Do Share Recipe

Christmas Popcorn Balls Recipe | Sweet, Chewy & Festive

I have to admit, making these Christmas popcorn balls recipe has quickly become one of my favorite holiday traditions. The sweet aroma of melted marshmallows and buttery popcorn fills the kitchen, instantly putting me in a festive mood. I love how easy they are to make, yet they look so impressive when served to family and friends.

Every bite is delightfully gooey, with colorful sprinkles and M&Ms making each ball feel extra special. If you enjoy simple, fun, and festive treats, these popcorn balls are a must-try! If you enjoy simple, fun, and festive treats—especially alongside desserts like Mini Red Velvet Cheesecakes Recipe—these popcorn balls are a must-try!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make about 16 Christmas popcorn balls:

½ cup popcorn kernels – I prefer using plain unpopped kernels because pre-popped bags often have extra salt or flavorings.
¼ cup unsalted butter – Butter adds richness and helps the marshmallows melt smoothly.
10 ounces mini marshmallows – Mini marshmallows melt evenly and coat the popcorn perfectly. These add color and a chocolatey crunch, similar to the festive sweetness found in a Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies Recipe.
1 cup Christmas-themed M&Ms – These add color and a chocolatey crunch.
¼ cup Christmas sprinkles – Choose your favorite festive sprinkles to give the balls a fun holiday look.
Non-stick cooking spray – This keeps the marshmallow mixture from sticking to your hands while shaping.

Note: several servings

Variations

You can easily adjust this recipe to suit different dietary needs or flavor preferences:

Dairy-Free: Replace butter with coconut oil or a vegan butter alternative.
Sugar-Free: Use sugar-free marshmallows to reduce sugar content.
Extra Festive: Mix in crushed candy canes or colored chocolate chips for a unique holiday twist.
Flavor Boost: Add a dash of vanilla extract or a pinch of cinnamon for extra warmth.

Cooking Time

Making these popcorn balls doesn’t take long, which makes them perfect for last-minute holiday treats:

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes

Equipment You Need

Large mixing bowl – To hold and mix the popcorn.
Medium-large saucepan – For melting butter and marshmallows.
Rubber spatula – Perfect for stirring the sticky marshmallow mixture.
Measuring cups and spoons – For accurate ingredient portions.
Non-stick cooking spray – Keeps your hands from sticking while forming balls.

How to Make Christmas Popcorn Balls

Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to creating these festive treats.

Pop the Popcorn

Start by popping ½ cup of kernels your preferred way. I usually use a pot on the stove, but a microwave popper works too. Make sure to remove any unpopped kernels.

Melt Butter and Marshmallows

In a medium-large saucepan, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Once melted, add the mini marshmallows and stir until smooth and fully combined.

Combine Popcorn and Marshmallow Mixture

Pour the melted marshmallow mixture over the popcorn in a large bowl. Use a rubber spatula to gently coat all the popcorn.

Add M&Ms and Sprinkles

After the popcorn cools slightly, fold in the M&Ms and Christmas sprinkles. This step adds color and festive fun to each ball.

Shape the Popcorn Balls

Spray your hands with non-stick cooking spray. Scoop about a cup of the mixture and gently form it into a ball with your palms. Repeat with the remaining mixture.

Cool and Serve

Allow the popcorn balls to cool completely before serving. This ensures they hold their shape and stay soft but firm.

Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better

From my experience, these tricks make the popcorn balls even tastier:

I always spray my hands with cooking spray several times to prevent sticking.
Don’t rush cooling the mixture; it helps the M&Ms stay intact.
For smaller bites, I use ¼ cup scoops instead of 1 cup.
If some M&Ms fall out, press a few more onto the formed balls after shaping.
Adding crushed peppermint candy canes gives a refreshing holiday twist.

How to Serve Christmas Popcorn Balls

Presentation matters, especially during the holidays. Here’s how I like to serve them:

Arrange the balls on a festive platter lined with parchment paper.
Use extra sprinkles or small candies as a garnish for added color.
Wrap individual balls in plastic wrap tied with ribbon for a fun gift idea.
Pair them with hot cocoa or coffee for a cozy snack station.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a rough breakdown for one Christmas popcorn ball:

Calories: 206 kcal
Protein: 2 g
Carbohydrates: 37 g
Fat: 6 g

These treats are definitely indulgent, but perfect for enjoying in moderation during the holidays!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing

Wrap each popcorn ball individually in plastic wrap to keep them fresh. Then, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

Freezing

You can freeze these popcorn balls for longer storage. Wrap individually, place in a freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to a month. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Reheating

No reheating is necessary. Simply let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes if frozen. They taste just as good cold or at room temperature.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here are a few reasons why this recipe is a holiday favorite:

Easy to Make: With minimal ingredients and steps, anyone can make them.
Kid-Friendly: Kids love helping stir, shape, and decorate the balls.
Customizable: Swap out candies or sprinkles to match your holiday theme.
Fun Presentation: They look great on dessert tables and make excellent gifts.

Ben Carraoli