CHRISTMAS POPCORN BALLS
These Christmas Popcorn Balls are a delightful and colorful treat that's perfect for the holiday season. They combine popcorn with marshmallows and festive sprinkles for a sweet and crunchy snack.
Ingredients
- 10 cups popped popcorn (about ½ cup unpopped kernels)
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 1 package (10 oz) mini marshmallows
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup red and green sprinkles or nonpareils
- Red and green food coloring (optional)
- Cooking spray or butter (for greasing hands)
Instructions
Prepare the Popcorn:
- Pop the popcorn using your preferred method (air-popper, stovetop, or microwave). Place the popped popcorn in a large mixing bowl, removing any unpopped kernels.
Make the Marshmallow Mixture:
- In a large saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat.
- Add the mini marshmallows to the melted butter and stir continuously until completely melted and smooth.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. If desired, you can also add a few drops of red or green food coloring to the marshmallow mixture to give the popcorn balls a festive color.
Combine the Popcorn and Marshmallow Mixture:
- Pour the melted marshmallow mixture over the popped popcorn.
- Gently stir to coat the popcorn evenly with the marshmallow mixture.
- Add the red and green sprinkles or nonpareils, and stir to distribute them evenly throughout the popcorn mixture.
Shape the Popcorn Balls:
- Grease your hands with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
- Working quickly, scoop a handful of the coated popcorn and shape it into a ball. Repeat with the remaining popcorn mixture to form about 12 popcorn balls.
- Place the shaped popcorn balls on a sheet of wax paper or parchment paper to cool and set.
Serve and Enjoy:
- Once the popcorn balls have cooled and set, they are ready to be enjoyed. You can also wrap them individually in plastic wrap or cellophane for gifting.
Notes
- Flavor Variations: You can add other mix-ins like crushed candy canes, chocolate chips, or nuts for extra flavor and texture.
- Storage: Store the popcorn balls in an airtight container at room temperature. They should keep well for up to a week.
- Gifting: Wrap the popcorn balls in festive cellophane bags and tie them with ribbon for a cute and tasty holiday gift.
- Make-Ahead: These popcorn balls can be made a day in advance and stored until ready to serve.