Sugar Cookie Shot Cocktail Recipe

I’m always looking for fun, easy ways to turn classic desserts into drinks, especially for parties. That’s pretty much why I had to give sugar cookie shots a go.

They really do taste like sweet, buttery sugar cookies—but in a creamy, drinkable little shot. It’s kind of wild how close they get to the real thing.

This recipe is super simple and only takes a few minutes to throw together. You probably have most of the ingredients already.

If you’re into sweet cocktails or just want something festive for a get-together, you might want to try these. They look adorable in a small glass and honestly, they’re perfect for sharing.

Sugar Cookie Shot Cocktail Recipe

The Sugar Cookie Shot is all about delivering that classic sugar cookie taste in a creamy, fun shot. It’s a mix of vanilla vodka, Irish cream, and a couple of other easy ingredients.

Makes for a festive treat—ideal for parties or honestly, whenever you’re in the mood for something sweet.

Equipment

• 1 standard shot glass (1.5 oz or 2 oz works)
• 1 small plate or shallow dish (for sprinkles and frosting)
• 1 cocktail shaker with lid
• 1 jigger or measuring spoon
• 1 strainer
• 1 spoon or small spatula (for spreading frosting)

I always go with a sturdy shaker to chill everything fast. The small plate is just for getting the rim coated with frosting and then sprinkles.

If you’re missing a jigger, a tablespoon is close enough for these tiny pours.

Ingredients

• 1 oz vanilla vodka
• 1 oz Baileys Irish Cream or any Irish cream
• ½ oz amaretto
• 1 oz half & half (or milk if you want it lighter)
• Vanilla frosting, for rimming the glass
• Colorful sprinkles, for rimming the glass
• Ice cubes (for shaking)

I like using real vanilla vodka—it gives a strong cookie vibe. Amaretto adds a hint of almond, which is kind of the secret to making it taste like an actual sugar cookie.

Colored sprinkles look best on the rim, in my opinion. They just make it pop.

Instructions

• Frost the rim of your shot glass with a thin layer of vanilla frosting.
• Roll that frosted rim in a shallow dish of sprinkles until it’s coated all around.
• Fill up your cocktail shaker with ice cubes.
• Pour in the vanilla vodka, Baileys, amaretto, and half & half.
• Pop the lid on and shake it hard for about 10 seconds, until it feels cold.
• Strain into your rimmed shot glass.
• Serve right away.

I always shake the mix well so it’s super cold. The frosting and sprinkles tend to stay put if you don’t overfill the glass.

Pour gently to keep the rim looking neat.

Notes

You can make the Sugar Cookie Shot ahead of time—just save the frosting and sprinkles for right before serving.

I usually stick with regular half & half, but milk or a dairy-free option works if that’s your thing. Sometimes I swap out the sprinkles to match whatever holiday or theme is going on.

No amaretto? You can skip it, but it won’t taste quite as cookie-like. I honestly think Baileys is the best for a silky flavor, but hey, use whatever Irish cream you’ve got.

For bigger groups, I just double or triple the recipe and rim each glass before pouring. The shot is sweet, creamy, and works with most standard glassware.

Tasting Notes

When I take a sip of the Sugar Cookie Shot, the first thing that hits me is just how sweet and creamy it is. Honestly, it’s almost uncanny how much it tastes like an actual sugar cookie.

The vanilla really jumps out, making the whole thing feel playful and kind of nostalgic. It’s a familiar flavor, but not in a boring way.

I catch this faint nutty depth from the liqueur in the mix. It’s subtle, but it adds a little warmth that sneaks up on you.

What really gets me, though, is the mouthfeel. It’s soft and almost buttery, but somehow not too heavy.

It’s the kind of drink I want to reach for on a laid-back evening or when there’s something to celebrate. I mean, it’s got that girls’ night vibe—pretty to look at, and honestly, just fun to drink.

Sometimes, I’ll toss a pinch of cinnamon on top for a bit of spice. It’s a small touch, but it fits with the other flavors and doesn’t take over.

Here’s how I usually sum up the flavor profile:

• Sweet
• Creamy
• Vanilla-forward
• Slightly nutty
• Mild, with no harsh alcohol taste