Crowd-Favorite Christmas Popcorn Balls
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Bring in the holiday cheer with these gooey, crunchy Christmas popcorn balls! A nostalgic treat that’s easy to make, fun to share, and loved by all ages. Perfect for parties, movie nights, or for gifting to your loved ones.
Christmas popcorn balls are one of the easiest treats you can make for the holidays. The sweet smell of caramelized syrup and vanilla instantly takes me back to childhood because these were one of my Grandpa’s favorite treats. Now, it’s a tradition I love sharing with my kids.
This authentically vintage recipe uses simple ingredients and takes just 25 minutes to make. Enjoy them at home or wrap them in cellophane to make a fun homemade gift or stocking stuffer. I make this to give away to friends and neighbors along with Christmas soaps.
How to Make Christmas Popcorn Balls
The process of making Christmas popcorn balls couldn’t be easier! Simply make the syrup, pour it over freshly popped corn, mix in your favorite holiday candies, and shape them into balls. Once cooled, you’ll have glossy, chewy, bite-sized Christmas cheer ready to enjoy!
Scroll to the bottom of this post for a printable recipe card with a full list of ingredients, measurements, and step-by-step instructions.
Ingredients You Need
- Sugar
- Light corn syrup: For that perfect chewy texture and glossy coating.
- Butter: Unsalted, for balance and richness. Save a portion for greasing your hands while shaping the popcorn balls.
- Water
- Salt
- Vanilla extract
- Popped popcorn: Freshly popped or lightly salted bagged popcorn works great.
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
Step-By-Step Instructions
Making these Christmas popcorn balls is every bit as fun as it is delicious! With just a few simple steps, you’ll go from a bowl of plain popcorn to festive, sweet-and-salty treats everyone will love. I recommend this recipe so you can enjoy a stress-free holiday party. Follow the directions below and get ready to feel the holiday magic with every stir and shape!
Step 1: Make the syrup
In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar, corn syrup, butter, water, and salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture comes to a full boil. Stop stirring and continue cooking until the temperature reaches 270 F (hard ball stage) on a candy thermometer.
Step 2: Add the vanilla
Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla.
Step 3: Coat the popcorn
Carefully pour the hot syrup over the warm popped corn and mix with a fork to coat evenly.
Step 4: Add the Christmas mix-ins
Allow the mixture to cool slightly. Then gently add in 1 cup red and green M&Ms and ¼ cup Christmas sprinkles to the bowl, then mix to combine.
Step 5: Shape into balls
Let the mixture cool just until safe to handle, then quickly form into balls using lightly buttered hands.
Substitutions
- Flavoring: Try peppermint or almond extract instead of vanilla for a Christmas twist.
- Popcorn: Kettle corn adds extra sweetness. Just reduce sugar slightly.
Expert Tips
- Work fast: The syrup sets quickly, so shape the popcorn while it’s warm.
- Don’t overpack: Gently press the popcorn together just enough to hold its shape. Pressing too firmly will make the popcorn balls hard instead of soft and chewy.
- Work in batches: If you’re doubling the recipe for a party or gifting, coat half the popcorn at a time to ensure even coverage and the perfect texture.
- Add mix-ins at the right time: Let the syrup cool slightly before stirring in candy pieces, M&M’s, or sprinkles so they don’t melt. This keeps the colors bright and festive!
- Make them gift-worthy: Once cooled, wrap each popcorn ball in clear cellophane or parchment squares, then tie with red and green ribbons.
- Turn them into party treats: Insert a lollipop or peppermint candy stick into each popcorn ball for easy grab-and-go snacking at cookie swaps, classroom parties, or movie nights.
How to Store This Recipe
Once cooled, wrap each ball individually in plastic wrap or parchment paper. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Avoid heat and humidity to keep them perfectly chewy.
How to Serve Christmas Popcorn Balls
These festive popcorn balls pair beautifully with hot chocolate, spiced apple cider, and your favorite holiday coffee drinks. Add them to a holiday charcuterie board or dessert board with sugar cookies, fudge, or gingerbread men for a sweet centerpiece everyone will love.
More Easy Holiday Treats To Try
Easy Christmas Popcorn Balls Recipe
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
- In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar, corn syrup, butter, water, and salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture comes to a full boil. Stop stirring and continue cooking until the temperature reaches 270 °F (hard ball stage) on a candy thermometer.
- Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla.
- Carefully pour the hot syrup over the warm popped corn and mix with a fork to coat evenly.
- Allow the mixture to cool slightly. Then gently add in 1 cup red and green M&Ms and ¼ cup Christmas sprinkles to the bowl, then mix to combine.
- Let the mixture cool just until safe to handle, then quickly form into balls using lightly buttered hands.
Notes
- Shape the popcorn while the syrup is still warm, since it sets quickly.
- Press the popcorn together gently so it holds its shape without becoming hard.
- If making a larger batch, coat half the popcorn at a time for even coverage and the right texture.
- Let the syrup cool slightly before adding candy pieces, M&M’s, or sprinkles so they don’t melt and the colors stay bright.
- After cooling, wrap each popcorn ball in clear cellophane or parchment and tie with red and green ribbons for gifting.
- For party treats, insert a lollipop stick or peppermint stick into each popcorn ball for grab-and-go snacking at cookie swaps, classroom parties, or movie nights.
