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
Scale
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
