream layer is firm.
6. Garnish and Serve:
   Just before serving, crush the mini candy canes and sprinkle the pieces on top of the shots. Optionally, add a little red and white sprinkle for a festive touch. Serve cold and enjoy!

Tips for the Perfect Candy Cane Jello Shots

• Use Silicone Shot Glasses: These are easy to pop the Jello shots out of and give them a fun, neat look.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare these shots a day in advance, so they’re ready when you need them.
• Alcohol-Free Version: Skip the peppermint schnapps and replace it with additional cold water or a flavored soda for a non-alcoholic treat.
• Vary the Flavors: For a twist, you can try using a different Jello flavor (like raspberry or strawberry) and pair it with a different liqueur, such as vanilla vodka.
• Whipped Topping for Extra Flair: Top the cream layer with a dollop of whipped cream before serving for extra creaminess.

Substitutions and Variations

• Candy Cane Vodka: If you want a stronger peppermint flavor, swap the peppermint schnapps for candy cane vodka.
• Pudding Layer: Try adding a layer of white chocolate pudding mix to the cream layer for a richer, more decadent shot.
• Chocolate Jello Shots: Swap the cherry Jello for chocolate pudding Jello to create a chocolate-mint combo, and pair it with mint liqueur or peppermint schnapps.

Make a Healthier Version

• Lower Sugar: Choose sugar-free Jello for fewer calories and sugar content.
• Dairy-Free: Use coconut cream or another non-dairy whipped cream alternative to make these shots dairy-free.
• Non-Alcoholic Version: Skip the schnapps altogether, and replace it with flavored sparkling water for a festive, refreshing drink.

Closing for Easy Candy Cane Jello Shots
Easy Candy Cane Jello Shots are the ultimate way to add some festive cheer to your holiday celebrations. With their fun red and white layers, refreshing minty flavor, and creamy finish, these shots are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re hosting a Christmas party, ringing in the New Year, or simply looking for a fun way to celebrate, these shots are sure to bring a smile to everyone’s face. So grab your ingredients, get your shot glasses ready, and get ready to toast to the season!

Frequently Asked Questions for Easy Candy Cane Jello Shots

Can I make these Jello shots in advance?
Yes! These Jello shots can be made 1-2 days ahead of time. Just store them in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.

Can I make these without alcohol?
Absolutely! Just replace the peppermint schnapps with additional cold water or a flavored soda for a non-alcoholic version.

How long do these Jello shots last?
They should last about 3-5 days in the refrigerator if stored properly in an airtight container.

Can I use regular Jello instead of flavored Jello?
Yes! You can experiment with different Jello flavors, but keep in mind that the color and flavor will change based on your choice.

Can I use larger cups or glasses?
Sure! If you want to make larger portions, just adjust the chilling time accordingly.

These Easy Candy Cane Jello Shots are a festive, fun, and delicious way to enjoy the holidays. Cheers to holiday cheer, peppermint flavor, and unforgettable memories!

Easy Candy Cane Jello Shots Recipe

Recipe by Aisha DevCourse: All Recipes

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

30

minutes

Cooking time

40

minutes

Calories

300

kcal

Ingredients

• 1 (3 oz) box of cherry Jello

• 1 cup boiling water

• 1/2 cup cold water

• 1/2 cup peppermint schnapps

• 1/2 cup whipped cream (or heavy cream for a richer version)

• 1/4 cup sweetened condensed milk

• 12 mini candy canes (for garnish)

• Optional: Red and white sprinkles for decoration

Directions

• Prepare the Jello Base:
• In a medium mixing bowl, dissolve the cherry Jello mix in 1 cup of boiling water, stirring until fully dissolved. Add 1/2 cup of cold water and 1/2 cup of peppermint schnapps to the mixture. Stir until well combined.
• Pour into Shot Glasses:
• Carefully pour the Jello mixture into small plastic or silicone shot glasses, filling each about halfway. Place the shot glasses on a tray and refrigerate them for at least 2 hours or until the Jello sets.
• Prepare the Cream Layer:
• In a separate bowl, combine the whipped cream (or heavy cream) and sweetened condensed milk. Stir until smooth and well combined.
• Add the Cream Layer:
• Once the Jello shots are fully set, gently spoon or pipe the cream mixture on top of the Jello layer, filling the remaining space in each shot glass.
• Chill Again:
• Return the shot glasses to the refrigerator for another 1-2 hours, or until the cream layer is firm.
• Garnish and Serve:
• Just before serving, crush the mini candy canes and sprinkle the pieces on top of the shots. Optionally, add a little red and white sprinkle for a festive touch. Serve cold and enjoy!