Okay, so you’re heading to a holiday party and need something FAST, right? I get it! Everyone loves a good dessert, but who has time to bake elaborate cakes? That’s where my Eggnog Pudding Shots come in. Seriously, these are ridiculously easy, and they’re always a HUGE hit.

I brought these little guys to my friend Sarah’s Christmas party last year, and they were gone in, like, 10 minutes! People were raving about how festive and delicious they were. What they didn’t know? They took me maybe 10 minutes to whip up! I’ve been making variations of pudding shots for yeeeears, but trust me, these Eggnog Pudding Shots are where it’s at for a holiday gathering. So easy, so yummy, and they look so cute all lined up on a platter!

Why You’ll Love These Eggnog Pudding Shots

Seriously, what’s NOT to love? These little guys are the perfect holiday treat. I mean, check it out:

Quick and Easy Holiday Treat

Five minutes of prep? You read that right! That’s all it takes to get these babies ready to chill.

Perfect for Parties

Individual servings are where it’s at! No messy slicing, and they’re super easy to transport. Plus, everyone gets their own little cup of joy!

Make-Ahead Convenience

Holiday season is crazy, I know. That’s why these are awesome – make ’em a day or two before, and you’re good to go! One less thing to stress about.

What You’ll Need to Make Eggnog Pudding Shots

Okay, let’s gather our supplies! These Eggnog Pudding Shots are so simple, you probably have most of this stuff already. Here’s the lowdown:

Pudding Mix

You’ll want one 3.4 oz box of INSTANT vanilla pudding mix. Make sure it’s instant, not cook-and-serve. Trust me on this one!

Eggnog

Grab 1 1/4 cup of your favorite eggnog. And make sure it’s COLD! This helps the pudding set up properly.

Spiced Rum

3/4 cup of spiced rum adds that little kick! Again, cold is key. I like to keep mine in the fridge.

Cool Whip

You’ll need 4 ounces of Cool Whip. Make SURE it’s thawed, or you’ll end up with lumpy pudding shots. Nobody wants that!

How to Make Eggnog Pudding Shots

Alright, time to get down to business! These Eggnog Pudding Shots are seriously easy. Just follow these steps, and you’ll be the hero of the party!

Combine Ingredients

Grab a medium-sized bowl, and toss in your instant vanilla pudding mix, cold eggnog, and cold spiced rum. Now, whisk like you mean it for about 2 minutes. You want to make sure everything is well combined and there are no lumps of pudding mix hanging out.

Fold in Cool Whip

Now, gently fold in that thawed Cool Whip. Don’t just dump it in and start stirring like crazy! You want to be gentle so you don’t deflate the Cool Whip. Whisk it until everything is smooth and creamy. Yum!

Portion and Chill

Okay, here’s where the magic happens. Grab your shot glasses (or those little condiment containers with lids – those are awesome!). Use a medium cookie scoop to portion the pudding evenly into each container. You should get about 28 shots. Pop those babies in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to chill. Trust me, they’re WAY better cold!

Tips for the Best Eggnog Pudding Shots

Want to take your Eggnog Pudding Shots from “good” to “OMG amazing?” Here’s what I’ve learned over the years…

Achieve the Perfect Texture of Your Eggnog Pudding Shots

Okay, so you like a lighter, mousse-like texture? I totally get it! Use a full 8-ounce tub of Cool Whip instead of just half. It makes them extra fluffy and dreamy!

Garnishing Your Eggnog Pudding Shots for Extra Flair

Presentation is everything, right? A dash of cinnamon or nutmeg on top adds a little somethin’ somethin’. Or, go wild with a swirl of whipped cream, half a cinnamon stick, or even some festive sprinkles! Make ’em pretty!

Eggnog Pudding Shots Variations

Okay, so maybe you want to switch things up a bit? I’m all for it! Here are a couple of ideas to get your creative juices flowing. Don’t be afraid to experiment!

Non-Alcoholic Eggnog Pudding Shots

Want to make these kid-friendly? No problem! Just skip the spiced rum and add a teaspoon or two of rum extract. Or, you can just use more eggnog! They’ll still be delicious, I promise!

Flavor Variations for Your Eggnog Pudding Shots

Feeling adventurous? Try adding a pinch of cardamom or cloves to the pudding mixture. It’ll give them a warm, spicy kick that’s totally festive! My favorite is a little bit of nutmeg. Mmm!

Serving Suggestions for Your Eggnog Pudding Shots

Okay, so you’ve got your Eggnog Pudding Shots all made and chilled. What next? Here are a few ideas to make them even MORE amazing!

Complementary Desserts to Eggnog Pudding Shots

These go GREAT with cookies! Think gingerbread, shortbread, or even just some good old chocolate chip. Anything that complements that eggnog flavor, ya know?

Drink Pairing Suggestions for Eggnog Pudding Shots

Coffee, anyone? A warm cup of joe is the perfect counterpoint to these chilled treats. Or, go all-in on the holiday cheer with some festive cocktails! Just be careful mixing your drinks, okay?

Storing Your Eggnog Pudding Shots

Made too many Eggnog Pudding Shots? (Is that even possible?!) No worries! Here’s the deal on keeping those little guys fresh.

Refrigeration Instructions for Eggnog Pudding Shots

These are best enjoyed within 2-3 days, okay? Keep ’em in the fridge, covered, and they’ll be just as delicious as the day you made ’em…maybe even better! After that, they might start to get a little…weird. So, eat up!

Frequently Asked Questions About Eggnog Pudding Shots

Got questions about these little guys? I got you! Here are some of the most common questions I get asked about my Eggnog Pudding Shots.

Can I make Eggnog Pudding Shots ahead of time?

Oh, you BETCHA! In fact, I HIGHLY recommend it! They’re actually best when they’ve had a little time to chill and let the flavors meld. So, yeah, make ’em a day or two in advance for maximum deliciousness.

Can I use a different type of alcohol in Eggnog Pudding Shots?

Absolutely! Spiced rum is my go-to, but feel free to experiment! Brandy or bourbon would also be amazing. Just keep in mind that it’ll change the flavor profile a bit, but hey, that’s the fun of it!

Are Eggnog Pudding Shots gluten-free?

Good question! It really depends on the pudding mix you use. So, check the label! Some instant pudding mixes are gluten-free, and some aren’t. Just do a quick check to be sure!

Nutritional Information for Eggnog Pudding Shots

Okay, so everyone always asks about the nutritional info. I get it! But listen, I’m a home cook, not a scientist! And honestly, it’s tough to give you exact numbers because it all depends on the brands you use, ya know?

Just keep in mind that these are a TREAT, not a health food! Everything in moderation, right? Enjoy them, have fun, and don’t sweat the small stuff! Seriously, it’s the holidays! Live a little!

Enjoy Your Eggnog Pudding Shots and Share the Holiday Cheer

Alright, go forth and enjoy those Eggnog Pudding Shots! And hey, if you make ’em, leave me a comment and let me know what you think, okay? Happy holidays, everyone!