How to Make Holiday Popcorn Balls | Easy Christmas Treat Recipe
There’s a certain kind of magic in holiday popcorn balls — the kind of sweet, sticky treat your grandmother might have wrapped in wax paper and tucked into a tin by the tree. Crunchy and colorful, they’ve been a Christmas tradition for generations, passed around at church socials, school parties, and family movie nights.
Holiday Popcorn Balls are an easy Christmas treat made with popcorn, syrup, and sprinkles. This classic popcorn balls recipe uses fluffy Dell Cove® Christmas Movie popcorn kernels to create a festive popcorn snack that’s sweet, crunchy, and fun to shape with kids. Perfect for stockings, party snack recipes, or wrapping up as a sweet holiday treat.
To prep, line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
Then, on a saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup, butter, and salt.
Cook over medium heat, stirring, until it comes to a boil; continue 2–3 minutes until clear. Remove from heat; stir in vanilla.
Step 2: Coat the popcorn
Pour the hot syrup over the popcorn in a large bowl; toss gently to coat.
Be sure that you have removed all un-popped kernels!
Step 3: Add sprinkles
Sprinkle in half of the red and green sprinkles; toss lightly to distribute. Just know, this may color your syrup.
So if you want just the color of the popcorn and the sprinkles to stand out on their own, skip this step.
Step 4: Shape
Lightly butter or oil your hands (or wear food-safe gloves). Shape into tennis-ball–size popcorn balls. You can also use a buttered or oiled spatula to scoop out the popcorn.
Just know, you’ll need to move fairly quickly - and that the popcorn will be HOT!
Step 5: Add sticks & decorate
Insert a striped straw or lollipop stick into each ball. While still slightly warm, add the remaining sprinkles so they stick.
Optional decorating ideas: If you want to dust the popcorn balls with cocoa, do so before you add the sprinkles.
Want to drizzle or fully dip the popcorn balls in melted chocolate? Do that first, then add the colorful sprinkles.
Step 6: Cool and serve
Place on wax paper to cool completely, and serve! Store airtight at room temperature up to 3 days.
Recipe Note
Tips for Perfect Popcorn Balls
Use holiday sprinkles: Red and green sprinkles give these popcorn balls their festive look.
Add sticks: Serving with straws or lollipop sticks makes them easier (and more fun!) to eat.
Don’t pack too tightly: Gentle pressure keeps them crunchy, not rock-hard.
Gift-ready: Once cooled, wrap each in cellophane and tie with a ribbon for a party favor or stocking stuffer.
FAQs About Holiday Popcorn Balls
Q: Can I make popcorn balls ahead of time? A: Yes. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Q: Can I freeze popcorn balls? A: Freezing isn’t recommended, as it makes the popcorn chewy once thawed.
Q: Can I make these gluten-free? A: Absolutely! Dell Cove popcorn is naturally gluten-free. Just double-check your sprinkles or candy add-ins.
Q: Can I swap the sprinkles? A: Yes! Try crushed candy canes, holiday nonpareils, or mini M&Ms for a different festive look.
Share Your Creations
Tried this recipe? Tag your photos with #DellCoveSpices — we’d love to see your Christmas popcorn creations! You can also find us on TikTok.
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