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Peppermint chocolate jello shots topped with whipped cream, crushed candy cane and chocolate shavings for Christmas.

Easy Peppermint Chocolate Jello Shots for Christmas Parties

Creamy chocolate gelatin shots flavored with chocolate liqueur and peppermint schnapps, then topped with whipped cream, crushed candy cane, and chocolate shavings for an easy adults-only Christmas party treat.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Servings: 16 shots
Course: Drinks
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • Chocolate Peppermint Jello Shots
  • - 1½ cups 360ml whole milk, divided
  • - 2 packets about 14g total unflavored powdered gelatin
  • - ¼ cup 25g unsweetened Dutch-process cocoa powder
  • - ¼ cup 50g granulated sugar
  • - 3 oz 85g semi-sweet chocolate, finely chopped
  • - ½ cup 120ml chocolate liqueur
  • - ¼ cup 60ml peppermint schnapps
  • - ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • - Small pinch fine salt
  • Topping
  • - 1 cup whipped cream
  • - 2 standard candy canes finely crushed
  • - 1 oz 28g semi-sweet or dark chocolate, shaved

Method
 

  1. Arrange approximately 16 small 2-ounce cups on a rimmed tray.
  2. Pour ½ cup cold milk into a medium saucepan.
  3. Sprinkle gelatin evenly over the cold milk and let bloom for 5 minutes.
  4. Add the remaining 1 cup milk.
  5. Whisk in cocoa powder and sugar.
  6. Heat over medium-low, whisking frequently, until the sugar and gelatin have dissolved. Do not boil.
  7. Remove from heat and add the chopped semi-sweet chocolate.
  8. Let stand for approximately 30 seconds, then whisk until smooth.
  9. Cool for approximately 5–10 minutes.
  10. Whisk in chocolate liqueur.
  11. Whisk in peppermint schnapps.
  12. Stir in vanilla and salt.
  13. Divide evenly among the prepared cups, leaving room at the top.
  14. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until completely set.
  15. Shortly before serving, top each with a modest swirl of whipped cream.
  16. Sprinkle with finely crushed candy cane.
  17. Finish with a few chocolate shavings.
  18. Keep refrigerated until serving.
  19. Serve only to adults legally permitted to consume alcohol.

Notes

  • Don't boil the gelatin mixture.
  • Allow the chocolate mixture to cool slightly before adding alcohol.
  • Don't increase the alcohol without reformulating the recipe because excessive alcohol can interfere with setting.
  • Add crushed candy cane close to serving time.
  • Make the untopped shots up to approximately 2 days ahead.
  • Store covered and refrigerated.
  • Freezing isn't recommended.
  • This recipe contains alcohol and is intended only for adults of legal drinking age.
  • Keep alcoholic shots clearly labeled and physically separate from non-alcoholic desserts.
  • For an alcohol-free version, replace the alcoholic liquid with additional milk and use a very small amount of peppermint extract for flavor.