These Christmas Popcorn Balls are a festive and fun holiday treat! Made with freshly popped popcorn, gooey marshmallows, and a hint of vanilla, these chewy, sweet treats are perfect for holiday parties, gifting, or a cozy family movie night.
Decorated with colorful sprinkles, M&Ms, or crushed candy canes, these popcorn balls bring the perfect combination of sweetness and crunch. They’re easy to make, require no baking, and can be customized with your favorite holiday flavors. Whether you’re looking for a nostalgic Christmas treat or a simple no-bake dessert, these festive popcorn balls will be a hit with kids and adults alike!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Chill Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Serving Size: 1 popcorn ball
- Servings: 12 popcorn balls
Ingredients
For the Popcorn Balls:
- 10 cups popped popcorn (about ½ cup unpopped kernels)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 (10 oz) bag mini marshmallows
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Festive Mix-Ins & Toppings:
- ½ cup red and green M&Ms
- ¼ cup holiday sprinkles
- ½ cup crushed candy canes
- ½ cup white chocolate chips (optional)
- Red and green food coloring (optional)
Instructions
Preparing the Popcorn:
- Pop the popcorn: Use an air popper or stovetop method to pop about 10 cups of popcorn. Remove any unpopped kernels.
- Transfer to a bowl: Place the popcorn in a large mixing bowl and set aside.
Making the Marshmallow Coating:
- Melt the butter: In a saucepan over low heat, melt the butter.
- Add the marshmallows: Stir in the marshmallows and continue stirring until fully melted and smooth.
- Add flavor: Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract and salt.
- Add food coloring (optional): If using, stir in a few drops of red or green food coloring.
Coating the Popcorn:
- Pour over popcorn: Carefully drizzle the melted marshmallow mixture over the popcorn and gently toss to coat.
- Add mix-ins: Stir in M&Ms, sprinkles, and crushed candy canes while the mixture is still warm.
Forming the Popcorn Balls:
- Grease hands: Lightly butter your hands or spray with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Shape the balls: Scoop about ½ cup of the coated popcorn mixture and press it into a firm ball.
- Set on parchment paper: Place each popcorn ball on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Chill: Let them sit at room temperature or refrigerate for 30 minutes until firm.
Serving:
- Enjoy immediately or wrap each popcorn ball individually in plastic wrap for storage.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Tips for the Best Christmas Popcorn Balls
- Use Freshly Popped Popcorn: Stale popcorn won’t hold together as well.
- Work Quickly: The marshmallow coating sets fast, so shape the popcorn balls while still warm.
- For Extra Sweetness: Drizzle with melted white or dark chocolate.
- Customize Your Toppings: Swap out M&Ms for Reese’s Pieces or add chopped nuts for extra crunch.
Creative Variations
- Peppermint White Chocolate Popcorn Balls: Stir in white chocolate chips and crushed candy canes.
- Gingerbread Popcorn Balls: Add ½ teaspoon cinnamon and ¼ teaspoon ground ginger to the marshmallow mixture.
- Nutty Caramel Popcorn Balls: Drizzle with caramel and sprinkle with chopped pecans.
FAQs
Can I make these ahead of time? Yes! Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Can I freeze popcorn balls? It’s not recommended, as freezing can make them too hard and chewy.
How do I prevent sticky hands? Butter your hands or use wax paper to shape the balls.
These Christmas Popcorn Balls are sweet, chewy, and perfect for the holiday season. Whether as a fun family activity, a party treat, or a homemade gift, they’re sure to spread Christmas cheer. Try them today and add some holiday magic to your dessert table!
