Ingredients
- ½ cup unpopped popcorn kernels
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 1 10 ounce bag miniature marshmallows
- 1 cup red and green M&M candies
- ⅓ cup festive sprinkles
Instructions
- 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.
Notes
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?
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert