If you’re looking for a festive treat that bursts with color, crunch, and that perfect touch of sweetness, this Christmas Popcorn with Marshmallows, M&Ms, and Sprinkles Recipe is going to be your new holiday favorite. It’s the kind of snack that lights up the room with its cheerful appearance and brings everyone together with its irresistible blend of gooey marshmallows, chocolaty M&Ms, salty popcorn, and crunchy sprinkles. Whether you’re hosting a party or just craving a cozy munch, this recipe combines simple ingredients into something truly magical.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe comes together with a refreshingly straightforward list of ingredients, each chosen for their role in creating a wonderful medley of textures and flavors. From the rich coconut oil that helps everything stick together, to the salty popcorn base that balances the sweetness, every component counts.
- 3.5 tablespoons coconut oil (divided): Adds a subtle tropical richness and ensures perfect popping and melting.
- 5 tablespoons popcorn kernels (~10 cups popped): The crunchy foundation for this festive snack.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt: Provides a savory balance to the sweet elements.
- 5 oz. mini marshmallows (~½ of 10 oz. bag): Creates that luscious, gooey texture that binds everything together.
- ½ cup M&M’s: Adds bursts of chocolaty sweetness and vibrant holiday colors.
- ¼ cup sprinkles: Brings a festive crunch and visual sparkle.
- ½ cup chocolate chips: For extra melty chocolate goodness tucked throughout.
How to Make Christmas Popcorn with Marshmallows, M&Ms, and Sprinkles Recipe
Step 1: Pop the Perfect Popcorn
Start by heating half a tablespoon of coconut oil in a large pot over medium heat, then add your popcorn kernels. Cover with a lid and listen as the kernels begin to pop into fluffy morsels. When the popping slows down to once every few seconds, remove the pot from the heat to avoid burning. This crunchy popcorn base is essential for making your Christmas popcorn delight pop with texture.
Step 2: Melt the Marshmallows
Next, warm three tablespoons of coconut oil in a large nonstick skillet over low heat. Add the kosher salt and mini marshmallows, stirring frequently. You want to melt these marshmallows gently so they become smooth and sticky—this melt is the glue that brings your popcorn and sweets together in harmony.
Step 3: Combine the Popcorn and Marshmallow Mixture
Pour the freshly popped popcorn into the skillet with the melted marshmallows and stir until every piece is lightly coated. This step ensures each bite has that wonderful chewy coating that makes this Christmas Popcorn with Marshmallows, M&Ms, and Sprinkles Recipe so addictive.
Step 4: Mix in the Festive Extras
Fold in the M&M’s, sprinkles, and chocolate chips while the mixture is still warm. These colorful mix-ins add bursts of flavor and holiday cheer. Be gentle so you don’t crush the popcorn but still get an even, festive distribution.
Step 5: Chill and Serve
Allow the popcorn mixture to cool slightly so it sets up just right. Once it’s no longer too sticky to handle, transfer to your favorite serving bowl or spread it out on a parchment-lined tray for an easy grab-and-go snack.
How to Serve Christmas Popcorn with Marshmallows, M&Ms, and Sprinkles Recipe
Garnishes
While the popcorn is colorful on its own, sprinkle a few extra M&M’s or festive sprinkles on top just before serving. Adding a drizzle of melted white or dark chocolate can also elevate the presentation and flavor, making your treat look as special as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This Christmas Popcorn with Marshmallows, M&Ms, and Sprinkles Recipe shines as a sweet snack, but it pairs beautifully alongside hot cocoa or eggnog for the ultimate holiday indulgence. It’s also a fantastic complement to lighter finger foods like fruit platters or simple cheese boards to balance the sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
Think beyond the bowl: package the popcorn in festive cellophane bags tied with ribbons for gifts, or layer it in clear jars as charming hostess presents. You can even use holiday-themed paper cones or mini popcorn boxes to add an extra dose of seasonal fun at parties or gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled completely, store any leftover Christmas popcorn in an airtight container at room temperature. It should maintain its freshness and crunch for up to 3 days, perfect for nibbling throughout the busy holiday week.
Freezing
If you want to make this ahead for a party later on, the popcorn freezes well. Just press it into a tight, sealed bag or container and pop it in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy, let it thaw at room temperature in the bag to avoid condensation, which can soften the popcorn.
Reheating
While this snack is best enjoyed as is, you can freshen it up by warming it gently in a low oven (around 250°F) for 5 to 7 minutes. This loosens up any sticky clumps and revives the crunch without melting the mix-ins further.
FAQs
Can I use different types of popcorn kernels?
Absolutely! While the recipe calls for standard yellow kernels, you can experiment with white popcorn or even kettle corn for a slightly different flavor and texture. Just be sure to watch your popping time closely to prevent burning.
What if I’m allergic to coconut oil?
No worries! You can substitute coconut oil with other neutral oils like vegetable or canola oil, though coconut oil does add a subtle, unique richness that’s worth trying if you can.
Can I add nuts or other candies?
Yes! Adding nuts like pecans or almonds gives a wonderful crunch contrast. Other candies like crushed candy canes or white chocolate chips also bring festive twists to this Christmas Popcorn with Marshmallows, M&Ms, and Sprinkles Recipe.
How do I prevent the marshmallow mixture from sticking too much?
Using the coconut oil and cooking over low heat helps keep the marshmallow from becoming gluey and difficult to work with. Stir frequently and avoid overheating for the best consistency.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Definitely! Kids love the bright colors and sweet flavors, and it’s a fun activity to make together. Just be sure to supervise the stovetop steps for safety.
Final Thoughts
This Christmas Popcorn with Marshmallows, M&Ms, and Sprinkles Recipe is one of those joyful treats that brings smiles to every face around the holiday season. Easy to make, wonderfully festive, and shareable in every sense, it’s a snack that truly embodies the spirit of Christmas cheer. Once you try it, you’ll find yourself making it year after year to spread that same cozy happiness to family and friends.
Print
Christmas Popcorn with Marshmallows, M&Ms, and Sprinkles Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Snack
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This festive Christmas Popcorn recipe combines perfectly popped popcorn with melted marshmallows and festive mix-ins like M&M’s, sprinkles, and chocolate chips for a sweet and crunchy holiday treat. Quick to make and perfect for sharing with family or friends during the holiday season.
Ingredients
Popcorn
- 3.5 tablespoons coconut oil (divided)
- 5 tablespoons popcorn kernels (~10 cups popped)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
Mix-ins
- 5 oz. mini marshmallows (~½ of 10 oz. bag)
- ½ cup M&M’s
- ¼ cup sprinkles
- ½ cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Pop the popcorn: Add ½ tablespoon of the coconut oil and the popcorn kernels into a large pot with a lid. Put over medium heat and cook until all of the kernels have popped. Remove from heat once the popping slows to every few seconds. Set aside the popped popcorn.
- Melt marshmallows: Heat a large nonstick skillet over low heat and add the remaining 3 tablespoons coconut oil. Once the oil has melted, add the kosher salt and mini marshmallows. Stir frequently until the marshmallows have completely melted and combined with the oil and salt, forming a smooth marshmallow mixture. Remove from heat.
- Combine popcorn and marshmallows: Add the popped popcorn to the skillet with the melted marshmallow mixture and gently stir until the popcorn is evenly coated.
- Add mix-ins: Fold in the M&M’s, sprinkles, and chocolate chips gently to distribute the colorful and festive mix-ins throughout the popcorn mixture.
- Serve: Transfer the Christmas popcorn to a large family bowl and serve immediately or let cool slightly to allow the marshmallow coating to set for a delightful holiday snack.
Notes
- Use a large pot with a lid to ensure all kernels pop evenly without burning.
- Keep the heat low when melting marshmallows to avoid burning or scorching.
- Feel free to customize the mix-ins with your favorite holiday candies or nuts.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container to maintain freshness but best enjoyed fresh.
- This recipe yields about 8 servings, perfect for sharing at holiday gatherings.
