Description
These festive Santa Hat Jello Shots are a fun and creative holiday treat, featuring a two-layer strawberry and creamy white gelatin base topped with whipped buttercream and fresh strawberries to resemble Santa hats. Perfect for holiday parties, these jello shots combine the sweet and tangy flavors of strawberry gelatin with a creamy vodka-infused layer, crowned with a buttery frosting and festive sprinkles.
Ingredients
Scale
Jello Layers
- 3 ounces strawberry flavored gelatin mix
- 2 1/4 ounce packets unflavored gelatin
- 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 2 1/2 cups water (divided)
- 1/2 cup cold water
- 1 cup vodka (divided)
Buttercream Topping
- 1 stick butter (softened, about 1/2 cup)
- 2 cups powdered sugar
Garnish
- Strawberries (with the leaves cut off)
- Christmas sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare cups and fridge space: Arrange your shot cups on a tray and set aside. Ensure you have enough room in your refrigerator for the tray of jello shots later.
- Dissolve strawberry gelatin: In a large measuring cup or bowl with a spout, add 1 cup boiling water and the strawberry gelatin mix. Whisk thoroughly until fully dissolved.
- Add cold water and vodka to strawberry mixture: Stir in 1/2 cup cold water and 1/2 cup vodka, whisking again to combine.
- Pour strawberry layer: Carefully pour the strawberry gelatin mixture halfway up into each shot cup. Place the tray in the refrigerator and chill for 30 minutes, or until the layer is fully set.
- Prepare white gelatin layer: In a small saucepan, combine the unflavored gelatin and 1 cup water. Heat over medium heat, stirring continuously until the gelatin dissolves completely.
- Add condensed milk and vodka to white gelatin: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the sweetened condensed milk and remaining 1/2 cup vodka. Allow the mixture to cool slightly.
- Pour white layer: Gently spoon the white gelatin mixture over the strawberry layer in each cup, filling almost to the top.
- Chill until set: Return the tray of jello shots to the refrigerator and chill for another 30 minutes or until both layers are firm.
- Make the buttercream: Using an electric mixer, beat the softened butter until light and fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar and continue mixing until the buttercream becomes smooth and fluffy.
- Prepare piping bag: Transfer the buttercream to a ziplock bag and snip off a small corner to create a piping bag.
- Garnish jello shots: Place a strawberry on top of each jello shot.
- Pipe buttercream: Pipe the buttercream around the edges of the strawberry forming a ‘hat’ shape, finishing with a dollop of buttercream on top to resemble the pom-pom of Santa’s hat.
- Serve: Add optional Christmas sprinkles for extra festiveness. Serve chilled and enjoy your holiday-themed jello shots!
Notes
- Ensure the strawberry gelatin layer is completely set before adding the white layer to prevent mixing of layers.
- Use a gentle spooning technique when adding the white layer to keep the layers distinct.
- For a non-alcoholic version, substitute vodka with cold water or flavored non-alcoholic spirits.
- The buttercream topping adds a rich texture complementing the gelatin layers, so do not skip it for authentic presentation.
- Refrigerate the jello shots for at least 1 hour total to ensure firmness before serving.
