Christmas Popcorn

Name: Christmas Popcorn
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 6 cups popcorn (already popped); ½ cup white candy wafers; ¼ cup M&Ms (green and red); 1.5 oz pretzels; ½ tsp red sprinkles; ½ tsp green sprinkles

Author: Natalie Brooks

Published: November 13, 2025

Print Recipe

Introduction to Christmas Popcorn

As the holiday season approaches, my kitchen transforms into a joyful hub of festive treats. One of my absolute favorites to whip up is Christmas Popcorn! It’s colorful, crunchy, and delightfully sweet—everything you need to brighten up a chilly winter day.

Whether you’re gathering family for a movie night or need a quick snack to energize your holiday preparations, this recipe is the perfect solution. Trust me, nothing compares to the smiles on your loved ones’ faces. Plus, it’s so easy to make, you might just find yourself returning to this delightful treat year after year.

Why You’ll Love This Christmas Popcorn

This Christmas Popcorn is a holiday dream come true! It’s fast, fun, and super simple to make, which is perfect for busy moms like us. Imagine whipping up this festive snack in just 20 minutes! The combination of sweet and salty flavors will create smiles and spark joy at any gathering. Prepare it for a family movie night or as a delightful gift, and watch it disappear in a flash.

Ingredients for Christmas Popcorn

Getting your ingredients ready for this Christmas Popcorn is half the fun! Here’s what you’ll need to create this delightful holiday treat:

Popcorn: Use 6 cups of already popped popcorn as your base. You can pop it from kernels or grab a bag from the store. Just make sure it’s plain so you can add your special touch!

White Candy Wafers: These sweet melts add that festive flair. They’re perfect for drizzling over the popcorn and creating a delightful coating. If you can’t find them, almond bark is a great alternative!
M&Ms: A sprinkle of red and green M&Ms adds color and sweetness! If your kiddos have a favorite candy, feel free to swap them in—just keep the spirit of the season alive!

Pretzels: The salty crunch from pretzels creates a perfect balance with the sweetness. Broken and whole pieces make for fun textures. You can use gluten-free pretzels if needed!
Sprinkles: Red and green sprinkles make everything look festive! You can add more colors if you want to match your holiday theme.

All of these delightful ingredients come together to create a pop of holiday joy! For exact measurements, check the bottom of the article where you can find a printable version. Let’s get ready to make this treat!

How to Make Christmas Popcorn

Now that you’ve got your ingredients ready, let’s dive into making this fun holiday treat! Walk with me through each step of creating your Christmas Popcorn masterpiece. It’s easier than you think, and I promise it’s going to be a festive treat you won’t forget!

Step 1: Prepare the Popcorn Base

First things first, grab your baking tray! Spread out the 6 cups of popped popcorn evenly across the tray. It’s like a blank canvas waiting for festive colors! Ensure the popcorn is not overcrowded; this way, each piece has room to shine. If you’re anything like me, you might just sneak a piece or two while you work—who can resist?

Step 2: Add Pretzels

Next, it’s time for the pretzels! Break up half of the pretzels into smaller pieces, and scatter both the broken and whole pretzels over the popcorn. The contrast of salty pretzel pieces against the sweet popcorn brings smiles all around. Not to mention, it gives an exciting crunch that morsels the entire mix! Watch your hands as you break them; I’ve had my share of flying pretzel bits!

Step 3: Incorporate M&Ms

Now, the fun really starts! Sprinkle the vibrant red and green M&Ms over your popcorn and pretzel mix. These colorful candies add bursts of sweetness and that festive appeal we adore. Let your creativity flow! You can arrange them in fun patterns, making it more visually appealing, like an edible work of art. Your guests will love the flair and flavor!

Step 4: Melt the Candy Wafers

Time to work some melting magic! Place the white candy wafers in a microwave-safe bowl. Melt them in increments of 30 seconds, stirring in between to ensure they’re smooth and creamy. Keep an eye on it; nobody likes burnt candy! Once melted, the candy should flow like a dreamy river—ready to coat everything in sweetness.

Step 5: Combine and Sprinkle

Finally, drizzle the melted candy wafers over the popcorn and other goodies like a festive winter snowfall! Use a spatula or spoon to mix everything gently, ensuring the candy coats the popcorn and pretzels evenly. Then, sprinkle those vibrant red and green sprinkles all over! Toss well so that every piece is beautifully coated. Just imagine how inviting this Christmas Popcorn will look—and taste!

Tips for Success

Make sure to use fresh popcorn for that irresistible crunch. Stale popcorn can ruin the texture!
For easier melting, chop the candy wafers into smaller pieces for a quicker melt.
Don’t rush the mixing process; take your time to ensure the flavors meld nicely.

Feeling festive? Add a sprinkle of sea salt for that perfect sweet and salty balance!
Use an airtight container for storage so your Christmas Popcorn stays fresh longer.

Equipment Needed

Baking tray: A standard baking sheet works great; a large platter can also suffice.

Microwave-safe bowl: Any bowl that won’t melt in the microwave is perfect for melting the candy.
Spatula or spoon: Use either for mixing; I prefer a spatula for its gentle touch!
Popping tool: A popcorn maker, stovetop pot, or microwaveable bag of popcorn will do the trick!

Variations for Christmas Popcorn

Chocolate Drizzle: Swap out the white candy wafers for milk or dark chocolate. Drizzling melted chocolate adds rich flavor and makes this snack even more indulgent!
Nutty Twist: Incorporate some chopped nuts like almonds or pecans for added crunch and nutty flavor. They pair wonderfully with the sweet elements.
Festive Colors: Experiment with colored candy melts to create a rainbow of Christmas popcorn! Match them to your holiday theme for a visually stunning treat.

Spiced Popcorn: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg into the melted candy for a warm holiday flavor that captures the essence of the season.
Sugar-Free Option: Look for sugar-free candy melts and M&Ms for a healthier twist. It’s a thoughtful way to accommodate dietary preferences.

Serving Suggestions for Christmas Popcorn

Pair your Christmas Popcorn with a warm mug of hot cocoa topped with whipped cream for a cozy treat.

Serve in festive bowls or clear jars to showcase the vibrant colors; it adds a decorative touch to your holiday spread.
For a fun holiday gathering, create popcorn gift bags as thoughtful favors for your guests!

FAQs about Christmas Popcorn

Curious about this delightful treat? Here are some frequently asked questions that will help you with your Christmas Popcorn adventure!

Can I make Christmas Popcorn ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare it a day or two in advance. Just store it in an airtight container to retain that wonderful crunch.

What can I substitute for candy wafers?

If you can’t find candy wafers, almond bark is a fantastic alternative. You can also use melted chocolate for a decadent twist!

Can I customize the colors of M&Ms?

Of course! Feel free to switch out M&Ms for other holiday-colored candies. It’s all about what resonates with your festive spirit!

Is this treat suitable for parties?

Definitely! Christmas Popcorn makes a great party snack. Guests will love the colorful presentation, and it’s easy to grab and munch!

How long does Christmas Popcorn last?

When stored properly, it can last about a week. But let’s be real; it’s so delicious that it might disappear much faster!

Final Thoughts on Christmas Popcorn

As the aroma of melted candy and popcorn fills your kitchen, you can’t help but feel the holiday cheer. This Christmas Popcorn is more than just a snack; it’s a delightful experience that brings families together. Whether it’s gifting, sharing during a movie night, or adding a spark to your next holiday gathering, this treat truly embodies the spirit of the season. The joy of watching loved ones savor each colorful bite is priceless. So grab your ingredients, unleash your creativity, and enjoy making memories with this fun festive classic!