Sweet Jolly Holiday Popcorn Balls Recipe – A Festive Christmas Treat

Nothing says holiday cheer quite like a batch of classic Christmas popcorn balls that sparkle with festive magic.

Sweet kernels of nostalgia dance through this simple yet delightful treat.

Sticky marshmallow and butter blend perfectly to create these delectable spheres of joy.

Each colorful popcorn ball becomes a canvas for holiday creativity and childhood memories.

Kids and adults alike will adore these charming confections that require minimal effort.

Sprinkle some holiday spirit with seasonal sprinkles or colorful candy pieces to make them extra special.

Gather your ingredients and get ready to spread some delicious holiday cheer.

FAQs

• Are popcorn balls only for Christmas?

No, you can make these delicious treats year-round. They’re perfect for parties, movie nights, or any festive occasion.

• Can kids help make popcorn balls?

Absolutely! Kids can help mix the popcorn and sprinkles. Adults should handle the hot marshmallow mixture and shaping the balls.

• How do I prevent the popcorn balls from falling apart?

Make sure to press the mixture firmly when forming balls. Slightly damp or greased hands help create compact, sturdy popcorn balls.

• How long will the popcorn balls stay fresh?

When stored in an airtight container at room temperature, popcorn balls stay fresh for about 3-4 days. Keep them away from humidity to maintain their texture.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Calories: 160 kcal

Servings: 12

Popcorn Balls Ingredient Guide for the Holidays

• Popcorn: Provides the crispy, airy foundation for the festive treat, choose fresh kernels for maximum crunch and minimal unpopped pieces.

• Butter, Mini Marshmallows, Vanilla Extract, Salt: Creates a gooey, sweet coating that holds the popcorn together, ensuring a smooth and rich flavor profile.

• Sprinkles, Mini Candies: Adds playful color and extra texture, select holiday-themed or seasonal varieties to enhance the Christmas spirit.

• Nonstick Spray or Butter: Prevents sticky hands while shaping, helps create perfectly formed popcorn balls without mess.

• Wax Paper or Parchment Paper: Provides a clean, non-stick surface for cooling and prevents balls from sticking, making cleanup easy and hassle-free.

What You’ll Need for Christmas Popcorn Balls

• Large mixing bowl: Perfect for holding and mixing popcorn safely.
• Large saucepan: Essential for melting butter and marshmallows smoothly.
• Spatula: Great for gently folding marshmallow mixture into popcorn without breaking kernels.
• Wax paper or parchment paper: Helps popcorn balls cool and prevent sticking.
• Nonstick spray or butter: Keeps hands from getting sticky while shaping balls.
• Measuring cup: Helps create uniform popcorn ball sizes.

How to Shape Perfect Christmas Popcorn Balls

• Prep Festive Base

Grab a big bowl and pour in freshly popped popcorn. Quickly sweep away any stray uncooked kernels to keep things smooth.

• Whip Up Sweet Binding

Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Toss in mini marshmallows and stir until they transform into a silky, glossy mixture. Add a splash of vanilla and a pinch of salt for extra flavor.

• Createal Mixture

Drizzle the marshmallow goodness over the popcorn. Gently fold everything together until each kernel gets a cozy marshmallow hug. Sprinkle in colorful candies or sparkly decorations for festive flair.

• Craft Delightful Spheres

Grease your hands with cooking spray or butter. Scoop a handful of the coated popcorn and squeeze gently into perfect round shapes. Keep working until all the mixture becomes cute little popcorn globes.

• Set and Celebrate

Place the popcorn balls on parchment paper to cool and firm up. Once they’re solid, they’re ready to munch or wrap as sweet holiday gifts.

Make Holiday Popcorn Balls Even More Fun

• Popcorn Ball Pro Tips
• Work quickly when forming balls to prevent them from becoming too sticky or falling apart. Keep hands lightly greased with cooking spray for smooth shaping.
• Allow marshmallow mixture to cool slightly before mixing with popcorn to prevent burning and ensure even coating without breaking delicate popcorn pieces.
• Replace mini marshmallows with almond bark or white chocolate for a different flavor profile that kids and adults will love. Experiment with seasonal candy melts for festive variations.
• Use gluten-free marshmallows and dairy-free butter alternatives for guests with dietary restrictions. Swap traditional sprinkles with allergen-free decorative options.
• Roll finished popcorn balls in crushed candy canes, colored sugar, or edible glitter for extra holiday sparkle. Create themed color schemes matching Christmas or winter celebrations.

Ways to Serve Christmas Popcorn Balls

• Festive Gift Packaging: Wrap each popcorn ball in clear cellophane, tie with a colorful Christmas ribbon, and create adorable homemade treats perfect for holiday sharing with friends and neighbors.
• Sweet Holiday Platter: Arrange the popcorn balls on a decorative Christmas-themed platter, sprinkle extra festive sprinkles around them, and create a delightful centerpiece for dessert tables or family gatherings.
• Movie Night Snack: Serve these popcorn balls during classic holiday movie marathons, allowing everyone to enjoy a sweet and crunchy treat while watching favorite seasonal films together.
• Kids' Baking Activity: Transform the popcorn ball making into a fun family activity where children can help mix, shape, and decorate the treats, creating delicious memories and building excitement for Christmas celebrations.

Keep Popcorn Balls Fresh and Crunchy

• Spread popcorn balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, allowing air circulation to help them set faster and maintain their shape without becoming soggy.
• Store completed popcorn balls in an airtight container, separating layers with wax paper to prevent sticking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness and texture.
• Wrap individual popcorn balls in colorful cellophane, twisting ends with festive ribbons. This method keeps treats fresh and creates adorable homemade gift presentations for holiday gatherings.
• Allow popcorn balls to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving, which helps soften their texture slightly and enhances their delightful marshmallow coating. Avoid direct sunlight or warm areas to prevent melting.

Festive Christmas Popcorn Balls Recipe

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• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 13 1x

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Description

Homemade Christmas Popcorn Balls blend nostalgic holiday memories with sweet, crunchy delight. Sticky marshmallow and festive sprinkles create a simple yet irresistible treat families will cherish together.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 package (10 oz / 280 g) mini marshmallows
• 4 tbsps (60 g) unsalted butter
• 10 cups (80 g) popped popcorn
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ tsp salt
• Red and green sprinkles or mini candies (optional)
• Nonstick cooking spray or butter (for hands)

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Meticulously sift through freshly popped kernels, removing any unpopped or burnt pieces into a spacious mixing bowl.
2. Marshmallow Base: Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat, then gently fold in marshmallows, stirring until transformed into a smooth, glossy liquid. Incorporate vanilla essence and a delicate touch of salt, blending until perfectly harmonized.
3. Coating and Mixing: Pour the warm marshmallow mixture over the popcorn landscape, using a flexible spatula to gently coat each kernel. If desired, sprinkle festive mini candies or colorful confetti, folding delicately to ensure even distribution.
4. Shaping: Lightly mist hands with non-stick spray or butter to prevent sticking. Compress the marshmallow-coated popcorn into uniform spherical formations, applying consistent, gentle pressure. Continue shaping until all mixture is transformed into cohesive, festive orbs.
5. Finishing: Arrange the freshly crafted popcorn balls on wax or parchment paper, allowing them to cool and set naturally. Once firm, these whimsical treats are ready for immediate enjoyment or elegant gifting.

Notes

Prevent Sticky Hands: Lightly coat hands with cooking spray or butter before shaping popcorn balls to avoid messy, sticky situations and ensure smooth ball formation.

Keep Popcorn Crisp: Work quickly when mixing marshmallow mixture to prevent soggy kernels, maintaining the ideal crunch and texture of the popcorn.

Customize Flavor Variations: Experiment with different extracts like peppermint or almond, or add festive sprinkles, crushed candy canes, or colored sugar for unique holiday twists.

Storage Strategy: Store popcorn balls individually wrapped in plastic wrap or wax paper to maintain freshness and prevent them from sticking together, keeping them perfect for up to 3 days at room temperature.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 138
• Sugar: 9 g
• Sodium: 105 mg
• Fat: 6 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 1 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg