These Christmas popcorn balls are a delightfully simple and delicious treat that's perfect for any holiday festivities! Popcorn is coated with melted marshmallows and then festive red and green M&Ms are stirred in (no corn syrup in this recipe!) Simply allow the balls to set and you are ready to enjoy them- no baking required!
2packsmicrowave popcorn(popped and cooled slightly)
8cupsminiature marshmallows(*see note)
½cupbutter(1 stick or 8 tablespoons, cut into pieces)
1cupChristmas M&M candies
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Instructions
Prepare your microwave popcorn as directed on the packaging. Then, spread it out on a baking sheet so that you can remove the unpopped kernels and transfer the popped popcorn into a large mixing bowl.
In a separate, microwave-safe bowl (or a saucepan), combine your marshmallows and butter.If using the microwave: Heat in short 30-second increments, making sure to stir after each session. When the marshmallows and butter are almost completely melted, stir vigorously until melted and smooth.If using the stovetop: Melt the butter and marshmallows over medium-low heat, making sure to stir constantly. Once the marshmallows are almost entirely melted, remove the saucepan from the heat and stir quickly.
If you would like to color the popcorn balls with red or green gel food coloring, go ahead and stir it into the melted marshmallows.
Gently pour the melted marshmallows over the popcorn while carefully stirring in order to make sure that all of the popcorn is coated evenly. Add the red and green colored M&M's candies and then gently stir to evenly distribute them throughout the popcorn.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spritz your hands with nonstick cooking spray (or rub them with softened butter). You may need to re-spray or re-butter your hands while working with the popcorn balls.
Scoop large handfuls of the popcorn mixture into your hands and gently squeeze them into ball shapes. Place them onto the prepared baking sheet (or into a cupcake liner) until they have completely set.
Notes
8 cups of mini marshmallows are equivalent to roughly 13.25 ounces.
If you can't find Christmas M&Ms, you can always pick up a bag of standard M&Ms and sort out the red and green ones!
If you want to color your Christmas popcorn balls, opt for gel food coloring for the best results.
Feel free to add in a tiny splash of vanilla extract (or your preferred flavoring). However, I have found that my popcorn balls hold their shape the best when they don't have any extracts added.
If you want to balance out the sweetness from the marshmallows and M&Ms, you can stir in a dash of salt.
To store: Keep your Christmas popcorn balls at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 1 week.