Christmas Popcorn

Sweet, salty, crunchy, and ridiculously festive.

There’s something magical about that first whiff of melted white chocolate during December — it’s like the air itself gets sweeter. Every year, right around the time my kitchen counter disappears under wrapping paper and ribbons, I make a huge batch of this Christmas popcorn. It started years ago, kind of by accident, when I wanted a last-minute treat for a movie night. I had some popcorn, leftover pretzels, and half a bag of red and green M&M’s… and I thought, why not?
Now, it’s a tradition. The kind of tradition that leaves sprinkles on your floor and chocolate on your sleeves. I’ll throw on a Christmas playlist (usually the same one I’ve been using since 2010), melt some chocolate, and just let the chaos happen. Because that’s what this popcorn is — joyful chaos. It’s sweet and salty, colorful and loud. It’s the kind of snack that feels like a holiday party even if you’re just sitting in your pajamas, wrapping gifts at 2 a.m.

You don’t need to measure things perfectly. You don’t even have to make it look pretty. Just toss it together, drizzle that white chocolate, and let it all set into crunchy, irresistible clusters. You can bag it up for gifts, set it out for family, or keep it all for yourself — no judgment here.
Honestly? This is one of those recipes that makes everyone smile. It’s simple, it’s messy, it’s festive, and it tastes like Christmas should taste: a little nostalgic, a little over-the-top, and a lot of fun.

Ingredients

10 cups popped popcorn

1 cup mini pretzels, broken into pieces

1 cup red and green M&M’s

¼ cup red and green sprinkles

½ cup crushed candy canes (optional, but so fun)

12 oz white chocolate or vanilla almond bark, melted

Directions

Prepare the Popcorn:
Pop your popcorn — however you like to do it. Microwave, stovetop, air popper — doesn’t matter. Just make sure you pick out those pesky unpopped kernels (trust me, they always find their way into the wrong bite).

Add the Mix-Ins:
In a big bowl, toss in the popcorn, pretzel pieces, M&M’s, and candy canes if you’re using them. It’ll already look cheerful and loud, like Christmas confetti.

Drizzle with White Chocolate:
Melt your white chocolate or almond bark until smooth and glossy. Pour it over the popcorn mixture and gently toss until everything’s evenly coated. It doesn’t have to be perfect — messy is the vibe.

Add Sprinkles:
While the chocolate’s still warm, shower it with your red and green sprinkles. They’ll stick to the chocolate and add that perfect festive sparkle.

Let It Set:
Spread the whole mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Let it sit at room temperature for about 10–15 minutes until the chocolate hardens.

Break & Serve:
Once set, break it into big, beautiful clusters. Pile it into a bowl, or bag it up with a ribbon for gifts. Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days (though honestly, it never lasts that long).

Recipe FAQs

1: Can I use microwave popcorn?
Absolutely. Just try to go for plain or lightly salted — avoid the super buttery kinds because they can make the chocolate coating greasy. But if all you’ve got is buttery, that’s okay too. It’s Christmas, not a chemistry lab.

2: My white chocolate keeps clumping when I melt it. What am I doing wrong?
Ah, the classic chocolate tantrum. Usually, that happens when water sneaks in or it’s overheated. Melt it slowly — short bursts in the microwave, stirring in between — or use a double boiler if you’re patient. If it seizes, add a tiny bit of coconut oil to smooth it out.

3: Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can make it a couple of days before your party or movie night. Just store it in an airtight container at room temperature. The chocolate will stay firm, and the popcorn will stay crunchy.

4: How can I make it even more festive?
You can toss in mini marshmallows, red licorice bits, or drizzle dark chocolate on top for a marbled look. I’ve even seen people add crushed Oreos. It’s one of those recipes that doesn’t care if you break the rules.

5: Is it weird to give this as a gift?
Not at all — it’s one of the best edible gifts! Scoop some into clear treat bags, tie them with red or gold ribbon, and maybe tuck in a little handwritten note. People love it. It’s thoughtful without being fussy — and it tastes like Christmas cheer.

Christmas Popcorn

Recipe by Salma Recipe

Course: Recipes

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

30

minutes

Cooking time

40

minutes

Calories

300

kcal

Ingredients

• 10 cups popped popcorn

• 1 cup mini pretzels, broken into pieces

• 1 cup red and green M&M’s

• ¼ cup red and green sprinkles

• ½ cup crushed candy canes (optional, but so fun)

• 12 oz white chocolate or vanilla almond bark, melted

Directions

• Prepare the Popcorn:
• Pop your popcorn — however you like to do it. Microwave, stovetop, air popper — doesn’t matter. Just make sure you pick out those pesky unpopped kernels (trust me, they always find their way into the wrong bite).
• Add the Mix-Ins:
• In a big bowl, toss in the popcorn, pretzel pieces, M&M’s, and candy canes if you’re using them. It’ll already look cheerful and loud, like Christmas confetti.
• Drizzle with White Chocolate:
• Melt your white chocolate or almond bark until smooth and glossy. Pour it over the popcorn mixture and gently toss until everything’s evenly coated. It doesn’t have to be perfect — messy is the vibe.
• Add Sprinkles:
• While the chocolate’s still warm, shower it with your red and green sprinkles. They’ll stick to the chocolate and add that perfect festive sparkle.
• Let It Set:
• Spread the whole mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Let it sit at room temperature for about 10–15 minutes until the chocolate hardens.
• Break & Serve:
• Once set, break it into big, beautiful clusters. Pile it into a bowl, or bag it up with a ribbon for gifts. Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days (though honestly, it never lasts that long).