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Christmas Popcorn Balls

Christmas Popcorn Balls are a festive, no-bake holiday treat that’s as fun to make as they are to eat! With their chewy texture, buttery flavor, and bursts of sweetness from M&Ms and sprinkles, these colorful treats are sure to delight kids and adults alike. They’re perfect for holiday parties, as gifts for neighbors, or as a whimsical addition to your dessert table.

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Christmas Popcorn Balls

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🎄✨Sweet, sticky, and bursting with holiday cheer, these Christmas Popcorn Balls are the ultimate festive treat! Perfect for gifting or snacking under the tree. 🎅🍿 #HolidaySnacks #ChristmasPopcorn #SweetAndFestive #HomemadeHolidays #SnackMagic #PopcornLove #DIYHolidayTreats #FestiveEats #HolidayRecipes #MerryAndBright

  • Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients

  • ▢½ cup unpopped popcorn kernels
  • ▢½ cup unsalted butter
  • ▢1 10-ounce bag miniature marshmallows
  • ▢1 cup red and green M&M candies
  • ▢⅓ cup festive sprinkles

Instructions

  1. pop the popcorn
    Start by popping your popcorn kernels. Use your preferred method, whether it’s stovetop popping, an air popper, or microwave popcorn (just make sure it’s unflavored). After popping, separate any unpopped kernels to ensure they don’t sneak into your popcorn balls.
  2. melt the marshmallow mixture
    In a large pot, melt the unsalted butter over medium-low heat. Once fully melted, add the miniature marshmallows. Stir frequently to prevent burning, heating until the marshmallows melt into a smooth, velvety consistency.
  3. combine the popcorn and marshmallow mixture
    Remove the melted marshmallow mixture from the heat and pour it evenly over the popped popcorn. Using a spatula, gently stir the popcorn to coat every kernel in the sticky sweetness.
  4. fold in the candies and sprinkles
    Allow the mixture to cool slightly before folding in the M&M candies and sprinkles. This step adds pops of color and a crunchy, chocolatey contrast to the chewy popcorn base. Be gentle to avoid crushing the candies.
  5. form the popcorn balls
    Spray your hands with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking. Scoop about one cup of the coated popcorn mixture and press it gently into a ball. Repeat until all the mixture is used. If the mixture starts sticking to your hands, reapply the cooking spray.
  6. cool and set
    Place the formed popcorn balls on a parchment-lined tray and let them cool at room temperature until fully set. Once hardened, they’re ready to enjoy!

Notes

  • avoid melting candies: The marshmallow mixture’s warmth might melt the M&Ms slightly. To prevent this, press the candies onto the outside of the popcorn balls after shaping them.
  • size matters: The recipe yields around 16 popcorn balls if each ball contains about 1 cup of the mixture. For larger popcorn balls, expect a slightly smaller yield.
  • non-stick tools: Keep a small bowl of water nearby to lightly wet your hands if you prefer not to use cooking spray.
  • Author: Rosa
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes

These popcorn balls are also a great project to make with kids, bringing the holiday spirit alive in the kitchen. Plus, they’re easy to prepare, taking just about 30 minutes from start to finish. Let’s explore what makes these treats a must-try for the holidays and how you can customize them to suit your festive flair.

ingredients

  • ▢½ cup unpopped popcorn kernels
  • ▢½ cup unsalted butter
  • ▢1 10-ounce bag miniature marshmallows
  • ▢1 cup red and green M&M candies
  • ▢⅓ cup festive sprinkles

step-by-step instructions

pop the popcorn
Start by popping your popcorn kernels. Use your preferred method, whether it’s stovetop popping, an air popper, or microwave popcorn (just make sure it’s unflavored). After popping, separate any unpopped kernels to ensure they don’t sneak into your popcorn balls.

melt the marshmallow mixture
In a large pot, melt the unsalted butter over medium-low heat. Once fully melted, add the miniature marshmallows. Stir frequently to prevent burning, heating until the marshmallows melt into a smooth, velvety consistency.

combine the popcorn and marshmallow mixture
Remove the melted marshmallow mixture from the heat and pour it evenly over the popped popcorn. Using a spatula, gently stir the popcorn to coat every kernel in the sticky sweetness.

fold in the candies and sprinkles
Allow the mixture to cool slightly before folding in the M&M candies and sprinkles. This step adds pops of color and a crunchy, chocolatey contrast to the chewy popcorn base. Be gentle to avoid crushing the candies.

form the popcorn balls
Spray your hands with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking. Scoop about one cup of the coated popcorn mixture and press it gently into a ball. Repeat until all the mixture is used. If the mixture starts sticking to your hands, reapply the cooking spray.

cool and set
Place the formed popcorn balls on a parchment-lined tray and let them cool at room temperature until fully set. Once hardened, they’re ready to enjoy!

tips for success

  • avoid melting candies: The marshmallow mixture’s warmth might melt the M&Ms slightly. To prevent this, press the candies onto the outside of the popcorn balls after shaping them.
  • size matters: The recipe yields around 16 popcorn balls if each ball contains about 1 cup of the mixture. For larger popcorn balls, expect a slightly smaller yield.
  • non-stick tools: Keep a small bowl of water nearby to lightly wet your hands if you prefer not to use cooking spray.

variations

  • flavor boost: Add a splash of vanilla extract or almond extract to the marshmallow mixture for extra flavor.
  • different themes: Customize the sprinkles and candy colors for other holidays, such as pastel shades for Easter or orange and black for Halloween.
  • add-ins: Incorporate chopped nuts, dried cranberries, or crushed candy canes for more texture and flavor.

serving suggestions

Serve these popcorn balls on a festive platter surrounded by other holiday treats like cookies, brownies, or fudge. They’re also perfect for wrapping individually in cellophane and tying with a holiday ribbon for gifting.

storage

Store your popcorn balls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To maintain their freshness, avoid refrigeration, as it can make them too hard.

the magic of christmas popcorn balls

There’s something irresistibly nostalgic about these chewy, colorful popcorn balls. They capture the whimsy and joy of the holidays, making them a delightful addition to your seasonal traditions. Their sweet, buttery aroma will fill your kitchen, evoking the festive spirit as you prepare them.

Whether you’re sharing them at a party, gifting them to loved ones, or simply enjoying them with a warm mug of cocoa, Christmas Popcorn Balls are a holiday favorite that spreads cheer with every bite.

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