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My Christmas popcorn recipe is ready in 5 minutes and makes a fun, festive snack. Featuring crunchy popcorn, chocolate candies, and crushed candy canes, it’s our go-to stocking stuffer!
★★★★★ REVIEW
“This is my go-to holiday edible gift for friends and family. I sometimes use caramel popcorn for an ultra-sweet mix.” – Andi
Table of Contents
I love giving out handmade gifts over the holidays, and while I don’t always have a ton of free time during this time of year, I can carve out a few minutes to make this Christmas popcorn snack mix.
Now, when I say a few minutes, I mean it. This recipe comes together quickly, and it’s easy to customize with different mix-ins and flavorings, so you never have to make it the same way twice!
If your family craves crunchy snacks as often as mine, make them my protein popcorn, candied almonds, or candied cashews next!
Key ingredients
- Popcorn (or popcorn kernels). I like to use kettle corn as my base, but simple, plain air-popped popcorn, air fryer popcorn, or microwave popcorn also works.
- Candy canes. I like using mini peppermint candy canes as they are easier to break apart. If you’re not a peppermint lover, use fruity-flavored candy canes.
- Candy buttons. I like to use the Christmas M&M’s to add a pop of green and red color, but you could also use red and green candy melts.
How to make Christmas popcorn
This is an overview. Full ingredients & instructions are in the recipe card below.
Step 1- Make the popcorn. Pop popcorn and place it in a large bowl.
Step 2- Add candy. Crush the candy canes and add them and the candy buttons to the bowl. Stir to combine, then enjoy!
Arman’s recipe tips
- Remove unpopped kernels. Before portioning the popcorn, pour it over a cooling rack set atop a baking sheet. The unpopped kernels will fall through, so you can discard them.
- Portion the popcorn into Christmas tins and tie each with a red and green ribbon for a festive stocking stuffer. Just make sure the popcorn has cooled completely.
Storage instructions
To store: Store the popcorn mix in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
Frequently asked questions
When gluten-free candy is used, this recipe is suitable for celiacs.
More treats for the holiday season
If you tried this Christmas Popcorn recipe or any other recipe on my website, please rate the recipe and let me know how it went in the comments below. It really helps others thinking of making the recipe.
Christmas Popcorn
Ingredients
- 8 cups popcorn or plain popcorn
- 4 candy canes
- 1 cup Christmas M and Ms
Instructions
- Prep your popcorn and add it to a large mixing bowl.
- Break apart the candy canes and add them to the bowl, along with the m and ms.
- Mix everything together and package up or enjoy immediately.
Notes
- Add more crunch. Try crushed cookies, pretzels, or candied nuts.
- Drizzle with melted white chocolate. Melt white chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl, drizzle it over the popcorn mixture, and toss to coat.
- Caramel popcorn. Drizzle your favorite caramel sauce over the popcorn when it’s fresh and slightly warm.
- Other mix-in ideas. Try mini marshmallows, Christmas sprinkles, or your favorite chopped-up candy bar.
- Sprinkle with salt. For a salty-sweet flavor.
