Description
Celebrate the holidays with these festive Santa Hat Jello Shots. Featuring a vibrant strawberry gelatin base layered with a creamy white gelatin top, each shot is finished with a fresh strawberry ‘hat’ and a fluffy buttercream trim, making them the perfect party treat that’s both visually delightful and delicious.
Ingredients
Scale
Jello Shot 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
- 1 stick butter (softened)
- 2 cups powdered sugar
Garnish
- Strawberries (with leaves cut off)
- Christmas sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare cups: Arrange your shot cups on a tray and set aside. Ensure you have enough space in your refrigerator for the tray of jello shots.
- Make strawberry gelatin: In a large measuring cup or mixing bowl with a spout, combine 1 cup of boiling water with the strawberry gelatin mix. Whisk until completely dissolved.
- Add cold water and vodka: Stir in ½ cup cold water and ½ cup vodka into the strawberry gelatin mixture. Whisk to combine thoroughly.
- Pour first layer: Carefully pour the strawberry mixture into the cups, filling them about halfway. Refrigerate for 30 minutes or until this layer is set.
- Prepare white gelatin: In a small saucepan, combine unflavored gelatin and 1 cup water over medium heat. Stir constantly until gelatin dissolves completely.
- Mix white gelatin: Remove from heat and stir in sweetened condensed milk and ½ cup vodka. Allow the mixture to cool slightly.
- Pour second layer: Gently spoon the white gelatin mixture on top of the set strawberry layer in each cup, filling up nearly to the top. Return to the refrigerator for another 30 minutes to set fully.
- Make buttercream: Using an electric mixer, whip the softened butter until light and fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar and continue mixing until fluffy and well combined.
- Prepare piping bag: Transfer the buttercream into a zip-top bag and snip off one corner to create a piping bag.
- Garnish shots: Place a strawberry on top of each jello shot, then pipe buttercream around the edges of the strawberry with a dollop on the top to resemble Santa hats. Optionally, sprinkle Christmas sprinkles on the buttercream.
- Serve: Chill shots briefly if needed, then serve and enjoy your festive holiday treat!
Notes
- Ensure the gelatin layers are properly set before adding the next layer to prevent mixing.
- Use fresh, firm strawberries for the best garnish.
- For a non-alcoholic version, substitute vodka with cold water or flavored juice.
- Store the jello shots in the refrigerator and consume within 2 days for best freshness.
- Buttercream can be piped with different decorating tips for varied festive looks.