If you’re looking for a festive and fun way to spice up your holiday parties, this Candy Cane Jello Shots Recipe is an absolute must-try. I absolutely love how these turn out—creamy, minty, just a hint of sweetness, and perfectly jiggly. Whether you’re a seasoned jello shot pro or making them for the first time, you’ll find this recipe straightforward and super rewarding. Ready to get festive with me? Let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Festive Flavor: The combination of peppermint schnapps and creaminess makes these jello shots perfectly seasonal and refreshing.
- Easy to Make: This recipe is quick, with just a few ingredients and simple steps that anyone can follow.
- Customizable Presentation: Add crushed mini candy canes or cute sprinkles to personalize and impress your guests.
- Kid of a Crowd-Pleaser: My family goes crazy for these every holiday season, making them a guaranteed hit at gatherings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic in this Candy Cane Jello Shots Recipe comes from the balance between gelatin, creamy condensed milk, and peppermint schnapps. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in texture and flavor, so stocking up on quality ingredients really pays off.
- Cold water: Use cold water to bloom your gelatin properly—that’s key for the perfect jello texture.
- Unflavored gelatin: This ensures your shots set just right without overpowering flavors.
- Sweetened condensed milk: Adds that creamy softness and a touch of sweetness that complements the peppermint beautifully.
- Peppermint schnapps: Make sure to pick a candy cane-flavored schnapps (red label) for that true minty taste.
- Red food coloring: Just a couple of drops will give your shots that charming pink tint reminiscent of candy cane stripes.
- Extra creamy whipped topping (thawed): The finishing touch for whipped, festive toppings.
- Optional garnish – mini candy canes and candy cane-shaped jimmie sprinkles: These add a fun and crunchy contrast for your guests to admire and munch on.
Variations
One of the best things about the Candy Cane Jello Shots Recipe is how easy it is to tweak it to your tastes or party theme. Over the years, I’ve tried a few variations that I think you might enjoy playing around with too.
- Alcohol-Free Version: Swap out the peppermint schnapps for peppermint extract and up the water slightly for a kid-friendly jello shot that still tastes like the holidays.
- Chocolate Peppermint Shots: Add a teaspoon of cocoa powder to the mixture for a creamy chocolate mint twist — my family loved this spin last year!
- Stronger Mint Flavor: If you really want that candy cane punch, add a little extra schnapps, but keep in mind it might affect the set time.
- Vegan Twist: Though I haven’t fully mastered gelatin-free versions, you can experiment with agar agar as a substitute, keeping in mind it sets differently.
How to Make Candy Cane Jello Shots Recipe
Step 1: Bloom and dissolve the gelatin gently
Start by sprinkling your unflavored gelatin over a cup of cold water. This blooming step is crucial because it helps the gel soften evenly. After it sits for a minute or so, warm it over medium-low heat while stirring — you want the gelatin fully dissolved, not simmering or boiling. Heating it too much can ruin the texture, so keep an eye and stir gently until warm and clear.
Step 2: Mix the creamy base with your gelatin
Pour the warm gelatin slowly into your sweetened condensed milk while whisking. I like using a glass measuring cup with a pour spout for this—it makes loading up your tiny jello cups way easier. The goal here is a smooth, lump-free mixture that’s slightly pink and looks inviting.
Step 3: Add peppermint schnapps and color
Now comes my favorite part: adding peppermint schnapps! I recommend the red-label candy cane schnapps for an authentic mint flavor (avoid green-label “spearmint” flavors—they’re more like Thin Mints). Add a few drops of red food coloring and whisk until your mixture turns the perfect candy cane pink. You can add a little more if you want a bolder color.
Step 4: Pour and chill
Place your 12 2-ounce jello shot cups on a tray for easy transfer and fill them just over two-thirds full. My trick is to leave a little space at the top so there’s room for whipped topping later. Pop them into the fridge for 2-3 hours or until fully set—the waiting is worth it, promise!
Step 5: Garnish and serve
When it’s time to serve, add a dollop of extra creamy whipped topping on each shot and sprinkle either finely crushed mini candy canes, candy cane-shaped sprinkles, or both. Just a heads-up—don’t garnish too early or the whipped topping will get watery. Best to garnish right before your guests dive in.
Pro Tips for Making Candy Cane Jello Shots Recipe
- The Bloom Count Matters: Always let your gelatin sprinkle over cold water and sit undisturbed for a minute before warming—it ensures smooth, consistent shots.
- Choosing Schnapps: I learned to pick the candy cane-labeled peppermint schnapps after trying the green-label variety and being surprised by the different mint flavor—it really makes a difference.
- Easier Release Tip: Run a thin paring knife along the edges of each jello shot cup before adding whipped topping for an easy pop-out, especially handy if serving in reusable cups.
- Don’t Overfill: Filling each cup slightly under full helps avoid spills and leaves room for garnishes—plus, you get a neat presentation every time.
How to Serve Candy Cane Jello Shots Recipe
Garnishes
I’m a huge fan of topping these jello shots with a fluffy dollop of extra creamy whipped topping. The cool contrast adds to the festive feel. Then I sprinkle a handful of finely crushed mini candy canes for crunch and a pop of nostalgic flavor. Some friends love candy cane-shaped jimmie sprinkles— they actually look adorable and add a playful touch. Personally, I mix both for a variety of textures and colors!
Side Dishes
Pairing these with light but flavorful finger foods works best since the shots are sweet and minty. I love setting out savory cheeses, crackers, and spiced nuts alongside for guests to snack on. Mini sliders or meatballs also complement well, keeping the flavor balance festive without being overpowering.
Creative Ways to Present
One year, I arranged the Candy Cane Jello Shots in a circular pattern on a mirrored tray and decorated the edges with fresh pine sprigs and fairy lights—my guests loved the holiday vibe! You can also serve them in festive mini mason jars or clear plastic ornaments for a really eye-catching display. The key is to keep the garnishes fun and seasonal to amp up the party spirit.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you end up with leftovers (rare in my house!), store them covered in the fridge for up to five days. I recommend covering each shot tightly with plastic wrap or storing them in an airtight container to keep them fresh and prevent them from absorbing other fridge odors.
Freezing
Freezing jello shots isn’t really my jam because the texture changes and they tend to get icy and lose that creamy softness. I recommend enjoying them fresh or within a few days refrigerated for the best experience.
Reheating
Since these are cold, ready-to-serve treats, reheating doesn’t apply. Just keep them chilled until you’re ready to party. If they’ve been refrigerated too long and seem a bit firm, letting them sit at room temperature for 10 minutes softens them beautifully.
FAQs
-
Can I use a different alcohol instead of peppermint schnapps?
Absolutely! You can swap peppermint schnapps for any clear liquor like vodka or rum, but keep in mind the minty flavor is key to this Candy Cane Jello Shots Recipe’s character. To keep that minty note, consider adding a few drops of peppermint extract along with your chosen liquor.
-
How long do candy cane jello shots last in the fridge?
These jello shots will stay fresh and tasty for up to 5 days when stored properly in an airtight container or covered tightly with plastic wrap in the fridge. After that, the texture and flavor might start to degrade.
-
Can I prepare these jello shots ahead of time for a party?
Yes! Make them a day or two in advance and keep them refrigerated until ready to garnish and serve. Just wait to add the whipped topping and garnishes until the last minute so they look fresh and inviting.
-
What’s the best way to remove the jello shots from the cups?
Running a thin, sharp knife around the edge of each cup loosens the jello nicely and makes them easier to pop out if you’re serving them on a platter. Otherwise, serving straight in the cups is perfectly acceptable and less messy!
Final Thoughts
I can’t tell you how many times this Candy Cane Jello Shots Recipe has saved me during holiday parties where I wanted something both nostalgic and fun with a grown-up twist. These jiggly, creamy, minty treats never fail to put a smile on my family and friends’ faces. If you want to impress without stressing, give these a try—you’ll be delighted by how simple and special they are. Trust me, your holiday get-togethers just found their new favorite tradition.
Print
Candy Cane Jello Shots Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 8 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Candy Cane Jello Shots are a festive and fun holiday treat combining creamy sweetness, peppermint schnapps, and a vibrant red color. These easy-to-make jello shots are perfect for holiday parties, featuring a smooth texture from sweetened condensed milk, a hint of peppermint, and topped with whipped cream and optional crushed candy cane garnishes.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup cold water
- 0.5 ounces (2 packets of 0.25-ounce) unflavored gelatin
- ½ cup sweetened condensed milk
- ½ cup peppermint schnapps (preferably with a red label and candy cane on it, e.g. DeKuyper brand)
- 2-3 drops red food coloring
- Extra creamy whipped topping, thawed
Optional Garnish
- Mini candy canes, finely crushed
- Candy cane-shaped jimmie sprinkles
Instructions
- Bloom the Gelatin: Add cold water to a small saucepan and sprinkle the unflavored gelatin granules over the surface. Stir gently to combine. Heat over medium-low for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally until the gelatin completely dissolves and the mixture is warm but not boiling or simmering.
- Combine Gelatin and Condensed Milk: In a medium-sized mixing bowl or an 8-cup glass liquid measuring cup with a pour spout, add the sweetened condensed milk. Slowly pour the warm gelatin mixture into the condensed milk while whisking constantly until fully combined.
- Add Flavor and Color: Stir in the peppermint schnapps and 2-3 drops of red food coloring. Whisk the mixture until the color is evenly pink. You can add more red food coloring to achieve a deeper red if desired.
- Fill Jello Cups: Arrange 12 (2-ounce) jello shot cups on a rimmed tray. Pour the candy cane mixture into each cup, filling slightly more than ⅔ full.
- Chill Until Set: Refrigerate the cups for 2-3 hours or until the jello shots are fully set and firm to the touch.
- Garnish and Serve: Just before serving, add a dollop of extra creamy whipped topping to each jello shot. Garnish with finely crushed mini candy canes and/or candy cane-shaped jimmie sprinkles if desired.
Notes
- Store covered jello shots in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Freezing jello shots is not recommended as it affects texture.
- Do not garnish the shots until just before serving to maintain freshness.
- If filling cups completely, expect 11 servings instead of 12.
- Use a sharp, thin-bladed knife along the edges before garnishing to easily remove the shots from the cups.
- A measuring cup with a spout makes pouring the mixture into small cups easier.
- Choose peppermint schnapps with a red label to ensure true peppermint flavor rather than spearmint.
- You can add extra drops of red food coloring for a more vibrant red color instead of pink.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 (2-ounce) jello shot
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 30mg
- Fat: 1.5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
