If you’re looking for a sweet way to toast the season or add some merry and bright cheer to your next get-together, these Sugar Cookie Shots are the answer. Creamy, a little boozy, and full of that classic frosted seasonal sugar cookie flavor, these are perfect for holiday parties, girls’ nights, or cozy and cool evenings on the couch.
Ingredients
To make these sugar cookie shots, we’re using a few key ingredients that bring those nostalgic sugar cookie flavors to life in shot form!
- Frosted Sugar Cookie Coffee Creamer – With hints of frosting and cookie sweetness, it captures that classic sugar cookie taste that everyone loves.
- Vanilla Vodka – This liquor adds a smooth, sweet vanilla flavor that pairs perfectly with the other ingredients.
- Baileys Irish Cream Liqueur – This adds a rich, creamy layer and a little warmth to balance the sweetness.
- Milk or Half & Half – Dairy adds even more creaminess to round out the shot, making it extra smooth. Whole milk is best but you can also use heavy cream.
- Favorite Frosting Flavor – This is a must for that iconic sugar cookie feel! Use it to coat the rim of the shot glasses so each sip has a fun, festive touch.
- Festive Sprinkles – Add some holiday magic! Dip the frosted rims into these for a pop of color and texture.
- Whipped Cream – The final flourish! Whipped cream adds a creamy top — use a store-bought version like Cool Whip or make your own whipped cream to dollop on top.
Variations
These sugar cookie shots are incredibly customizable. Here are a few ideas to change up the flavors and make them your own.
- Peppermint Vodka – Add a wintery twist with peppermint vodka instead of vanilla for a frosty minty flavor.
- Liqueur – Swap the Irish cream with a chocolate liqueur for a chocolate sugar cookie vibe. Or, try using white chocolate liqueur.
- Almond Extract – Just a splash with the other ingredients can add a subtle, nutty depth that’s perfect for holiday flavors.
- Espresso Powder – Dissolve a pinch in the milk or half & half for a little coffee kick.
- Cinnamon Sugar Rim – Replace the sprinkles with a quick dip in cinnamon sugar for a snickerdoodle-like effect.
- Maple Cream Liqueur – For a cozy, caramel-like flavor that makes these shots taste even more festive.
- Gingerbread – Swirl in a little gingerbread syrup or gingerbread liqueur to turn these into gingerbread cookie shots!
- Larger Format – Turn this into a sugar cookie cocktail by pouring it into highball glasses or make sugar cookie martinis by serving in a martini glass.
- Pudding – Use this recipe to make sugar cookie pudding shots with vanilla pudding.
- Garnish – Change up the garnish and use a crushed white chocolate chunk or dark chocolate shavings or perch a mini soft chocolate chip cookie or mini sugar cookies on the edge of the glass.
- Eggnog – If you’re a fan of eggnog cocktails, swap out the creamer for eggnog.
How to Make Sugar Cookie Shots
Ready to shake up some delicious holiday shots? Follow these easy steps, and you’ll have your sugar cookie shots ready in no time:
- Prepare the Glasses. Put your frosting in a small bowl. Gently dip the rims of each shot glass into the frosting.
- Add the Sprinkles. Press each frosted rim into the sprinkles that have been placed in a separate bowl for a festive finish. Set glasses aside.
- Mix the Ingredients. Pour the coffee creamer, vanilla vodka, Irish cream liqueur, and milk into a cocktail shaker. Add a generous amount of ice.
- Shake It Up. Secure the shaker lid and shake well to chill and mix thoroughly.
- Pour and Garnish. Strain the mixture into the prepared shot glasses. Top each shot with a dollop of whipped cream and serve immediately.
Common Questions About Sugar Cookie Shots
It’s a sweet, creamy flavor with hints of vanilla and buttery cookie notes, capturing the essence of a frosted sugar cookie.
Absolutely! Simply skip the vodka and Irish cream, and use extra coffee creamer and milk for a delicious non-alcoholic version.
Yes, you can prep the drink mixture and store it in the fridge. Just add the whipped cream right before serving for the best results.
Storage and Freezing
These sugar cookie shots are best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare them slightly ahead — just wait to add the whipped cream before serving.
How to Store
Store any extra drink mixture (without the whipped cream topping) in the refrigerator in a sealed airtight container container or mason jar for up to two days. Give it a quick shake before pouring.
Can I Freeze Sugar Cookie Shots?
Freezing isn’t recommended for this recipe since the dairy ingredients don’t freeze well, but the drink mixture can be kept chilled in the fridge for a day or two if needed.
More Creative Cocktails and Shots
On the search for more ways to take your party up a notch? Try these fun and flavorful cocktails and shots!
Sugar Cookie Shots
Ingredients
Sugar Cookie Shots:
- 2 ounces frosted sugar cookie coffee creamer*
- 2 ounces vanilla vodka
- 1 ounce Irish cream liqueur
- 1 ounce milk or half & half
Shot Glass:
- 1/3 cup favorite frosting flavor
- festive sprinkles
- whipped cream
Instructions
- Prepare the shot glasses by placing the frosting into a small bowl and rimmed the edes about 1/2 inch down.
- Place the sprinkles into a different bowl and press the frosted edges into the sprinkles. Set aside until ready to serve.
- In a cocktail shaker, combine the sugar cookie coffee creamer, vodka, Irish cream liqueur and milk. Add a heaping cup of ice, fit with the top and shake for 10-15 seconds.
- Using the strainer, pour into prepared or plain shot glasses. Top with whipped cream.
Notes
For parties, purchase plastic shots glasses and prep them all up to 4 hours before with frosting and sprinkles.
If it is a party with kids, use this recipe for the adults and serve the kids “shots” in the same prepared glasses but with sweetened vanilla or chocolate almond milk ONLY. This recipe is intended for those 21+ years of age. Please drink responsibly.
Nutrition
