Go Back

Christmas Popcorn Balls

Christmas popcorn balls combine crisp popcorn with a buttery, vanilla candy coating and red-and-green holiday sprinkles. Shape them while the mixture is still pliable for festive treats that set firm without crushing the popcorn.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 13 minutes
cooling time 33 minutes
Total Time 56 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 290
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 12 cups popcorn popped, unseasoned, with unpopped kernels removed
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 0.5 cup light corn syrup
  • 0.25 cup water
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter divided
  • 0.5 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 0.5 cup sprinkles red-and-green holiday

Equipment

  • 1 rimmed baking sheet

Method
 

  1. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Place the popcorn in an 8-quart heatproof bowl.
  3. Combine the sugar, corn syrup, water, 2 tablespoons of the butter, and salt in a 2-quart saucepan.
  4. Cook over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves and the mixture boils, about 3-5 minutes.
  5. Stop stirring and cook until it reaches 250-255°F on a candy thermometer, about 5-8 minutes more.
  6. Remove the pan from the heat and carefully stir in the vanilla extract.
  7. Pour the hot syrup over the popcorn and toss with a heatproof spatula until evenly coated.
  8. Let cool for 2-3 minutes, until cool enough to handle but still pliable.
  9. Use the remaining 1 tablespoon butter to grease your hands and the spatula.
  10. Shape the popcorn into 8 balls, pressing firmly enough to hold them together without crushing the popcorn.
  11. Press the sprinkles onto the balls while they are still tacky and set them on the prepared baking sheet.
  12. Let the popcorn balls cool until firm, about 20-30 minutes.

Notes

For evenly shaped balls, press firmly while the popcorn is still warm and pliable. Store airtight at room temperature for up to 2 days; freezing is not recommended. Use dairy-free butter if you need a dairy-free option.