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Kid-Friendly Christmas Peppermint Chocolate Jello Shots (Easy, Non-Alcoholic)

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These Kid-Friendly Christmas Peppermint Chocolate Jello Shots are a festive, non-alcoholic treat perfect for holiday gatherings. With a creamy chocolate base and a refreshing peppermint top layer, they’re quick to make and sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 box (3 oz) chocolate gelatin dessert mix
  • 1 cup boiling water
  • 1/2 cup cold water
  • 1/2 cup half-and-half
  • 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder (optional)
  • 1 box (3 oz) strawberry gelatin dessert mix
  • 1 cup boiling water
  • 1/2 cup cold water
  • 1/2 cup half-and-half
  • 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
  • Red food coloring (optional)
  • 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 1 tablespoon powdered sugar
  • 1/4 cup crushed candy canes or peppermint candies
  • Mini chocolate chips (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare your workspace: Clear a spot in the fridge for the tray of cups to set undisturbed for at least 4 hours. Set plastic shot cups on a baking sheet.
  2. Make the chocolate layer: In a 2-cup measuring cup, empty the chocolate gelatin mix. Add 1 cup boiling water and whisk for 2 minutes until dissolved. Add 1/2 cup cold water and 1/2 cup half-and-half, whisk again. If using cocoa powder, whisk it in now.
  3. Fill the first layer: Pour the chocolate mixture into each shot cup, filling halfway. Place the tray in the fridge and let set for about 1 hour, until firm.
  4. Make the peppermint layer: In a clean 2-cup measuring cup, empty the strawberry gelatin mix. Add 1 cup boiling water and whisk for 2 minutes. Add 1/2 cup cold water and 1/2 cup half-and-half, then add peppermint extract. Taste and adjust if needed. Add red food coloring if desired.
  5. Add the second layer: Once the chocolate layer is set, let the peppermint mixture cool for about 5 minutes until lukewarm. Carefully pour on top of the chocolate layer, filling almost to the top.
  6. Let them set: Return the tray to the fridge and let set for at least 3-4 hours, preferably overnight.
  7. Make the whipped cream topping: About 30 minutes before serving, beat heavy cream in a chilled bowl until soft peaks form. Add powdered sugar and beat until stiff peaks form.
  8. Crush the candy canes: Place candy canes in a Ziploc bag and crush with a rolling pin or meat mallet into a mix of fine powder and small pieces.
  9. Assemble and serve: Just before serving, top each jello shot with a dollop of whipped cream. Sprinkle crushed candy canes on top and add mini chocolate chips if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

Patience is key with the layers; ensure the chocolate layer is fully set before adding the peppermint layer. Let the peppermint mixture cool to lukewarm to avoid melting the chocolate layer. Start with 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract and adjust to taste. For best results, use name-brand gelatin for consistent setting. Store in the fridge with lids on for up to 5 days; texture is best within 3 days. Add whipped cream topping just before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: peppermint chocolate jello shots, kid-friendly, non-alcoholic, Christmas dessert, holiday treat, easy jello shots