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–+ servings
Six popcorn balls decorated with red and green sprinkles and candies are arranged on a rectangular white plate.

Fun Christmas Popcorn Balls Recipe

Author: Jessica Haggard
Christmas popcorn balls are a nostalgic holiday snack made with a sweet, sticky coating and plenty of festive mix-ins. They’re quick to prepare, needing only about 25 minutes. Enjoy them at Christmas parties or package them for holiday gifting.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Desserts
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 536 kcal

Ingredients
 
 

  • 1 cup sugar
  • ⅓ cup light corn syrup
  • ¼ cup butter
  • ⅓ cup water
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 8 cups popped popcorn keep warm in a large bowl in a 250 °F oven

Festive mix-in ideas:

  • red and green M&M’s in recipe
  • Christmas sprinkles in recipe
  • crushed candy canes or peppermint bits
  • mini marshmallows
  • white chocolate chips
  • Crushed pretzels for a sweet-salty twist
  • Dried cranberries or chopped dried cherries
  • Mini peanut butter cups or chocolate chunks
  • Toffee bits or caramel bits
  • Red and green mini gummy bears fun for kids!
  • Chopped nuts like almonds or pecans
  • Shredded coconut
  • Mini gold or silver candy pearls

Instructions
 

  • Combine the sugar, corn syrup, butter, water, and salt to a medium saucepan. Cook over medium heat while stirring until the mixture reaches a steady boil. Stop stirring and continue cooking until it reaches 250 °F on a candy thermometer.
  • Take the pan off the heat and stir in the vanilla.
  • Carefully pour the hot syrup over the warm popcorn. Use a fork or spatula to mix until the popcorn is evenly coated.
  • Let the coated popcorn cool for a moment, then mix in 1 cup of red and green M&Ms and ¼ cup of Christmas sprinkles. Mix until combined.
  • Once the mixture is cool enough to handle, grease your hands lightly with butter and shape the popcorn into balls.

Notes

  • If you’re making a large batch, coat the popcorn in two rounds so the syrup spreads evenly.
  • Shape the popcorn while it’s still warm, since the mixture firms up as it cools.
  • Let the mixture cool briefly before adding candies or sprinkles so they stay bright and don’t melt.
  • Once the popcorn balls are cool, wrap each one in clear cellophane or parchment and tie with a simple ribbon for gifting.
  • Add a lollipop stick or peppermint stick to make them easy to grab at parties, school events, or movie nights.
  • Press the popcorn together gently so it holds its shape without becoming too firm.
Serve: Enjoy with cozy drinks like peppermint hot chocolate, apple cider cocktail, Christmas cookies, fudge, or other small treats.
Store: Let the popcorn balls cool, then wrap each one in plastic wrap or parchment and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, keeping them away from heat and moisture.

Nutrition

Calories: 536kcalCarbohydrates: 105gProtein: 12gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 141mgPotassium: 305mgFiber: 14gSugar: 25gVitamin A: 118IUCalcium: 8mgIron: 3mg
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