Table of Contents: Christmas Popcorn Balls
Christmas Popcorn Balls
There’s something magical about bite-sized treats that bring joy to the holiday season. These Christmas Popcorn Balls are not only delicious but also a nostalgic favorite that kids and adults alike will adore. Coated in colorful sprinkles and studded with festive M&M’s, they’re the perfect easy Christmas snack to share at parties, gift to neighbors, or enjoy as a cozy family treat.
With just a handful of simple ingredients, this recipe delivers festive popcorn treats that are quick to make and even quicker to disappear! Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or looking for a fun kitchen project with the kids, these holiday popcorn recipes are a must-try.
Alternate Names & Variations
These delightful treats go by many names, including:
– Holiday Popcorn Balls
– Festive Marshmallow Popcorn Balls
– Christmas Crunch Balls
For a twist, try swapping the M&M’s for crushed candy canes, white chocolate chips, or dried cranberries. You can also drizzle melted chocolate over the finished popcorn balls for extra decadence.
Ingredients for CHRISTMAS POPCORN BALLS

Christmas Popcorn Balls
- – ½ cup popcorn kernels (or about 10-15 cups of popped popcorn)
- – ½ cup unsalted butter
- – 1 bag mini marshmallows (10 ounces)
- – 1 cup Christmas M&M’s
- – ⅓ cup Christmas sprinkles
Chef’s Tip: For extra flavor, add a pinch of cinnamon or vanilla extract to the melted marshmallow mixture!
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Pop the popcorn – Use an air popper or stovetop method to pop the kernels. Remove any unpopped kernels to avoid biting into them later.
2. Melt the butter and marshmallows – In a large pot over low heat, melt the butter, then stir in the mini marshmallows until fully smooth.
3. Combine with popcorn – Pour the melted marshmallow mixture over the popped popcorn, gently folding until evenly coated.
4. Add mix-ins – While the mixture is still warm, fold in the M&M’s and sprinkles.
5. Shape into balls – Lightly grease your hands with butter or cooking spray, then scoop about ½ cup of the mixture and press into a ball. Repeat until all the mixture is used.
6. Let them set – Place the popcorn balls on a parchment-lined tray and let them cool for 30 minutes before serving.
Recipe Card (Quick Reference)
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes | Servings: 12-15 popcorn balls | Calories: ~180 per ball
Why This Recipe Works & Expert Tips
These Christmas Popcorn Balls are foolproof because the marshmallow mixture binds everything together without needing corn syrup. The festive colors from the M&M’s and sprinkles make them a holiday must-have, while the buttery, sweet flavor keeps everyone coming back for more.
Pro Tips:
– Use freshly popped popcorn for the best texture.
– If the mixture cools too fast, briefly reheat it in the microwave.
– For a nutty twist, add chopped pecans or almonds.
Storage, Freezing, and Reheating Tips
– Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
– Freezing: Wrap individually in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
– Reheating: If they harden, microwave for 5-10 seconds to soften.
People Also Ask: CHRISTMAS POPCORN BALLS

Christmas Popcorn Balls
How do you make popcorn balls stick together?
The key is using fresh marshmallows and butter, melted together to create a sticky, pliable mixture. Pressing the popcorn firmly while shaping ensures they hold their form. If the mixture cools too much, briefly rewarm it for easier handling.
Why are my popcorn balls falling apart?
This usually happens if the marshmallow mixture wasn’t warm enough or if too much popcorn was added. Ensure the mixture coats the popcorn evenly, and press firmly when shaping.
Can I make popcorn balls without corn syrup?
Yes! This recipe uses marshmallows and butter as the binder, eliminating the need for corn syrup while still keeping the treats perfectly sticky.
How long do homemade popcorn balls last?
When stored in an airtight container, they stay fresh for 4-5 days. For longer storage, freeze them for up to a month.
Conclusion: CHRISTMAS POPCORN BALLS
These festive popcorn treats are a delightful way to celebrate the season! Easy to make and fun to customize, they’re sure to become a holiday tradition. Give them a try, and don’t forget to share your creations with us in the comments!
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Christmas Popcorn Balls
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 popcorn balls 1x
Description
Colorful, chewy, and festive popcorn balls—perfect for holiday parties, gift bags, or cozy Christmas movie nights.
Ingredients
- 12 cups popped popcorn (plain, unsalted)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light corn syrup
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Red and green food coloring
- Holiday sprinkles or mini M&Ms (optional)
- Nonstick spray or butter (for hands)
Instructions
- Place popped popcorn in a large bowl and set aside.
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine sugar, corn syrup, butter, and salt.
- Stir constantly until the mixture comes to a boil.
- Let boil for 2 minutes without stirring.
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
- Divide mixture evenly into two bowls and tint one with red food coloring and the other with green.
- Quickly pour each colored mixture over half of the popcorn and stir to coat.
- Let cool slightly until safe to handle but still pliable.
- Grease your hands with butter or spray, then shape popcorn into balls.
- Optional: press sprinkles or mini M&Ms into the balls for decoration.
- Let set on wax paper until firm.
Notes
Store popcorn balls in airtight containers to keep them soft. Great for making with kids during the holidays!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 popcorn ball
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: popcorn balls, christmas snack, holiday treats, kids recipe