A festive strawberry-jello treat with a refreshing peppermint kick that brings holiday cheer to any gathering. I love how the sweet strawberry flavor pairs beautifully with cool peppermint, creating a fun and cheerful dessert shot perfect for the season.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I like this recipe because it’s quick, colorful, and adds a playful touch to any celebration. The bright red color gives off cozy holiday vibes, and the peppermint flavor feels refreshing and sweet at the same time. It’s a simple make-ahead treat that always impresses guests.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of Ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 box (3 ounces) strawberry Jello
1 cup boiling water
½ cup cold water
½ teaspoon peppermint extract
Optional toppings: whipped cream, crushed candy cane, or holiday sprinkles
Directions
In a medium bowl, dissolve the strawberry Jello in 1 cup of boiling water. Stir until completely dissolved.
Add ½ cup of cold water and ½ teaspoon of peppermint extract. Stir gently to combine.
Pour the mixture into small plastic or silicone shot cups (about 1 ounce each).
Place the cups on a tray and refrigerate for at least 2–3 hours or until set.
When ready to serve, top with whipped cream and sprinkle with crushed candy cane or festive sprinkles if desired.
Servings And Timing
This recipe makes about 12–16 shots, depending on the size of your cups.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Chill time: 2–3 hours
Total time: about 3 hours
Variations
Use cherry or raspberry Jello for a different fruity flavor.
Create layers by alternating red Jello and a white layer made from sweetened condensed milk and unflavored gelatin.
Add a few drops of food coloring to make the colors brighter or match a party theme.
Garnish with crushed peppermint candies or a swirl of whipped cream for a festive look.
Make a large-batch version by setting the mixture in a glass dish and cutting it into cubes once firm.
Storage/Reheating
Store the Jello shots covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Keep them chilled until ready to serve.
Do not freeze, as freezing can ruin the texture of the gelatin.
Serve directly from the refrigerator for best consistency.
FAQs
How far in advance can I make these?
I can make them a day or two ahead of time and keep them covered in the refrigerator until serving.
Can I make these in a larger dish instead of cups?
Yes, I can pour the mixture into an 8×8-inch dish and cut it into cubes once set. It’s a great option for serving at parties.
How do I get the Jello out of the cups easily?
I like to run a small knife around the edge or briefly dip the bottom of the cup in warm water to loosen the Jello before serving.
Can I use a different flavoring instead of peppermint?
Yes, I can replace the peppermint extract with vanilla, almond, or even orange extract for a different twist.
How long do they need to chill before serving?
They usually take about 2–3 hours in the refrigerator to set completely. I make sure they feel firm to the touch before serving.
Conclusion
I enjoy making these Candy Cane Jello Shots every holiday season. They’re bright, sweet, and bring a touch of fun to any dessert table. The peppermint flavor adds a cool note that pairs perfectly with the fruity Jello, making them a refreshing and festive treat everyone loves.
Candy Cane Jello Shots are a festive, peppermint-infused strawberry treat perfect for holiday parties. These bright red, bite-sized desserts are easy to make, fun to serve, and bring a cheerful pop of flavor and color to any celebration.
