Embrace the festive spirit with this easy Christmas popcorn – a cheerful treat that embodies the joy of the holiday season. Crispy air popped popcorn coated in a marshmallow mixture then topped with M&Ms and christmas sprinkles – the perfect treat for Christmas time.
Enjoy this festive snack during your next movie marathon, holiday gathering, or even package up and give as a gift. It’s a wonderful way to add something new and unique, yet delicious, to the christmas dessert table.
Now I love baking christmas desserts, like these grinch cookies or these peanut butter reindeer cookies, but it’s sometimes nice to whip up something easier like this popcorn. In under 20 minutes with simple ingredients you can have a large batch ready to serve.
Another thing that’s great about this popcorn recipe is that it pairs well with so many festive drinks. Serve with hot chocolate, a candy cane christmas mocktail, or a glass of eggnog.
You can also use this popcorn as a filler in this Christmas charcuterie board. It’s filled with fun christmas colors and has a nice fluffy texture that makes a great addition to the board.
You may also like our crockpot candy, divinity candy, gluten free Christmas biscuits, or gluten free peanut brittle. All are great Christmas desserts.
Why you’ll love this holiday popcorn recipe
- It’s a speedy and scrumptious treat made in under 20 minutes.
- Engage the kids in the holiday spirit by including them in the popcorn making process.
- It’s the perfect snack for a Christmas movie night
- The combination of sweet marshmallows and salty popcorn is irresistible.
- It’s festive colors make it a great addition to any holiday parties or spreads.
What you need
- Popcorn – For roughly 6 servings, you’ll need about 6 cups of popcorn, air popped or another kind of popcorn. If you have a bigger crowd, feel free to double or even triple the recipe.
- Marshmallows – Use whatever marshmallows you’d like. You’re going to melt them so size does not matter. Have you ever wondered, are marshmallows dairy free? We have the answer…
- Butter – I like to use salted butter for that salty and sweet contract.
- M&Ms – You’ll be able to find red and green M&Ms in the seasonal isle at the grocery store.
- Sprinkles – Use whatever type of festive sprinkles you like.
Can I use microwave popcorn?
Yes you can use microwave popcorn when making this christmas popcorn recipe or when making popcorn balls. But, sometimes microwave popcorn can have extra added butter so be sure to adjust the amount of butter if needed. You’ll also need to remove the unpopped kernels before incorporating with the marshmallow mixture.
Is this recipe gluten free?
Yes this recipe is gluten free as long as you use gluten free popcorn and check the M&Ms for gluten content. Sometimes seasonal M&Ms contain gluten so it’s best to double check which candies are gluten free.
How to make easy Christmas popcorn
Step 1: The marshmallow mixture
In a medium saucepan, add butter and marshmallows. Stir until marshmallows are melted.
Step 2: Combine
Add the popcorn to a big bowl then pour over the marshmallow mixture. Mix until popcorn is covered with marshmallow.
Step 3: Final touches
Add the coated popcorn to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and press until flat. Top with M&Ms and holidaysprinkles, making sure they stick.
Step 4: Serve
Once cooled, break the popcorn into pieces and serve.
Pro tip: When mixing, handle the popcorn delicately to preserve crispiness and evenly coat.
Variations
There are plenty of delicious additions to customize your festive christmas popcorn. Here are a few of my favorites.
- Pretzels – Include small pretzel twists or sticks for a salty element that pairs well with the marshmallows.
- Nuts – Peanuts, pecans, cashews, almonds, or pistachios bring a nice texture that contrasts the popcorn.
- Dried fruit – Dried cranberries, apples, apricots, or cherries add a chewy texture and extra sweetness to this easy popcorn recipe.
- Chocolate marshmallows – If you’re a chocolate fan, use chocolate marshmallows instead of regular marshmallows.
- Coconut flakes – Toasted coconut flakes add a tropical touch and an overall nuttiness that can take this popcorn from good to great.
- Candy canes – Crushed candy canes make a wonderful Christmas addition.
- Chocolate chips – Add mini chocolate chips or white chocolate chips in addition to the m&ms. This way, you’ll have melted chocolate on this easy treat.
How long does this popcorn stay fresh?
Keep this popcorn in an airtight container or ziplock bag for up to 3-4 days. It does not need to be stored in the fridge. Keep this popcorn good for longer by using freshly popped popcorn.
More recipes you’ll love
- This white chocolate christmas crack is the perfect dessert for your next christmas party.
- There’s nothing better than a stack of christmas pancakes on christmas morning.
- These gluten free chocolate chip cookies are one of my favorite sweet treats to bring to a holiday party.
- This easy charcuterie board makes for the perfect holiday snack.
- I love making a hot cocoa bar during the christmas season.
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Easy Christmas Popcorn
Ingredients
- 6 cups air popped popcorn
- 2 ½ tablespoons salted butter
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4 cups large marshmallows
- Red and green m&ms
- Christmas sprinkles
Instructions
- Prepare a baking sheet with parchment and set aside.
- Add butter and salt to a deep skillet.
- Let the butter melt and add the marshmallows.
- Stir occasionally to help marshmallows melt.
- Once the marshmallows are almost melted turn the heat off and stir continuously to completely melt the last bits of marshmallow.
- Put popcorn in a large mixing bowl, pour marshmallow mixture on top of the popcorn and mix until well incorporated.
- Press popcorn onto the prepared baking sheet in order to create one layer.
- Sprinkle Christmas sprinkles and M&M's on top.
- Lightly press down so that sprinkles and m&m's stick to marshmallows.
- Once cooled, break into pieces and enjoy!
Notes
Variations
There are plenty of delicious additions to customize your festive christmas popcorn. Here are a few of my favorites.- Pretzels – Include small pretzel twists or sticks for a salty element that pairs well with the marshmallows.
- Nuts – Peanuts, pecans, cashews, almonds, or pistachios bring a nice texture that contrasts the popcorn.
- Dried fruit – Dried cranberries, apples, apricots, or cherries add a chewy texture and extra sweetness to this easy popcorn recipe.
- Chocolate marshmallows – If you’re a chocolate fan, use chocolate marshmallows instead of regular marshmallows.
- Coconut flakes – Toasted coconut flakes add a tropical touch and an overall nuttiness that can take this popcorn from good to great.
- Candy canes – Crushed candy canes make a wonderful Christmas addition.
- Chocolate chips – Add mini chocolate chips or white chocolate chips in addition to the m&ms. This way, you’ll have melted chocolate on this easy treat.
Judy says
I love that this came together so easily but looked stunning! Not to mention it was so good. Thank you for sharing!!