Easy Christmas Popcorn Recipe: Sweet & Spicy Popcorn with Festive Mix-Ins
Looking for a quick and festive treat that everyone will love? This Christmas popcorn recipe is your answer! It combines warm holiday spices, sweet white chocolate, colorful red and green M&Ms, crunchy pretzels, and tart cranberries with freshly popped popcorn. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party, wrapping presents, or enjoying a Christmas movie marathon, this easy-to-make snack will fill your home with cozy cheer.
Can I Use Microwave Popcorn for Christmas Popcorn?
Yes! Microwave popcorn works perfectly for this recipe. Just ensure you use a plain, unsalted variety. Avoid buttery or flavored versions, as they can overpower the sweet and spicy coating.
Ingredient Substitutions for Pretzels and M&M’s
Don’t have M&M’s or pretzel sticks on hand? Try these tasty alternatives:
Instead of Pretzel Sticks:
- Mini pretzels or pretzel twists
- Popcorn chips or corn chips
- Savory cereal like Chex Mix
Instead of M&M’s:
- Chocolate chips or white chocolate chips
- Reese’s Pieces
- Candy-coated chocolates or festive sprinkles
Customize the mix-ins based on your preferences or dietary needs.
Festive Add-In Ideas for Christmas Popcorn
Elevate your holiday popcorn by mixing in any of these festive additions:
- Crushed peppermint bark – adds minty crunch
- Mini marshmallows – for a gooey, soft texture
- Dried cherries or raisins – add tangy, fruity sweetness
- Toasted chopped nuts – almonds, pecans, or walnuts add richness and crunch
- Toasted coconut flakes – a tropical twist for holiday fun
These mix-ins give you a chance to get creative and make it your own!
Can You Make Christmas Popcorn Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare Christmas popcorn in advance! Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2–3 days. To refresh the texture, bake it in the oven at 250°F (120°C) for 5 minutes—but be careful not to melt the chocolate or burn the mix-ins.
Christmas Popcorn – Quick & Easy Recipe
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
- ½ cup popcorn kernels (or 1 bag microwave popcorn)
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup red and green M&M’s
- ½ cup pretzel sticks
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- ½ cup white chocolate chips
- Festive sprinkles (optional)
Instructions:
- Pop the Popcorn:
Prepare popcorn using a stovetop, air popper, or microwave. Transfer to a large mixing bowl. - Make the Spiced Butter Coating:
In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Stir until fully dissolved. - Coat the Popcorn:
Drizzle the butter mixture over the popcorn. Gently toss until evenly coated. - Mix in Toppings:
Add M&M’s, pretzels, and dried cranberries. Stir gently to combine. - Melt the Chocolate:
Microwave white chocolate chips in 30-second bursts, stirring in between until fully melted. - Drizzle & Combine:
Drizzle melted chocolate over popcorn mixture. Toss again to coat. - Spread & Set:
Spread the mixture on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Top with festive sprinkles if using. Let it cool until the chocolate sets. - Serve & Enjoy:
Break into chunks and serve in bowls or holiday treat bags!
Final Thoughts
This Christmas popcorn is the perfect combination of sweet, salty, spicy, and crunchy—everything you want in a holiday snack! Whether you’re gifting it in cellophane bags or serving it at a party, it brings holiday cheer with every bite.
Ready to make more holiday treats? Check out our Peppermint Bark Recipe, White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies, and Festive Holiday Punch for more merry inspiration!
