Description
Candy Cane Jello Shots are a festive and fun holiday treat combining the creamy sweetness of condensed milk, the refreshing peppermint flavor of schnapps, and the fun texture of gelatin. These pink, minty shots are perfect for holiday parties and easy to prepare and serve with optional garnishes like crushed candy canes and festive sprinkles.
Ingredients
Scale
Gelatin Mixture
- 1 cup cold water
- 0.5 ounces (2 0.25-ounce packets) unflavored gelatin
Main Ingredients
- ½ cup sweetened condensed milk
- ½ cup peppermint schnapps (preferably with red label and candy cane flavor)
- 2–3 drops red food coloring
For Garnish
- Extra creamy whipped topping, thawed
- Mini candy canes, finely crushed (optional)
- Candy cane-shaped jimmie sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
- Bloom the Gelatin: In a small saucepan, combine the cold water and sprinkle the unflavored gelatin evenly over the surface. Stir gently to combine and let sit until the gelatin absorbs the water. Turn heat to medium-low and warm the gelatin mixture for 1-2 minutes, stirring until fully dissolved and warm, but do not let it simmer or boil.
- Combine Gelatin with Condensed Milk: In a medium 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 blended and smooth.
- Add Peppermint and Color: Whisk in the peppermint schnapps and red food coloring until the mixture turns a festive pink shade. Adjust food coloring if a deeper red hue is preferred.
- Fill Jello Shot Cups: Arrange twelve 2-ounce jello shot cups on a rimmed tray. Pour the candy cane jello mixture into each cup up to the fill line, which is slightly more than two-thirds full.
- Chill Until Set: Refrigerate the filled jello shots for 2-3 hours or until fully set and firm to the touch.
- Garnish Before Serving: Just before serving, add a dollop of extra creamy whipped topping on each jello shot. Sprinkle with finely crushed mini candy canes and candy cane-shaped jimmie sprinkles as desired for festive decoration.
Notes
- Storage: Store covered candy cane jello shots in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Freezing is not recommended as it affects the texture and consistency of the jello shots.
- Serving Size: Filling cups completely may yield 11 servings instead of 12; adjust according to cup size.
- Ease of Removal: Running a sharp, thin-bladed knife around the edges before garnishing can help release the shots from the cups.
- Mixing Tip: Using an 8-cup glass liquid measuring cup with a spout makes pouring into small cups easier and less messy.
- Schnapps Tip: Use a peppermint schnapps with a red label and candy cane flavor such as DeKuyper brand for authentic peppermint taste, avoiding spearmint varieties.
- Color Adjustment: Add extra drops of red food coloring if a deeper red rather than pink color is desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 jello shot (approx. 2 oz)
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 30mg
- Fat: 2g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
