This festive sugar cookie shot became a holiday tradition the year I realized cocktails could be dessert. I was hosting a small winter gathering and wanted something playful that felt indulgent but was simple to make. A friend suggested a creamy combo of Baileys and amaretto with vanilla vodka, and when I rimmed the glasses with white icing and Christmas jimmies, everyone lit up. It tastes like a boozy sugar cookie — sweet, vanilla-forward, slightly almond, with a silky, soft texture that finishes clean and smooth. I first discovered the mix on a blustery December evening, testing flavors by the tree while cookies baked in the oven; the shots instantly became the crowd pleaser of the night.

What makes these really special is the balance: the Baileys gives that creamy, buttery note; the vanilla vodka intensifies the cookie-like sweetness without being cloying; a splash of amaretto adds almond warmth reminiscent of classic sugar cookie extracts; and the half-and-half rounds everything into a velvety sip. The sprinkle-rim isn't just for looks — it gives a satisfying crunch and nostalgic sugar burst that evokes dunking a warm cookie in milk. These are perfect for holiday toasts, after-dinner treats, or when you need a small, festive indulgence that feels like a celebration in a tiny glass.

Ingredients

• Baileys Irish Cream (3 ounces): Use the classic Baileys for a rich, creamy base. The whiskey-cream flavor is essential; avoid low-fat versions which thin the texture. If you prefer plant-based, try an oat-based Irish cream alternative but expect a milder finish.
• Vanilla vodka (3 ounces): A good quality vanilla vodka, like Smirnoff or Absolut Vanilia, brings forward the cookie-like vanilla without adding harsh alcohol bite. If you only have plain vodka, add 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract per ounce to mimic the profile.
• Half-and-half or whole milk (2 ounces): Half-and-half yields the creamiest texture and closest impression to a sugar cookie dunked in milk. Whole milk is a lighter option. For a lighter shot, use 2% but the mouthfeel will be less luxurious.
• Amaretto (2 ounces): Brands like Disaronno add an almond-sweet warmth that echoes classic sugar cookie extracts. If you have an amaretto liqueur with higher sugar, you may want to reduce the vanilla vodka slightly to keep sweetness in check.
• White icing (for rimming): A store-bought tube or a simple buttercream spread acts as the glue to hold sprinkles. Use a thick, pipeable icing rather than a thin glaze so sprinkles adhere cleanly.
• Christmas Jimmies sprinkles: Choose small jimmies rather than coarse nonpareils for an even rim and pleasant bite. Put sprinkles in a shallow bowl for easy pressing.

Instructions

Prepare the glass rims: Start with chilled shot glasses if possible — cold glass helps keep the drink cooler longer. Use a butter knife to spread a thin, even layer of white icing around the rim of each shot glass. Aim for an even band about 1/4 inch wide; too thick and it will tear when you press into sprinkles, too thin and they won’t stick. Wipe any drips from the outside of the glass with a damp paper towel before moving on. Apply sprinkles: Pour Christmas jimmies into a shallow bowl. Press the frosted rim gently into the sprinkles — press, lift, and rotate rather than twisting, to avoid wiping off icing. Check for any bare spots and lightly press again where needed. Allow the rims to set for 2–3 minutes so the icing firms slightly before filling to avoid loose sprinkles falling into the shot. Mix the cocktail: In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine 3 ounces Baileys Irish Cream, 3 ounces vanilla vodka, 2 ounces half-and-half (or whole milk), and 2 ounces amaretto. Use measured jiggers to keep the balance right; this ratio yields a velvety texture and balanced sweetness. The cold dilution from shaking slightly opens the flavors without watering them down significantly. Shake or stir: Shake vigorously for 10–12 seconds if you want a slightly frothier, colder shot. If you prefer a silky, less aerated finish, stir gently with a bar spoon for about 15–20 seconds. Visual cues: the shaker will feel very cold to the touch and condensation will form when the drink is properly chilled. Strain and serve: Using a fine-mesh strainer or the shaker’s built-in strainer, evenly divide the mixture into the sprinkle-rimmed shot glasses. Aim for approximately 1.5 ounces per shot — this batch makes about 6 shots. Serve immediately so the rim maintains its crunch and the drink is at its freshest.

Storage Tips

If you plan to assemble ahead, rim the glasses with icing and sprinkles up to two hours in advance and cover them loosely with plastic wrap in the refrigerator to keep sprinkles from scattering. The mixed liquid can be combined and stored in a sealed pitcher or bottle in the fridge for up to 24 hours; give it a gentle stir before serving if separation occurs. Avoid freezing once dairy is present: thawed dairy will separate and impact texture. Leftover shots should be consumed the same day for best flavor and mouthfeel.

Ingredient Substitutions

For a lighter version swap half-and-half for whole milk or a 2% option; reduce vanilla vodka by 1/2 ounce to keep sweetness balanced. To make a nut-free option omit amaretto and substitute with 1/2 ounce additional vanilla vodka plus a drop of almond-free vanilla extract for aroma. If you need a dairy-free alternative, use an oat-based Irish cream and oat milk; this will produce a slightly thinner texture but maintains the cookie character.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these tiny delights alongside a plate of real sugar cookies or gingerbread for a whimsical dessert pairing. Garnish with a mini cookie on a cocktail pick or a tiny cinnamon stick for a warming aroma. They also work beautifully as a festive after-dinner treat — pass on a tray between courses or line them up for a holiday toast. For adult-only parties, set out a small sign noting flavors and suggested pace of enjoyment to keep service smooth.

Seasonal Adaptations

These are adaptable for other holidays — swap Christmas jimmies for pastel sprinkles at Easter or red-and-pink confetti for Valentine’s Day. Add a pinch of ground nutmeg or cinnamon to the shaker for a warming winter twist, or replace amaretto with coffee liqueur for an after-Thanksgiving coffee-cookie vibe. For New Year’s Eve, use gold or silver sprinkles and a touch of edible glitter for sparkle.

Meal Prep Tips

To streamline party prep, pre-measure spirits into a sealed bottle or pitcher and chill it. Rim glasses shortly before guests arrive, and set up a small station with the shaker and strainer so one person can speedily fill glasses. If making multiple batches, keep the shaker in the freezer between pours for consistently cold results. Label a pitcher with the batch size so you know how many shots it will fill at 1.5 ounces each.

Success Stories

I once brought these to a cookie exchange where the host had planned only baked goods; they became the evening’s highlight, with people returning for seconds and swapping stories about their favorite holiday cookies. Another time, a friend recreated them with a bourbon twist for a winter wedding and the bartender called it the most requested after-party item. Those joyful reactions are why I keep this formula simple and reliable.

These sugar cookie shots are a tiny, festive way to close a meal, celebrate a moment, or add sparkle to any gathering. Try one batch and you’ll quickly find the right balance for your crowd — then make them yours with small swaps and special touches.