Get ready to deck the halls of flavor with this irresistible Christmas Crunch! Fluffy popcorn, salty pretzels, sweet white chocolate, and festive M&Ms mingle in a symphony of holiday delight. This super easy and oh-so-tasty Christmas Popcorn recipe is the ultimate crowd-pleaser, perfect for holiday gatherings, movie watching or cozy nights by the fire.
Whether you're looking to add a whimsical touch to a family movie night, bring a smile to a holiday potluck, or simply create a delicious snack to accompany your cozy evenings by the fire, this Christmas Crunch recipe is your go-to solution. The ease of preparation ensures that you spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the magical moments that the holiday season brings.
What sets this Christmas popcorn apart is not just its delightful taste but also its versatility. Enjoy it by the handful, use it as a topping for a bowl of vanilla ice cream or package portions into charming jars or bags as thoughtful, homemade holiday gifts for friends and family. The vibrant red and green M&Ms add a pop of color to holiday parties, while the satisfying mix of sweet and salty flavors makes it a hit with all ages.
If you love this Christmas popcorn recipe also check out my Homemade Seasoned Popcorn with Truffle Oil and Parmesan recipe for a savory treat.
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Ingredients
- Popcorn (already popped) – Use plain, air-popped popcorn for the base. You can also use lightly buttered or lightly salted popcorn for added flavor.
- White Chocolate Candy Wafers – These add sweetness and a creamy texture. Substitutes include white chocolate chips or chopped white chocolate bars.
- M&Ms – Go for the red and green combination for a festive touch! You can use any color combination of M&Ms based on availability or personal preference or to swap up the recipe for other holidays.
- Pretzels – The salty crunch. Feel free to use traditional pretzel twists, pretzel sticks, or even pretzel nuggets. Gluten-free pretzels can be used for a gluten-free version.
- Red Sprinkles – Adds a burst of color and sweetness. Use any festive-colored sprinkles or omit if unavailable.
- Green Sprinkles – Similar to the red sprinkles, these enhance the holiday vibe. Choose sprinkles with holiday-themed shapes for extra fun.
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
- Spread the popcorn on a large baking tray. For easier clean up line the tray with parchment paper.
2. Break up half of the pretzels and spread both the broken and whole pieces of pretzel over the popcorn. Toss the M&Ms over the popcorn.
3. Melt the candy wafers in the microwave in increments of 30 seconds, until they are smooth. Drizzle the melted candy wafers over the popcorn mix.
4. Sprinkle sprinkles over the popcorn mix and toss everything together, making sure the ingredients stick to each other. Transfer to a bowl and serve or store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Hint: Once you add the melted chocolate, work quickly so you can mix everything together before the chocolate sets.
Variations/ Substitutions
- Nutty Crunch – Incorporate your favorite nuts, such as almonds, pecans, or cashews, for an added crunch and nutty flavor. You can also use peanut M&Ms for a classic combination of sweet and salty.
- Seasonal Spices – Sprinkle the popcorn mix with a blend of cinnamon and nutmeg for a warm and cozy flavor.
- Peppermint Perfection – Crush peppermint candies or candy canes and sprinkle them over the popcorn mix for a refreshing minty flavor. Use peppermint-flavored white chocolate or candy wafers.
- Color Swap – Use different colored candies and sprinkles for a popcorn crunch that fits other seasons and holidays.
Storage
Transfer the Christmas Crunch to an airtight container with a secure lid and store it in a cool, dry location. This prevents moisture which could cause the popcorn to become soggy. Consume within 2-3 days for the best results.
Top Tips
- Use freshly popped popcorn for the best texture. If using microwave popcorn, choose a plain or lightly salted variety to maintain the right balance of flavors. You can also make Instant Pot Popcorn.
- Have all your ingredients measured and ready before you start. This ensures a smooth and quick assembly process.
- Take your time when melting the chocolate so it doesn't burn or separate. Read more about how to melt white chocolate in the microwave.
- When drizzling the melted chocolate over the popcorn mix, aim for an even coating. This ensures that every bite has a delightful combination of flavors.
- Toss the ingredients together quickly after adding the melted chocolate and sprinkles to ensure an even distribution. The chocolate sets fast, and you want all the components to stick to the popcorn.
- Allow the Christmas Crunch to cool and set completely before transferring it to an airtight container. This prevents condensation and maintains the popcorn's crispiness.
- If gifting the Christmas Crunch, get creative with packaging. Mason jars, festive tins, or clear cellophane bags tied with a ribbon add a charming touch.
FAQ
Yes, you can use microwave popcorn, but opt for plain or lightly salted varieties to maintain a good balance of flavors. Alternatively, air-popped popcorn works well as does Instant Pot Popcorn.
Yes, you can make Christmas Crunch ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. However, for the best texture, it's recommended to consume it within 2 days.
Feel free to experiment with different types of chocolate. Dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or even flavored chocolate can add unique twists to the recipe.
Ensure that the melted chocolate is fully melted and smooth. Use a spoon to drizzle evenly over the popcorn mix. Toss the ingredients quickly to coat them evenly before the chocolate sets.
More Christmas Treats and Snacks
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
If you like this Christmas Popcorn Crunch recipe, please leave a 5-star rating.
RECIPE
Christmas Popcorn Crunch
Ingredients
- 6 cups popcorn already popped
- ½ cup white chocolate candy wafers
- ¼ cup M&Ms green and red
- 1 cup pretzels
- ½ tablespoon red sprinkles
- ½ tablespoon green sprinkles
Instructions
- Spread the popcorn on a large baking tray. For easier clean up line the tray with parchment paper.
- Break up half of the pretzels and spread both the broken and whole pieces of pretzel over the popcorn. Toss the M&Ms over the popcorn.
- Melt the candy wafers in the microwave in increments of 30 seconds, until its melted and liquid. Spread the melted candy wafers over the popcorn mix.
- Sprinkle to sprinkles over the popcorn mix and toss everything together, making sure the ingredients stick to each other. Trasfer to a bowl and serve or store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Nutrition
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