Okay, so Christmas movie nights are, like, totally a *thing* at my house. Every year, we drag out the same old movies (Elf, anyone?), pile onto the couch in our pajamas, and just…chill. But you know what makes it even better? Snacks! And not just *any* snacks. We’re talking Christmas Popcorn – the sweet, festive, totally addictive kind!
This Christmas Popcorn recipe is seriously the easiest thing ever. Kettle corn, white chocolate, cake mix (yep, you read that right!), and a whole lotta sprinkles. Trust me, it tastes as good as it looks. Plus, it takes, like, no time to throw together. It’s a total win for Christmas movie night or any holiday get-together!
Why You’ll Love This Christmas Popcorn
Seriously, where do I even start? This Christmas Popcorn is just…amazing! Here’s why you’re gonna be obsessed:
- It’s crazy easy to make.
- Prep time is seriously fast!
- Festive flavors that scream “Christmas!”
- Perfect for gifting (if you can resist eating it all yourself!).
- A total crowd-pleaser – even the picky eaters love it.
- Totally kid-friendly. What’s not to love?
Ingredients for Your Christmas Popcorn
Alright, gather ’round! Here’s what you’ll need to make this Christmas Popcorn magic happen:
- 12 cups popped kettle corn (the bagged kind is totally fine!)
- 1/2 cup white cake mix powder (trust me on this one!)
- 16 oz white chocolate, melted (go for the good stuff!)
- 1/2 cup holiday sprinkles (the more, the merrier!)
- 1 cup chocolate candies, such as Sixlets or M&Ms (get creative!)
How to Make Christmas Popcorn: Step-by-Step Instructions
Okay, listen up! This Christmas Popcorn is ridiculously easy, but let’s walk through it step-by-step so you get it perfect every time. Don’t worry, I promise you can’t mess it up *too* badly!
Preparing the Popcorn Base for Christmas Popcorn
First things first, grab the biggest bowl you have – you’ll need it! Dump in all that yummy kettle corn. Then, sprinkle the white cake mix powder all over the popcorn. Now, this is important: gently toss it all together until the popcorn is evenly coated. You don’t want any clumps of cake mix, trust me!
Melting the Chocolate for Christmas Popcorn
Now for the fun part! Grab your white chocolate and a microwave-safe bowl. Pop it in the microwave for 30 seconds at a time, stirring in between each interval. This is super important! White chocolate burns *easily*, so don’t skip the stirring. Keep going until it’s all smooth and melted. It should be pourable, but not too hot.
Combining and Coating the Christmas Popcorn
Alright, pour that melted white chocolate all over the popcorn in the bowl. Then, dump in your sprinkles and chocolate candies. Now, stir, stir, stir! Make sure every piece of popcorn gets coated in that chocolatey, sprinkle-y goodness. Next, spread the popcorn out on a large pan lined with parchment or wax paper. Drizzle any leftover melted chocolate on top and add even *more* sprinkles! Because, why not?
Setting and Storing Your Christmas Popcorn
Now comes the hardest part: waiting! Let the Christmas Popcorn sit for about 30 to 45 minutes until the chocolate is set. This keeps it from being a sticky mess. Once it’s firm, break it up into pieces and store it in airtight containers. If it lasts that long, that is! It’s seriously addictive. Enjoy!
Tips for the Best Christmas Popcorn
Okay, so you’ve got the basics down, but wanna take your Christmas Popcorn to the *next level*? I’ve got a few tricks up my sleeve to make it truly unforgettable!
Kettle Corn Considerations for Christmas Popcorn
Seriously, save yourself some time and grab the pre-bagged kettle corn. Ain’t nobody got time to pop all that corn themselves! But, pro tip: taste it first! You want that perfect balance of sweet and salty. Too salty? Maybe add a *tiny* bit of extra sugar to the chocolate. Too sweet? Well, that’s never *really* a problem, is it?
Candy and Sprinkle Swaps in Christmas Popcorn
Don’t be afraid to get creative with your candies and sprinkles! Sixlets are my go-to, but M&Ms are awesome too. Or, how about some mini Reese’s Pieces? Ooh, and the sprinkles! Go wild! Red and green are classic, but silver and gold are super festive too. The sky’s the limit, people!
Christmas Popcorn Variations
Okay, so you’ve made the basic Christmas Popcorn. Now, let’s get wild and crazy and remix this thing! Seriously, the possibilities are endless, so don’t be afraid to experiment. My favorite part is tweaking things to make it *my own*, you know?
Adding Extracts to Christmas Popcorn
Wanna add a little somethin’ somethin’ extra? Try a dash of extract! Peppermint extract is AMAZING for a super festive, candy cane vibe. Just add about 1/2 teaspoon to the melted white chocolate. Vanilla extract is also a winner – super subtle and adds a nice warmth. Start with 1 teaspoon and taste as you go!
Spice It Up: Cinnamon Christmas Popcorn
Okay, this is my personal fave. Add a teaspoon (or two!) of cinnamon to the cake mix before you toss it with the popcorn. It gives it that cozy, warm, Christmas-y feeling. You could also try a pinch of nutmeg or even some gingerbread spice! Ooh, now *that’s* an idea!
FAQ About Christmas Popcorn
Got questions about this Christmas Popcorn? I got answers! Here are some of the most common questions I get asked, so you can make this recipe like a total pro!
Can I use regular popcorn instead of kettle corn for Christmas Popcorn?
Okay, so technically, yeah, you *can* use regular popcorn. But, honestly, it won’t be quite the same. Kettle corn has that amazing sweet-and-salty thing going on, which is what makes this recipe so addictive! If you *do* use regular popcorn, I’d suggest adding a sprinkle of salt and sugar to it before you mix in the other ingredients. Just a little, though!
How long does Christmas Popcorn last?
If you manage *not* to eat it all in one sitting (which is a challenge, I know!), this Christmas Popcorn will last for about a week. Just make sure you store it in an airtight container to keep it nice and fresh. Otherwise, it’ll get kinda stale and sad. Nobody wants sad Christmas Popcorn!
Can I make Christmas Popcorn ahead of time?
Heck yeah! This Christmas Popcorn is *perfect* for making ahead of time! Just whip it up a day or two before your holiday bash, and you’re good to go. Again, airtight containers are your best friend here. That way, it’ll be just as delicious as if you made it right before serving!
Estimated Nutritional Information for Christmas Popcorn
Okay, so here’s the deal. This Christmas Popcorn is *delicious*, but it’s also a treat! Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional info, but remember, it can vary!
Share the Christmas Popcorn Cheer!
Made this Christmas Popcorn? Yay! Leave a comment, rate the recipe, and share your pics on social media! Let’s spread the Christmas cheer, one sprinkle at a time!
Print
Irresistible Christmas Popcorn Recipe in Under 45 Minutes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Christmas Popcorn is an easy and delicious treat. It is made with kettle corn, cake mix, white chocolate, and sprinkles. It is perfect for a Christmas Movie Night.
Ingredients
- 12 cups kettle corn
- 1/2 cup white cake mix powder
- 16 oz. white chocolate melted
- 1/2 cup sprinkles
- 1 cup chocolate candies
Instructions
- In a very large bowl, stir popcorn and cake mix together.
- Microwave the chocolate on 30 second intervals in a microwave safe bowl until melted and smooth, stirring between each one.
- Then, stir the melted chocolate into the popcorn bowl, reserving a little for the topping.
- Add in sprinkles and chocolate candies and stir until well mixed, spread popcorn out on a large pan that has been lined with parchment paper or wax paper.
- Drizzle remaining melted white chocolate over the popcorn and top with extra holiday sprinkles.
- Let sit for 30 to 45 minutes, then package up in airtight containers or consume immediately.
Notes
- Instead of popping popcorn yourself, save time by using bagged kettle corn.
- I use Sixlets in my mixture, but you could use M and M’s or another type of candy.
- Lining the pan prevents the chocolate from sticking and makes it easier to clean.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
