This Christmas Popcorn Mix is a festive, fun, and easy-to-make treat perfect for holiday parties or as a sweet snack for cozy nights by the fire. With crunchy popcorn, pretzels, colorful M&Ms, and festive sprinkles, all coated in melted white candy wafers, it’s the perfect blend of salty and sweet. This delightful snack will add a cheerful touch to your holiday festivities.
Ingredients
- 6 cups popcorn (already popped)
- ½ cup white candy wafers
- ¼ cup M&Ms (green and red)
- 1.5 oz pretzels
- ½ teaspoon red sprinkles
- ½ teaspoon green sprinkles
Directions
- Spread the popped popcorn evenly onto a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
- Break half of the pretzels into smaller pieces and scatter both the broken and whole pretzel pieces over the popcorn.
- Evenly sprinkle the green and red M&Ms across the tray for a festive pop of color.
- Melt the white candy wafers in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between each interval until fully melted and smooth.
- Drizzle the melted white candy over the popcorn mixture, ensuring an even coating.
- Sprinkle the red and green sprinkles on top, tossing lightly to help all the ingredients stick together.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe makes about 6-8 servings.
- Total time: 20 minutes (including preparation and cooling time)
Variations
- Add nuts: You can add chopped nuts like pecans, almonds, or cashews for extra crunch and flavor.
- Chocolate drizzle: For a more indulgent version, drizzle melted milk or dark chocolate over the popcorn mix for an added layer of sweetness.
- Flavor swaps: You can use different colored M&Ms (like pastel M&Ms for Easter or pastel-colored candy melts for spring) to customize the mix for different seasons or occasions.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store the Christmas popcorn mix in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: This mix can be frozen in a sealed bag for up to 1-2 months. Allow it to thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Reheating: There’s no need to reheat the mix; it’s best enjoyed as a cool, crunchy treat.
10 FAQs
- Can I use regular chocolate instead of white candy wafers? Yes, you can use milk, dark, or semi-sweet chocolate if you prefer, but the white candy wafers give it a more festive, creamy taste.
- Can I use flavored popcorn? Absolutely! You can use flavored popcorn like caramel or cheddar to give the mix a unique twist.
- What other types of candy can I add? You can add holiday-themed candies like Christmas M&Ms, candy canes (broken into pieces), or even marshmallows for extra sweetness.
- Can I use any type of pretzels? You can use any type of pretzels, whether it’s mini pretzels, pretzel sticks, or traditional twist pretzels, to give the mix a satisfying crunch.
- How do I store leftover popcorn mix? Store the leftover mix in an airtight container or resealable bag to keep it fresh for up to 5 days.
- Can I make this mix ahead of time? Yes, this mix can be made a day or two ahead of time. Just store it in an airtight container until ready to serve.
- Can I make this recipe without the sprinkles? Yes, the sprinkles are optional, but they do add a festive touch. You can skip them if you prefer.
- Can I use non-dairy alternatives for the white candy wafers? Yes, there are non-dairy or vegan white chocolate alternatives available that can be used in place of the candy wafers.
- How long does it take for the candy coating to harden? After drizzling the melted candy over the popcorn, allow it to cool for about 15-20 minutes at room temperature to harden.
- Can I add other types of cereal to the mix? Yes! You can add cereals like Cheerios, Rice Chex, or Cornflakes to make the mix even crunchier and more interesting.
Conclusion
Christmas Popcorn Mix is a simple yet festive treat that combines all the best flavors and textures of the season. The salty-sweet combination of popcorn, pretzels, and candy, along with the burst of color from the M&Ms and sprinkles, makes it an irresistible holiday snack. Whether you’re serving it at a holiday party or packing it up as a gift, this fun and easy recipe is sure to bring joy to anyone who tries it.
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Christmas Popcorn Mix Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes (including setting time)
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
Description
: This festive Christmas Popcorn Mix is the perfect holiday treat! With crispy popcorn, crunchy pretzels, colorful M&Ms, and a sweet white candy drizzle, it’s a fun and easy snack to share with family and friends during the holiday season.
Ingredients
Scale
- 6 cups popcorn (already popped)
- ½ cup white candy wafers
- ¼ cup M&Ms (green and red)
- 1.5 oz pretzels
- ½ teaspoon red sprinkles
- ½ teaspoon green sprinkles
Instructions
- Spread the popped popcorn evenly onto a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
- Break half of the pretzels into smaller pieces and scatter both the broken and whole pretzel pieces over the popcorn.
- Evenly sprinkle the M&Ms across the tray, making sure they’re spread out.
- Melt the white candy wafers in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring each time until fully melted and smooth.
- Drizzle the melted white candy evenly over the popcorn mixture, making sure it coats everything well.
- Sprinkle the red and green sprinkles on top, tossing lightly so that all the ingredients stick together. Allow the mix to set for a few minutes so the candy coating hardens.
Notes
- You can add additional holiday-themed candies, like peppermint M&Ms or mini marshmallows, to give it even more flavor and texture.
- If you want to make the mix extra festive, add some edible glitter or more colorful sprinkles.
- Store the popcorn mix in an airtight container for up to a week.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes (just melting the candy wafers)