There’s something truly nostalgic and magical about Christmas Popcorn Balls. These festive treats are sweet, crunchy, colorful, and absolutely perfect for holiday parties, school snacks, or edible gifts. Whether wrapped in cellophane and tied with ribbons or stacked on a holiday dessert tray, popcorn balls bring a vintage charm and cheerful bite to your seasonal celebrations.
Made with popped popcorn, marshmallows, butter, and festive red and green candies or sprinkles, this recipe is simple and endlessly customizable. Kids love them, adults crave them, and they stay fresh for days, ideal for make-ahead holiday treats.
Ingredients
- 10 cups plain popped popcorn (about 1/2 cup unpopped kernels)
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 1 (10 oz) bag mini marshmallows
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup red and green M&M’s or mini chocolate candies
- 1/4 cup holiday sprinkles
- Optional: red or green food coloring
- Cooking spray or butter (for hands)
Preparation Steps
Step 1 – Pop the popcorn:
Prepare the popcorn using your preferred method—air popper, stovetop, or microwave. Once popped, place it into a large mixing bowl and remove any unpopped kernels to avoid crunch hazards.
Step 2 – Prepare the marshmallow coating:
In a large saucepan over medium-low heat, melt the butter. Once melted, add the marshmallows and salt, stirring constantly until completely smooth and combined. This will take about 5–7 minutes.
Step 3 – Add flavor and color:
Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in vanilla extract. If using food coloring, add a few drops now and mix well until evenly colored.
Step 4 – Combine with popcorn:
Slowly pour the melted marshmallow mixture over the popcorn in batches. Gently fold with a spatula until all the popcorn is well coated. Allow the mixture to cool slightly (about 1–2 minutes) so it’s safe to handle.
Step 5 – Add festive flair:
Fold in the M&M’s and holiday sprinkles. Work quickly, as the mixture will continue to firm up as it cools.
Step 6 – Shape the balls:
Grease your hands with butter or spray, then scoop a portion of the coated popcorn and gently press into balls about the size of a baseball. Set the finished balls on a parchment-lined tray.
Step 7 – Let set:
Allow the popcorn balls to cool and set completely at room temperature (about 30–60 minutes) before serving or wrapping.
Variation
- Peppermint Popcorn Balls: Add 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract to the marshmallow mixture and sprinkle with crushed candy canes.
- Chocolate-Dipped: Dip half of each popcorn ball in melted white or dark chocolate and sprinkle with crushed peppermint or red sugar.
- Cinnamon Sugar: Mix in 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon and 1/4 cup cinnamon chips for a spicy twist.
- Nutty Crunch: Add 1/4 cup chopped pecans, almonds, or peanuts for extra texture.
- Rice Krispies Mix-In: Fold in 1 cup of Rice Krispies cereal for added crunch.
Cooking Notes
- Use plain, unsalted popcorn, avoid using microwave bags with butter flavor, which may alter the taste and texture.
- Be sure the marshmallow mixture is warm but not boiling when added to the popcorn.
- Wet or grease your hands before shaping to prevent sticking.
- Do not over-press the mixture when forming balls or they may become dense and chewy.
- If the marshmallow coating cools too quickly while shaping, warm it slightly in the microwave to soften.
Serving Suggestions
- Party Platters: Serve with other retro sweets like candied nuts and fudge.
- Classroom Snacks: Wrap individually and hand out for holiday school parties.
- Gift Bags: Add to holiday treat bags for neighbors, coworkers, or teachers.
- Hot Chocolate Bar: Pair with a warm drink station for a cozy holiday treat.
Tips
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Wrap each popcorn ball in plastic wrap or wax paper for freshness and presentation.
- You can use clear holiday-themed treat bags tied with ribbon for gifting.
- To make smaller balls for kids or party platters, use a cookie scoop.
Prep Time / Cooking Time / Total Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Cooling Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Popcorn Ball – approx.)
- Calories: 210
- Total Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Sugar: 18g
- Protein: 2g
- Sodium: 115mg
- Fiber: 1g
Note: Nutrition will vary based on toppings and size of balls.
FAQs
Can I make these ahead of time?
- Yes! They stay fresh at room temperature for up to 5 days. Just store them in an airtight container or wrap them individually.
Can I use colored marshmallows or flavored ones?
- You can, but they may affect the flavor and final color. Plain white marshmallows are best for a clean holiday look.
How do I keep them from sticking to my hands?
- Use cooking spray, butter, or even slightly wet hands. This helps shape the balls without a sticky mess.
Can I freeze popcorn balls?
- It’s not recommended. Freezing can cause texture changes and the popcorn may become stale or chewy.
Can I make these without marshmallows?
- You can try a syrup-based recipe using corn syrup and sugar, but the texture and taste will differ from this soft, marshmallow version.
Conclusion
Christmas Popcorn Balls are a timeless holiday treat that’s as fun to make as they are to eat. Whether you’re crafting them for a holiday party, kids’ celebration, or just a cozy night in, these colorful popcorn balls add a pop of joy to any festive table. The simplicity of the ingredients combined with the flexibility to customize makes this a favorite for both beginner and experienced home cooks.
Perfectly sweet, chewy, and crunchy all at once, popcorn balls are the kind of nostalgic holiday magic everyone loves. Make them with the family, share them as gifts, or just enjoy them yourself as a taste of the season. They’re affordable, creative, and endlessly joyful, just what the holidays are all about.