Description
Festive Christmas Popcorn Balls deliver sweet holiday cheer in one delightful bite. Melted marshmallows and colorful sprinkles bind crunchy popcorn into irresistible spheres perfect for sharing with friends and family.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup unpopped popcorn kernels
- 1 10 ounces (280 grams) bag miniature marshmallows
- 1 cup red and green M&M candies
Binding Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter
Decorative Ingredients:
- 1/3 cup festive sprinkles
Instructions
- Prepare popcorn by heating kernels in a large pot with oil over medium heat. Shake pot occasionally to prevent burning. Once popping slows, transfer to a bowl and remove any unpopped kernels.
- Melt butter in a separate large pot over medium-low heat. Add marshmallows and stir continuously until completely smooth and integrated, avoiding scorching.
- Remove marshmallow mixture from heat and pour over popcorn. Gently fold using a spatula to ensure even coating, taking care to distribute mixture thoroughly.
- Allow mixture to cool slightly, then incorporate red and green M&Ms and festive sprinkles. Fold gently to maintain vibrant color distribution.
- Coat hands with non-stick cooking spray. Scoop approximately 1 cup of mixture and form loose balls, avoiding compressing too tightly to maintain popcorn’s light texture.
- Place formed balls on parchment paper. Let rest at room temperature for 30-45 minutes until completely set and firm.
Notes
- Perfectly pop kernels by using a heavy-bottomed pot with a tight-fitting lid to ensure even heating and prevent burning.
- Prevent sticky hands when shaping balls by keeping hands lightly coated with non-stick cooking spray throughout the process.
- Customize the recipe for dietary needs by using dairy-free butter alternatives and gluten-free sprinkles or candies.
- Extend shelf life by storing popcorn balls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Prep Time: 55 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Snacks, Desserts
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 198
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 120 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 29 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg