Description
Okay, so imagine taking plain popcorn and turning it into a sweet, salty, crunchy holiday celebration that looks like Christmas exploded in the best way possible. This is popcorn coated in white chocolate, loaded with red and green M&Ms, salty pretzels, and festive sprinkles, all tossed together into the most addictive snack mix you’ve ever encountered. It’s sweet but not too sweet, salty in all the right ways, crunchy and munchy, and so colorful it practically screams “HOLIDAYS!” It’s also dangerously easy to make and even more dangerous to stop eating. I made this for a Christmas party once and it was gone in 20 minutes while the fancy appetizers sat there untouched. Someone called it “crack corn” and honestly, accurate. Another person tried to hide a bag in their coat. A kid ate so much they turned their tongue green and had zero regrets. This popcorn creates CHAOS and also makes you the MVP of any holiday gathering.
Ingredients
For the Base:
- 12–16 cups popped popcorn (about 1/2 cup unpopped kernels)
- 2 cups mini pretzels (the little twist ones work great)
- 1 1/2 cups M&Ms (red and green holiday mix, or regular with red and green picked out)
For the Coating:
- 16 oz white chocolate melting wafers or white chocolate chips
- 2 tbsp coconut oil or vegetable shortening (makes it smooth and glossy)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (optional but recommended)
For the Topping:
- 1/4 cup Christmas sprinkles (red, green, and white nonpareils work great)
- Optional: crushed candy canes, white chocolate chips, festive colored candies
Equipment:
- Large mixing bowl (the biggest one you have)
- Baking sheets lined with parchment or wax paper
- Large spoon or spatula for mixing
- Microwave-safe bowl for melting chocolate
Instructions
Pop your popcorn using whatever method you prefer—air popper, stovetop, microwave, whatever. Just make sure it’s plain and lightly salted, not butter-drenched movie theater style.
Pick through the popcorn and remove any unpopped kernels or burnt pieces. Nobody wants to break a tooth during Christmas.
Put the popcorn in your largest mixing bowl. If you don’t have a huge bowl, use two medium bowls or a roasting pan. You need space to toss everything.
Add the mini pretzels to the popcorn. Toss them together so they’re mixed.
Combine white chocolate and coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring between each burst, until completely smooth and melted.
White chocolate is finicky and burns easily, so watch it carefully. Stir thoroughly between each interval.
Once melted and smooth, stir in vanilla extract if using. The chocolate should be glossy and pourable but not scalding hot.
Let it cool for about 1 minute—if it’s too hot, it’ll melt the M&Ms when you add them later.
Pour the melted white chocolate over the popcorn and pretzel mixture.
Use a large spoon or spatula to toss everything together, making sure to coat as much popcorn as possible with chocolate. Work quickly before the chocolate starts to set.
Don’t stress about coating every single piece—you want some variety. Some pieces heavily coated, some pieces just lightly touched.
The pretzels will get coated too, which is perfect. That salty-sweet combo is key.
Once everything is coated and the white chocolate is starting to set but still slightly tacky (about 1-2 minutes), add the M&Ms and toss gently.
If the chocolate is too hot, the M&Ms will melt. If it’s too cold, they won’t stick. Timing is everything here.
Sprinkle the festive sprinkles over everything and toss one more time to distribute.
Spread the mixture out on two large parchment-lined baking sheets in an even layer. Don’t pile it up or it’ll stick together in one massive clump.
Use your hands or a spoon to separate any large clumps while the chocolate is still slightly soft. You want individual clusters, not one giant popcorn brick.
If you’re adding any extra toppings (crushed candy canes, extra candies), sprinkle them on now before the chocolate fully sets.
Place the baking sheets in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes to let the white chocolate harden completely.
Once set, break the popcorn into smaller clusters. Don’t worry about making them uniform—rustic is the vibe here.
Transfer to a large serving bowl or package into bags for gifts.
Try to resist eating it all before your guests arrive. This is the hardest step.
Notes
This is perfect as-is, but here are some ideas:
- Serve in festive bowls at holiday parties as finger-food snacks
- Package in clear cellophane bags tied with ribbon for gifts
- Fill decorative tins for teacher gifts or neighbor treats
- Set out in small bowls around the house during holidays
- Make “snack bags” for road trips or movie nights
- Add to holiday cookie platters for variety
- Serve alongside hot chocolate or coffee at gatherings
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: ~180 kcal
- Fat: ~8g
- Carbohydrates: ~26g
- Protein: ~2g