If you’re looking for a fun and festive treat to make this holiday season, Christmas Popcorn Balls are the perfect choice. These delicious and easy-to-make popcorn balls are a hit at any holiday gathering, offering a sweet and salty combination that both kids and adults will love. With colorful sprinkles, marshmallows, and a sticky, buttery glaze, these popcorn balls are the ultimate holiday snack!
Ingredients
- 10 cups popped popcorn (about 1/2 cup unpopped kernels)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 package (10 oz) mini marshmallows
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup light corn syrup
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup red and green sprinkles (for decoration)
- Optional: M&Ms, candy canes, or chocolate chips for extra decoration
Instructions
Step 1: Pop the Popcorn
Begin by popping the popcorn. You can use an air popper or stovetop method to pop 1/2 cup of unpopped kernels, yielding about 10 cups of popped popcorn. Be sure to remove any unpopped kernels, as they can cause discomfort when eating. Set the popcorn aside in a large mixing bowl.
Step 2: Prepare the Sticky Mixture
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the mini marshmallows, sugar, and corn syrup. Stir continuously until the marshmallows are fully melted and the mixture is smooth. This process should only take a few minutes. Once smooth, remove the saucepan from the heat and add the vanilla extract and salt. Stir to combine.
Step 3: Coat the Popcorn
Pour the sticky marshmallow mixture over the popped popcorn in the large mixing bowl. Using a spatula or spoon, gently fold the mixture into the popcorn until the popcorn is evenly coated. Be careful not to crush the popcorn as you mix.
Step 4: Form the Popcorn Balls
Once the popcorn is well coated, it’s time to form the popcorn balls. Let the mixture cool for a few minutes so it’s not too hot to handle, but not too long that it hardens. Then, lightly butter your hands (or coat them in cooking spray) to prevent sticking, and start shaping the popcorn into 3-inch balls. Press firmly to make sure the balls hold together, but be gentle enough to keep the popcorn fluffy.
Step 5: Decorate the Popcorn Balls
While the popcorn balls are still slightly warm, roll them in festive sprinkles. You can also add M&Ms, crushed candy canes, or chocolate chips for extra flavor and decoration. The sprinkles will stick easily to the marshmallow-coated popcorn.
Step 6: Allow the Popcorn Balls to Set
Place the finished popcorn balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and let them cool completely. This will allow the marshmallow mixture to harden and hold the popcorn balls together.
Step 7: Store and Serve
Once the popcorn balls have cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For best results, layer the popcorn balls with parchment paper to prevent them from sticking to each other. Serve these delicious treats at your holiday party, or give them as a sweet homemade gift to friends and family.
Tips for Success
- Use fresh popcorn: Make sure your popcorn is fresh and free of any unpopped kernels. This will ensure the best texture for your popcorn balls.
- Butter your hands: As the marshmallow mixture can be sticky, buttering your hands or using cooking spray will help you form the balls more easily.
- Mix-ins: Get creative with your mix-ins! You can add mini marshmallows, candy sprinkles, or even chopped nuts to the mixture for extra flavor and texture.
- Make ahead: These popcorn balls are perfect for making ahead of time. Prepare them the day before your party and store them in an airtight container.
Creative Variations
- Chocolate Drizzle: For an extra indulgent treat, drizzle melted chocolate over the popcorn balls once they’ve cooled. White chocolate or dark chocolate works wonderfully for a festive touch.
- Peanut Butter Popcorn Balls: Stir in 1/4 cup of peanut butter into the marshmallow mixture for a sweet and salty combination.
- Minty Popcorn Balls: Add a few drops of peppermint extract to the marshmallow mixture for a minty holiday flavor.
Serving Suggestions
These Christmas Popcorn Balls are great for:
- Holiday parties and gatherings
- Gift baskets and homemade holiday gifts
- Cookie exchanges
- As a fun, interactive activity with kids
- Snacking while watching holiday movies
Storage Instructions
Store your Christmas Popcorn Balls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you need to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. If the popcorn balls become a little too soft, simply leave them in the fridge for an hour to firm back up before serving.
FAQs
Can I use microwave popcorn instead of air-popped popcorn? Yes, you can use microwave popcorn as a shortcut, but be sure to avoid using buttered popcorn as it may alter the flavor and texture of your popcorn balls.
Can I make these popcorn balls without corn syrup? Corn syrup helps to give the popcorn balls their chewy texture. If you don’t have corn syrup, you can substitute it with honey or golden syrup, although it may change the flavor slightly.
How do I make these popcorn balls without them sticking to my hands? Lightly butter your hands or spray them with cooking spray to prevent the popcorn from sticking while forming the balls.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Christmas Popcorn Balls are a fun, delicious, and festive way to celebrate the holiday season. Their sweet and salty flavor combination is always a hit, and you can get as creative as you like with the decorations and mix-ins. They make the perfect treat for family gatherings, holiday parties, or even as a sweet gift for friends and loved ones.
Conclusion
Making Christmas Popcorn Balls is a fun, easy way to bring some joy to the holiday season. With their colorful sprinkles, festive flavors, and easy-to-follow recipe, these popcorn balls are a must-try treat that will surely become a holiday tradition. Get your kids involved, make them as a gift, or enjoy them yourself—they’re a simple yet irresistible holiday delight!