The holiday season always seems to sneak up on us, doesn’t it? Suddenly, it’s December, the house smells like cinnamon candles, and there’s a never-ending soundtrack of jingly tunes filling the air. One of my favorite parts of this time of year is finding festive treats to make with my family. Enter these Christmas Popcorn Balls: sweet, chewy, and packed with holiday cheer! Whether you’re looking for a quick party snack, a giftable treat, or something fun to make with the kids, this recipe has you covered.

I remember the first time I made these with my nieces. The kitchen was an explosion of sprinkles, M&Ms, and popcorn crumbs, but their giggles and the sheer joy of creating something so colorful made every sticky finger worth it. Plus, they couldn’t resist sneaking little bites while shaping the balls (who could blame them?). Now it’s a tradition we look forward to every year.

If you’ve never made popcorn balls before, don’t worry! This recipe is straightforward, forgiving, and doesn’t require any fancy equipment. Plus, you can get creative with the mix-ins, making it a personalized treat everyone will adore. Let’s dive in and get your kitchen smelling like Christmas!

What makes popcorn balls such a holiday classic?

Popcorn balls have been around since the early 20th century and were often made during the holidays because they were inexpensive and could be made in large batches. The sticky-sweet coating was originally made from molasses or syrup, but over time, marshmallows became a popular substitute, giving them a softer, chewier texture. What makes these particular popcorn balls extra festive is the addition of red and green M&Ms and sprinkles, which instantly turn them into a holiday showstopper. They’re nostalgic, easy to make, and fun to customize – everything you want in a Christmas treat!

Let’s talk ingredients: What makes these so good?

Popcorn kernels

The base of this recipe is freshly popped popcorn. It’s light, airy, and the perfect vehicle for all that sweet, marshmallowy goodness. I prefer to pop my kernels on the stovetop for maximum freshness, but you can also use an air popper or even plain microwave popcorn (just skip the buttered, salted kind). Pro tip: Make sure to remove any unpopped kernels—they’re not fun to bite into!

Unsalted butter

Butter adds richness to the marshmallow coating and gives the popcorn balls a melt-in-your-mouth quality. If you’re out of unsalted butter, salted will work in a pinch—just keep in mind it may add a subtle savory note.

Miniature marshmallows

These are the key to that gooey, sticky texture that holds everything together. You could swap in marshmallow fluff, but I find mini marshmallows melt more evenly and are easier to work with.

Red and green M&Ms

The holiday colors make these popcorn balls feel extra festive. If you can’t find the Christmas variety, regular M&Ms work just as well—or swap in Reese’s Pieces for a peanut butter twist!

Festive sprinkles

Here’s where you can get creative! Holiday sprinkles add a little crunch and a pop of color. Choose your favorites—stars, snowflakes, or just a good old mix of red, green, and white. If you don’t have sprinkles, crushed candy canes or shredded coconut are great alternatives.

What tools will you need?

You don’t need much to make these Christmas Popcorn Balls, which makes them perfect for a last-minute project. Here’s what I recommend:

Large pot: You’ll need this to melt the butter and marshmallows. A heavy-bottomed pot works best for even heating.
Mixing bowls: Use a big one to toss the popcorn and marshmallow mixture together.
Rubber spatula: Perfect for folding in the M&Ms and sprinkles without crushing them.
Non-stick cooking spray: Your hands will thank you when it’s time to shape the balls! If you don’t have spray, a light coating of butter or oil will work.
Parchment paper or a baking sheet: This is where your popcorn balls will cool and set.

Step-by-step: How to make Christmas popcorn balls

Let’s get started! I promise this is as easy as making Rice Krispies Treats, but with a holiday twist.

Pop your popcorn
Begin by popping ½ cup of popcorn kernels. If you’re using a stovetop method, heat a little oil in a large pot, add the kernels, and cover with a lid. Shake occasionally to prevent burning. Once popping slows, remove from heat. Toss out any unpopped kernels (I like to do this by transferring the popcorn to a bowl and sifting through it by hand).
Melt the butter and marshmallows
In a large pot, melt ½ cup of butter over medium-low heat. Once melted, add the marshmallows and stir constantly. Keep stirring until the marshmallows are fully melted and smooth—this is where that irresistible sugary aroma kicks in! Be careful not to overheat, as the mixture can scorch.
Coat the popcorn
Remove the marshmallow mixture from heat and pour it over your popcorn. Use a spatula to gently fold the popcorn until it’s fully coated. Be patient here—it takes a few minutes to get every piece evenly covered.
Add the festive goodies
Once the mixture has cooled slightly (so the candies don’t melt), fold in 1 cup of red and green M&Ms and ⅓ cup of festive sprinkles. Don’t overmix—you want those colors to stay vibrant.
Shape the popcorn balls
Spray your hands with non-stick cooking spray and scoop about 1 cup of the mixture at a time. Gently press it together to form a ball, but don’t pack it too tightly—you want the popcorn to stay light and fluffy. Place each ball on parchment paper to cool.
Let them set
Allow the popcorn balls to sit at room temperature until completely set. This usually takes 30 minutes to an hour.

Variations and fun twists

The beauty of this recipe is how easy it is to customize. Here are some ideas to make it your own:

Peanut butter popcorn balls: Add a spoonful of peanut butter to the marshmallow mixture for a nutty twist.
Chocolate lovers’ version: Drizzle the finished popcorn balls with melted white or dark chocolate.
Gluten-free option: Double-check your sprinkles and M&Ms to ensure they’re gluten-free (most are, but it’s worth confirming).
Vegan adaptation: Swap the butter for a plant-based alternative and use vegan marshmallows.
Seasonal swaps: For other holidays, use different-colored M&Ms and sprinkles. Pastel colors work beautifully for Easter!

How to serve and enjoy

When it’s time to serve, arrange your popcorn balls on a festive platter, or wrap them individually in cellophane with a ribbon for a cute gift. They also look great piled in a bowl as a centerpiece for a holiday movie night. For extra pizzazz, sprinkle a little edible glitter on top—because it’s the holidays, and why not?

Perfect pairings: Drinks to sip with your popcorn balls

Popcorn balls are a snack, so you don’t need a drink pairing—but let’s face it, everything’s better with a cozy beverage! Here are my favorites:

Hot cocoa: The sweet, chocolatey flavor complements the marshmallow coating perfectly.
Eggnog: A creamy mug of eggnog is decadence to the max when paired with these treats.
Mulled cider: The warm spices in cider balance out the sweetness of the popcorn balls.

Storage tips for leftovers

If you’ve made too many (is that even possible?), store the popcorn balls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Avoid refrigerating them—it can make the popcorn go stale. To revive their texture, pop them in the microwave for 5-10 seconds before eating.

Scaling the recipe for a crowd

Need more (or fewer) popcorn balls? No problem! Simply double or halve the ingredients. Just be mindful of how much popcorn you’re mixing at once—it’s easier to work in smaller batches when making large quantities.

Troubleshooting sticky situations

Popcorn balls won’t stick together? The marshmallow mixture may have cooled too much. Gently reheat it or use slightly more marshmallows next time.
Too sticky to handle? Keep your hands well-coated with non-stick spray or butter as you shape the balls.
Too sweet? Add a pinch of salt to the marshmallow mixture to balance the flavors.

Give this recipe a try!

These Christmas Popcorn Balls are a treat worth making at least once during the holiday season. They’re fun, festive, and sure to put a smile on everyone’s face. Plus, they’re a great excuse to gather the family in the kitchen for some hands-on holiday fun. Try them out, and feel free to put your own spin on them—you might just stumble upon your next holiday tradition!

FAQs

1. Can I use microwave popcorn?
Yes, but stick to plain varieties without butter or salt for the best results.

2. How do I prevent the popcorn balls from sticking to my hands?
Non-stick spray or butter is your best friend! Keep reapplying as needed.

3. Can I freeze popcorn balls?
It’s not recommended, as freezing can make the popcorn soggy when thawed.

4. Can I use different candies?
Absolutely! Try chopped candy canes, mini chocolate chips, or gummy candies.

5. How far in advance can I make these?
Make them up to 3 days in advance and store in an airtight container.