Santa Hat Jello Shots

The Ultimate Holiday Party Treat 🎅🍓

If you’re looking to add a splash of fun and festive cheer to your next holiday gathering, these Santa Hat Jello Shots are exactly what you need. Equal parts adorable and delicious, these boozy bites are the perfect conversation starter, Instagram-worthy treat, and crowd favorite for adults looking to celebrate the season in style.

Made with vibrant strawberry gelatin, a creamy white layer, and topped with fresh strawberries and homemade buttercream, these jello shots mimic Santa’s iconic red hat with frosted trim and a fluffy top. They’re festive, flavorful, and deceptively easy to make!

Who Will Love This Recipe?

These Santa Hat Jello Shots are designed for holiday enthusiasts, party planners, cocktail connoisseurs, and anyone who loves a fun, festive twist on classic treats. They’re great for:

  • Holiday parties with friends or coworkers
  • Christmas Eve gatherings
  • Ugly sweater parties
  • Winter weddings or bridal showers
  • Adult dessert tables

If you’re a fan of cute, themed recipes and love a dash of DIY fun in your food, this is the perfect recipe to add to your holiday repertoire.

Why These Jello Shots Are a Must-Make

  • Visual Appeal: These look like little Santa hats—perfectly photogenic and festive.
  • Customizable: Change up the flavors, alcohol, or toppings for unique versions.
  • Easy to Make Ahead: Prep them in advance and store them in the fridge until party time.
  • Layered Flavors: The strawberry jello, creamy white layer, and rich buttercream frosting combine for a multi-textured taste.
  • No Baking Required: Ideal for busy hosts or small kitchen spaces.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s the full list of ingredients to gather before you begin:

  • 3 ounces strawberry flavored gelatin mix
  • 2 (0.25 ounce) packets unflavored gelatin
  • ½ cup sweetened condensed milk
  • 2½ cups water, divided
  • ½ cup cold water
  • 1 cup vodka, divided
  • 1 stick (½ cup) unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • Fresh strawberries, leaves removed
  • Christmas sprinkles (optional)

Kitchen Equipment Needed

To make the perfect Santa Hat Jello Shots, you’ll need:

  • Small plastic shot cups (1–2 oz size works best)
  • A tray to hold the cups
  • Mixing bowl with a spout or large measuring cup
  • Small saucepan
  • Whisk
  • Electric hand mixer or stand mixer
  • Ziploc bag or piping bag
  • Scissors (to snip piping bag corner)
  • Refrigerator space for chilling

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep Your Workspace

Set out your plastic shot cups on a tray. Make sure there’s space in your fridge for the tray.

2. Make the Red Jello Layer

  • Boil 1 cup of water.
  • Add the strawberry flavored gelatin and whisk until completely dissolved.
  • Stir in ½ cup of cold water and ½ cup of vodka.
  • Pour this mixture into each shot cup, filling halfway.
  • Chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes until set.

3. Create the White Jello Layer

  • In a saucepan, add 1 cup of water and the unflavored gelatin. Stir over medium heat until dissolved.
  • Remove from heat and add the sweetened condensed milk and ½ cup of vodka.
  • Let the mixture cool for a few minutes so it doesn’t melt the red layer.
  • Carefully spoon the white mixture over the set red jello, nearly to the top.
  • Refrigerate for another 30 minutes or until completely set.

4. Make the Buttercream Frosting

  • In a mixing bowl, whip the softened butter until fluffy.
  • Gradually add the powdered sugar and mix until light and creamy.
  • Transfer frosting to a piping bag or a Ziploc bag with the corner snipped.

5. Decorate

  • Place one strawberry, flat-side down, onto each jello shot.
  • Pipe a ring of buttercream around the base of the strawberry to resemble the white trim of Santa’s hat.
  • Add a small dollop on top for the pom-pom.
  • Optional: Add Christmas sprinkles to make it extra festive.

Storage Tips

Store these jello shots in the refrigerator in a sealed container or covered with plastic wrap. They’ll stay fresh for 2–3 days. However, wait to add the strawberries and frosting until just before serving for best results. Once topped, they’re best enjoyed within 12 hours.

Flavor Variations & Recipe Swaps

Switch Up the Alcohol:

  • Use flavored vodka (like vanilla, whipped cream, or strawberry) for a twist.
  • Swap vodka for white rum, coconut rum, or even peppermint schnapps for a wintery touch.

Non-Alcoholic Version:

  • Simply replace the vodka with additional water or white grape juice to make kid-friendly jello treats.

Fruit Variations:

  • Try raspberries or small cherries on top instead of strawberries for a different look.
  • Use blueberry jello and white topping for a Frozen-themed version.

Buttercream Alternatives:

  • Use whipped cream or ready-made frosting for a shortcut.
  • Add cream cheese for a tangy buttercream variation.

Helpful Tips & Tricks

  • Use a measuring cup with a spout or a squeeze bottle for clean, mess-free pouring.
  • Let each layer cool before adding the next to keep colors sharp and layers distinct.
  • If the white layer starts to firm up before you pour, gently reheat and stir to liquify.
  • Chill your tray on a level surface to ensure even setting.
  • Add sprinkles right before serving to prevent bleeding of colors into the frosting.

Food and Drink Pairings

Serve these festive shots alongside:

  • Christmas Cookies – Sugar cookies, gingerbread men, or peppermint bark.
  • Savory Bites – Cheese platters, mini quiches, or deviled eggs to balance the sweetness.
  • Holiday Cocktails – Pair with eggnog, mulled wine, or cranberry mimosas for a merry bar cart setup.

FAQs

Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: Yes! Make the jello shots up to two days in advance. Add strawberries and buttercream just before serving for the freshest look.

Q: Can I use store-bought frosting?
A: Absolutely. While homemade buttercream is delicious, store-bought vanilla frosting is a great time-saver.

Q: Do I have to use vodka?
A: No—feel free to substitute with any clear alcohol or make them alcohol-free by using extra water or juice.

Q: Can I freeze jello shots?
A: It’s not recommended, as the gelatin texture changes and the frosting may separate when thawed.

Q: What’s the best way to transport these?
A: Chill them first, then cover the tray tightly with plastic wrap. Keep them cool with ice packs if you’re traveling.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re hosting a holiday bash, organizing a festive girls’ night in, or just want to impress your guests with a creative treat, these Santa Hat Jello Shots are your go-to. Festive, fun, and oh-so-delicious, they’ll have everyone asking for the recipe.

If you loved this recipe, don’t forget to share it with your friends, and subscribe to our blog for more holiday-inspired recipes, tips, and sweet surprises! 🎄🎉

Happy Holidays & Cheers! 🥂

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