The holiday season is all about joy, family, and delicious treats. One fun and festive snack that brings cheer to any gathering is Christmas Crunch, a delightful popcorn recipe. This sweet and salty mix is perfect for holiday parties, movie nights, or simply munching on while wrapping gifts. Let’s dive into this easy and enjoyable treat that will make your holidays even brighter!
Why make this recipe
Christmas Popcorn is not just a snack; it’s an experience! This recipe combines the crunch of popcorn and pretzels with the sweetness of chocolate and festive M&Ms. It’s a great way to involve kids in the kitchen as they can help mix and decorate the popcorn. Plus, it requires minimal ingredients, making it quick to prepare. The bright colors and delightful flavors will surely put everyone in the holiday spirit!
How to prepare Christmas Popcorn
Making Christmas Popcorn is simple and fun! Here are the easy steps to whip up this festive treat.
Ingredients:
- 10-12 cups popped popcorn (or ⅓ cup kernels, popped)
- 1 10-12 oz bag white candy melts or white chocolate (melted)
- 2 cups mini pretzels (optionally broken in pieces)
- 10 oz Red and Green Christmas M&Ms (regular, peanut, etc.)
- 1/2 cup Christmas sprinkles
Steps:
- Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or wax paper and set it aside.
- In a very large bowl, add the popped popcorn.
- Pour in the melted chocolate. Then, add half of the pretzels and half of the M&Ms. Mix everything until it is combined and coated in chocolate.
- Working quickly, spread the popcorn mixture on the prepared baking sheet.
- Immediately add the sprinkles and remaining pretzels and M&Ms while the chocolate is still melted.
- Allow the chocolate to harden, then break the popcorn apart and enjoy!
How to serve Christmas Popcorn
Christmas Popcorn is versatile in how you can serve it. You can place it in festive bowls, pack it into gift bags for friends, or even use it as a topping for hot chocolate. It pairs wonderfully with holiday movies and gatherings.
How to store Christmas Popcorn
To keep your Christmas Popcorn fresh, store it in an airtight container. It can last for about one week, but it’s so delicious you might eat it all before then!
Tips to make Christmas Popcorn perfectly
- Ensure the popcorn is fully popped and not too hot when you mix it with the melted chocolate to prevent sogginess.
- Use high-quality chocolate or candy melts for the best flavor.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of M&Ms and pretzels based on your preferences.
Variations
- Add nuts like almonds or pecans for an extra crunch.
- Use dark or milk chocolate instead of white chocolate for different flavors.
- Include other festive toppings such as crushed candy canes or holiday-themed candies.
FAQ
1. Can I use regular popcorn instead of microwave popcorn?
Absolutely! You can pop your own kernels using an air popper or stovetop method for fresh popcorn.
2. What if I don’t have candy melts?
You can substitute with melted chocolate chips, though the texture may be slightly different.
3. How can I make this recipe more festive?
You can add additional holiday-themed sprinkles or mix in dried cranberries or other seasonal fruits for added color and flavor.
Now that you have everything you need to make your own Christmas Popcorn, gather your ingredients and get ready to share this delightful treat with family and friends. Happy Holidays!
PrintChristmas Popcorn Recipe (Christmas Crunch)
A festive and delightful popcorn mix featuring chocolate, pretzels, and M&Ms, perfect for holiday gatherings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 10–12 cups popped popcorn (or ⅓ cup kernels, popped)
- 1 10-12 oz bag white candy melts or white chocolate (melted)
- 2 cups mini pretzels (optionally broken in pieces)
- 10 oz Red and Green Christmas M&Ms (regular, peanut, etc.)
- 1/2 cup Christmas sprinkles
Instructions
- Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or wax paper and set it aside.
- In a very large bowl, add the popped popcorn.
- Pour in the melted chocolate. Then, add half of the pretzels and half of the M&Ms. Mix everything until it is combined and coated in chocolate.
- Working quickly, spread the popcorn mixture on the prepared baking sheet.
- Immediately add the sprinkles and remaining pretzels and M&Ms while the chocolate is still melted.
- Allow the chocolate to harden, then break the popcorn apart and enjoy!
Notes
Store in an airtight container for up to one week. Adjust pretzels and M&Ms based on preference.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 230mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Christmas popcorn, holiday snacks, festive treats, popcorn recipes