Crunchy Holiday Popcorn Recipe
As a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program and other affiliate programs, Easy Homemade Life may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page. This comes at no additional cost to you, and all the prices and availability are accurate at the time of publishing.
Holiday popcorn is a quick, sweet, and salty snack that always hits the spot. Popcorn gets mixed with pretzels, candy, and sprinkles, then finished with a fast drizzle of melted candy. It takes five minutes, uses simple ingredients, and doesn’t require baking.
My kids always request popcorn balls for their parties. They love Halloween popcorn balls during spooky season, so of course I had to make a Christmas version! Holiday popcorn is a budget-friendly treat you can make for festive parties, movie nights, or gift bags. You can also switch up the sprinkles or mix-ins to match any theme or preference.
If you walk into the season wanting one snack you can count on, this is it. It’s simple to share, easy to customize, and always a hit with anyone who grabs a handful!
How to Make Holiday Popcorn
Start by adding the popcorn, pretzels, and candy to a big bowl. Melt your candy until smooth, then drizzle them over everything and give it a gentle stir to help it coat. Finish with sprinkles, let it set for a short moment, and you’ll have a colorful holiday snack ready to share!
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
- Popcorn: Use plain popped popcorn from the stovetop, an electric popper, or the microwave. Skip buttered microwave popcorn since it can interfere with the candy coating.
- White candy wafers: Candy melts help hold all the mix-ins together.
- M&Ms: Add color plus a bit of chocolate. Red and green work nicely for the holidays, but any flavor or seasonal mix is fine.
- Pretzels: Give the mix a light salty crunch that balances the sweetness.
- Red and green sprinkles
Step-By-Step Instructions
This colorful holiday treat comes together with a little melting and mixing. In just a few simple steps, you’ll have a festive snack ready to serve or pack into gift bags.
Step 1: Mix
Spread the popcorn on a baking tray. Break half the pretzels into smaller pieces and add both the broken and whole pretzels over the top. Sprinkle the M&Ms evenly across the popcorn mix.
Step 2: Melt
Microwave the candy wafers in 30-second intervals, stirring between each round until smooth. Drizzle the melted candy over the popcorn and pretzels.
Step 3: Toss
Add the sprinkles, then gently toss everything so the coating sticks to the mix-ins. Let it set for a few minutes before serving or packing.
Substitutions
- Popcorn: Lightly salted or kettle corn works if you want a bit more sweetness.
- White candy wafers: White chocolate chips or almond bark melt well. A chocolate drizzle also works.
- M&Ms: Any small chocolate candy is fine.
- Pretzels: Mini crackers, salted nuts like peanuts or cashews, or crunchy cereal such as Chex or Cheerios give a similar salty crunch.
- Red and green sprinkles: Use nonpareils, crushed candy canes, or edible glitter for a fun twist.
Expert Tips
- Prep your tray: Line your baking sheet with parchment or wax paper. It prevents sticking and makes cleanup simple.
- Use newly-popped popcorn: Freshly popped popcorn gives the best texture. If you’re using store-bought, stick with an unseasoned option so the coating doesn’t clash with added flavors.
- Move quickly: Once the candy is melted, toss it with the popcorn and mix-ins right away so everything sticks before it sets.
- Melt candy slowly: Warm the candy wafers in 30-second intervals, stirring each time. Heating them too fast can cause the coating to thicken or seize.
- Try extra mix-ins: Crushed candy canes, mini marshmallows, nuts, or dried cranberries all work well. Kids enjoy adding their own toppings, so let them help if they’re nearby.
- Let it set: Make sure the coated popcorn cools and hardens fully before transferring it to a container. This keeps the mix crisp and fresh.
How to Store This Recipe
Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Choose a cool, dry spot so the coating doesn’t soften and the popcorn stays crisp. It’s best not to refrigerate or freeze it, since the added moisture can change the texture and it’s easy enough to make a fresh batch when you need more.
How to Serve Holiday Popcorn
Christmas popcorn pairs nicely with your favorite seasonal sips. We love it with peppermint mocha and other holiday coffees.. You can set out a big bowl for movie night, add it to a holiday charcuterie board with fruit or cheese, or serve it alongside other sweet treats. It also works well in small cups or bags if you’re hosting and want a grab-and-go option for guests.
More Christmas Treats To Try
Sweet and Salty Holiday Popcorn Recipe
Ingredients
- 6 cups popcorn already popped
- ½ cup white candy wafers
- ¼ cup M&Ms green and red
- 1.5 oz pretzels
- ½ tsp red sprinkles
- ½ tsp green sprinkles
Instructions
- Spread the popcorn on a baking tray. Break half the pretzels into smaller pieces and add both the broken and whole pretzels over the top. Sprinkle the M&Ms evenly across the popcorn mix.
- Microwave the candy wafers in 30-second intervals, stirring between each round until smooth. Drizzle the melted candy over the popcorn and pretzels.
- Add the sprinkles, then gently toss everything so the coating sticks to the mix-ins. Let it set for a few minutes before serving or packing.
Notes
- Line a baking sheet with parchment or wax paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easy.
- Freshly popped popcorn gives the best texture. If using store-bought, choose an unseasoned option so the coating doesn’t compete with added flavors.
- Once the candy is melted, toss it with the popcorn and mix-ins right away so everything sticks before it sets.
- Melt candy wafers in 30-second intervals, stirring each time, to keep the coating smooth and prevent it from seizing.
- Try mix-ins like crushed candy canes, mini marshmallows, nuts, or dried cranberries. Kids can help by adding their own toppings.
- Let the coated popcorn cool and harden completely before transferring it to a container to keep the mix crisp and fresh.
