Description
These festive Christmas Popcorn Balls are a classic holiday treat that is fun to make and share. Sweet, crunchy, and colorful, they are perfect for gifting or serving at holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 10 cups plain popped popcorn (about 1/2 cup unpopped kernels)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup light corn syrup
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Ingredients:
- Red and green food coloring
- 1/2 cup mini M&M’s or holiday sprinkles
- Nonstick cooking spray or butter (for hands)
Instructions
- Prepare Popcorn: Place the popped popcorn in a large mixing bowl and set aside.
- Make Syrup Mixture: In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in corn syrup, sugar, and salt. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 2–3 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
- Add Color (Optional): If desired, tint the syrup with red and green food coloring.
- Coat Popcorn: Pour the syrup over the popcorn and mix well to coat evenly.
- Form Balls: Allow the mixture to cool slightly. Grease hands and shape popcorn into balls. Press toppings if desired.
- Cool and Set: Place on wax paper to cool and firm up.
Notes
- Popcorn balls can be individually wrapped in plastic wrap for gifting.
- For added flavor, mix in crushed peppermint candies or white chocolate chips.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 popcorn ball
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 13g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
