Nothing says Christmas like the warm, cozy aroma of pumpkin and cinnamon filling the air. These adorable Pumpkin Soup Shooters with Cinnamon Croutons have become my go-to holiday party trick; they’re effortless to whip up yet look and taste like something straight from a winter fairy tale. I first made them for a last-minute Friendsgiving a few years back when I needed a festive appetizer that wouldn’t keep me stuck in the kitchen all day. The moment those little glasses, topped with golden, cinnamon-kissed croutons, hit the table? Gone in minutes. Now my friends demand them every year. The best part? You probably have most ingredients in your pantry already, and from pot to pour, they’re ready in under 30 minutes. Creamy, lightly spiced pumpkin soup meets that irresistible crunch; it’s holiday magic in a sip-sized package perfect for passing around at any gathering.
Why You’ll Love These Christmas Pumpkin Soup Shooters with Cinnamon Croutons
Trust me, these little cups of holiday cheer will steal the show at your next gathering. Here’s why they’re absolute magic:
- Effortless elegance: They look fancy (hello, mini soup glasses!), but take barely any more work than stirring a pot. Your guests will think you slaved for hours.
- Cozy flavors in every sip: That creamy pumpkin spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg tastes like Christmas morning, warming, slightly sweet, and utterly comforting.
- Perfect party food: No forks or fuss! Guests can sip and mingle without balancing plates. I’ve watched even the pickiest eaters go back for seconds.
- Make-ahead dream: The soup reheats beautifully, and croutons stay crispy in an airtight container. Just assemble before serving, stress-free hosting at its finest.
Seriously, the hardest part? Not eating all the cinnamon croutons straight off the baking sheet (I speak from experience).
Ingredients for Christmas Pumpkin Soup Shooters with Cinnamon Croutons
Gather these simple ingredients, most might already be in your pantry, to create these festive shooters. Precision matters here, especially with the spices, so measure carefully!
- 2 cups pumpkin puree, packed: The star of the show! Use homemade or high-quality canned (not pumpkin pie filling).
- 1 cup vegetable broth: Low-sodium lets you control the salt level.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream, chilled: Adds luxurious richness. Keep it cold to prevent curdling when added to hot soup.
- 1 tsp cinnamon: That warm, cozy magic.
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg: Freshly grated if possible, it makes a difference!
- 1/4 tsp cloves: Just a pinch for depth.
- 1 tbsp brown sugar: Balances the spices subtly.
- Salt to taste: Start with 1/4 tsp and adjust.
- 1 cup bread cubes, 1/2-inch diced: Stale bread works best for croutons.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: For crispy croutons.
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon: Extra for tossing with croutons.
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
Pumpkin puree: Canned is convenient (Libby’s is my go-to), but roasted fresh pumpkin adds incredible depth. Heavy cream: Swap for coconut milk for a dairy-free version, just skip the simmering step to avoid separation. Bread: Any sturdy loaf works, but brioche makes decadent croutons. Spices: No cloves? A dash of allspice or ginger works in a pinch!
How to Make Christmas Pumpkin Soup Shooters with Cinnamon Croutons
This is where the magic happens! Don’t worry, it’s easier than it looks. I’ll walk you through each step so your shooters turn out as dreamy as mine always do. Just follow along, and soon you’ll have a tray of these festive cuties ready to wow your guests.
Preparing the Pumpkin Soup
First, grab your favorite heavy-bottomed pot (mine’s a well-loved Dutch oven). Combine the pumpkin puree, vegetable broth, heavy cream, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, brown sugar, and salt. Whisk it all together like you’re stirring up a holiday potion! Now, simmer over medium heat for 10 minutes, stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Taste and adjust spices if needed, more cinnamon if you love warmth, a pinch more sugar if you prefer it sweeter.
Making the Cinnamon Croutons
While the soup simmers, preheat your oven to 375°F. Toss those bread cubes with olive oil and cinnamon in a bowl until every piece is coated like little jewels. Spread them on a baking sheet in a single layer, no crowding! Bake for 8-10 minutes until they’re golden and crisp. Your kitchen will smell like a Christmas bakery. Try not to snack on them all before serving!
Assembling the Shooters
Time for the fun part! Blend the soup until velvety smooth (an immersion blender works wonders here). Pour the warm soup into shot glasses or small cups, leaving a little room at the top for croutons. Top each one with a few cinnamon croutons; they should float like tiny edible rafts. Serve immediately while the soup is warm and the croutons are crisp. Watch your guests’ faces light up with that first sip!
Tips for Perfect Christmas Pumpkin Soup Shooters with Cinnamon Croutons
After making these shooters dozens of times (and learning from my mistakes!), Here are my foolproof secrets for absolute perfection:
- Blend like a pro: If using a regular blender, work in batches and hold the lid tight; hot soup expands! I learned this the messy way when pumpkin volcanoed all over my counter.
- Crouton crunch: Store extra croutons separately in an airtight container; they’ll stay crispy for days. Toss them on just before serving so they don’t get soggy.
- Temperature matters: Keep the soup warm (not boiling) while assembling. Too hot, and the cream might curdle. Too cold, and it loses that cozy holiday feel.
- Garnish game: A tiny sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg on top makes them look extra festive. My niece calls it “snowy magic dust.”
Follow these simple tricks, and your shooters will be the talk of every holiday party!
Serving Suggestions for Christmas Pumpkin Soup Shooters with Cinnamon Croutons
Oh, the fun you can have with these little shooters! I love lining them up on a rustic wooden tray with sprigs of fresh rosemary tucked between them; it looks so festive. For extra holiday flair, dust the rims with cinnamon sugar or add a tiny sage leaf on top. They pair perfectly with other bite-sized treats like bacon-wrapped dates or mini grilled cheese sandwiches. Last year, I served them alongside a cheese board, and the combo was a total hit. Just remember to keep the soup warm in a slow cooker if you’re setting up a self-serve station, nobody likes lukewarm pumpkin soup!
Storing and Reheating Christmas Pumpkin Soup Shooters with Cinnamon Croutons
Here’s my golden rule: always store the soup and croutons separately! The soup keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days, just pop it in an airtight container. When reheating, warm it gently over low heat, stirring often to prevent the cream from separating. Those crispy cinnamon croutons? Tuck them into a ziplock bag at room temperature, and they’ll stay crunchy for days. Right before serving, re-crisp the croutons in a 300°F oven for 2 minutes if needed. Trust me, nobody will guess these weren’t made fresh!
FAQ About Christmas Pumpkin Soup Shooters with Cinnamon Croutons
I get asked these questions all the time when I serve these at parties. Here’s everything you need to know!
Can I make these vegan?
Absolutely! Swap the heavy cream for coconut milk (full-fat works best) and use maple syrup instead of brown sugar. Just skip simmering the coconut milk; stir it in after blending to keep it silky smooth.
How far in advance can I prepare them?
Soup stays fresh in the fridge for 3 days, and croutons keep for 5 days at room temperature. I often make both components two days before a party, just assemble the shooters an hour before serving, so the croutons stay crisp.
My soup seems too thick. What should I do?
No worries! Add warm vegetable broth a tablespoon at a time until it reaches your perfect sippable consistency. Remember, it thickens slightly as it cools.
Can I freeze the pumpkin soup?
You can, but the texture changes a bit after thawing. If you must freeze it, omit the cream and add it fresh when reheating. Stir well to bring back that velvety smoothness.
What if I don’t have shot glasses?
Get creative! Small teacups, espresso cups, or even disposable tasting cups work beautifully. I’ve even served them in hollowed-out mini pumpkins for an extra festive touch!
Nutritional Information for Christmas Pumpkin Soup Shooters with Cinnamon Croutons
Let’s talk about what’s inside these cozy little shooters, because good food should make you feel as good as it tastes! While these aren’t exactly health food (hello, holiday indulgence), they do pack some nutritional perks. The pumpkin puree gives you a nice dose of vitamin A, and those warming spices like cinnamon actually have antioxidant benefits. The croutons add just enough crunch without going overboard.
Now for the fine print: Nutritional values are estimates and vary based on ingredients used. Things like the brand of pumpkin puree, the exact bread type for croutons, or whether you use full-fat coconut milk instead of cream will change the numbers. But honestly? During the holidays, I say savor every flavorful sip. This is celebration food meant to be enjoyed without overthinking! Visit Family Tastes for more holiday recipe inspiration.
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30-Minute Christmas Pumpkin Soup Shooters with Irresistible Cinnamon Croutons
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 shooters 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy these festive Christmas Pumpkin Soup Shooters topped with crispy cinnamon croutons. Perfect for holiday parties, these mini servings bring warmth and flavor in every sip.
Ingredients
- 2 cups pumpkin puree
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp cloves
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- Salt to taste
- 1 cup bread cubes
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
Instructions
- In a pot, combine pumpkin puree, vegetable broth, heavy cream, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, brown sugar, and salt.
- Simmer over medium heat for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Blend the soup until smooth using an immersion blender.
- For the croutons, toss bread cubes with olive oil and cinnamon.
- Bake at 375°F for 8-10 minutes until golden and crispy.
- Pour the soup into small shot glasses and top with cinnamon croutons.
- Serve warm.
Notes
- Use fresh pumpkin puree for the best flavor.
- Adjust spices to your preference.
- Make ahead and reheat before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Stovetop, Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 shooter
- Calories: 80
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 10mg