Christmas Popcorn: Festive Snowman Snack
Embrace the holiday spirit with this simple Christmas popcorn recipe, lovingly called snowman popcorn by the little ones! This delightful treat combines freshly popped popcorn coated in gooey melted marshmallows and adorned with your choice of cheerful holiday mix-ins. It delivers a delightful crunch with a sweet finish, making it an ideal choice for festive gatherings, family movie nights, or thoughtful gift-giving during the season. Best of all, it’s incredibly quick to prepare without any uncooked eggs, so it’s safe and fun for kids to help create in the kitchen.
What Makes This Recipe Stand Out
- Quick preparation time: Just 15 minutes from start to finish using basic ingredients like popcorn kernels, mini marshmallows, coconut oil, and festive add-ons for a delicious seasonal snack.
- Perfect sweet-salty harmony: The contrast of salty popcorn base with sugary marshmallows and colorful sprinkles creates an irresistible flavor profile.
- Endless customization options: Incorporate leftover candies like M&Ms, go heavy on the sprinkles, or experiment freely—the possibilities are limitless for personalization.
Key Ingredients for Success
- Popcorn kernels: Pop them fresh at home to ensure no unwanted additives interfere with the marshmallow coating, allowing for optimal adhesion and texture.
- Coconut oil: This adds a subtle, sweet undertone when used for popping, enhancing the overall taste without overpowering other flavors.
- Mini marshmallows: Their small size ensures they melt smoothly and uniformly, creating a perfect sticky binder for the popcorn.
- Optional mix-ins: Tailor to your taste with holiday favorites for that personal touch.
Step-by-Step Guide to Christmas Popcorn
- Pop the popcorn: Place coconut oil and kernels in a covered large pot over medium heat. Cook until popping slows to a few seconds between pops, then remove from heat promptly.
- Melt the marshmallows: In a nonstick skillet on low heat, melt additional coconut oil, then stir in salt and marshmallows until fully liquefied, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Combine everything: Gently fold the warm popcorn into the marshmallow mixture until evenly coated, then mix in your selected add-ins for bursts of color and flavor.
- Ready to serve: Dish into bowls for casual snacking or shape into balls for playful snowman-inspired treats.
Using Microwave Popcorn as an Alternative
Absolutely, microwave popcorn works well too! A standard bag produces about 10 cups. Opt for lightly buttered options, as heavy butter coatings can hinder the marshmallows from sticking properly to the kernels.
Creative Variations and Add-Ins
- Peppermint chips for a minty refresh
- White chocolate drizzle for extra decadence
- Mini M&Ms in holiday colors
- Multi-colored or themed sprinkles
- Dusting of powdered sugar for a snowy effect
- Googly eyes to craft adorable snowman faces
- Tint the marshmallows with red or green food coloring for vibrant hues
Best Ways to Serve
There’s no incorrect way to enjoy this treat, but it shines at holiday parties, cozy family movie marathons, or as a packaged gift for teachers, neighbors, and friends. Its festive appeal makes it a crowd-pleaser every time.
Storage Recommendations
Keep in an airtight container in a cool, dark spot for up to 5 days. Note that it may soften and become chewier over time, losing some of its initial crunch.
Complete Christmas Popcorn Recipe
This straightforward snowman popcorn delivers sweetness and crunch, ideal for holiday festivities or gifting.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 8
Ingredients
- 3.5 tablespoons coconut oil, divided
- 5 tablespoons popcorn kernels (~10 cups popped)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 5 oz. mini marshmallows (~½ of 10 oz. bag)
Optional Mix-Ins
- ½ cup M&Ms
- ¼ cup sprinkles
- ½ cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Add ½ tablespoon coconut oil and popcorn kernels to a lidded pot over medium heat. Pop until slowing, then set aside.
- Melt 3 tablespoons coconut oil in a skillet on low, add salt and marshmallows, stir until melted. Fold in popcorn.
- Incorporate mix-ins gently.
- Serve in bowls or form into popcorn balls.
Helpful Tips
- One microwave popcorn bag equals about 10 cups popped popcorn.
- Shape into balls of any size for fun variations.
Nutrition (Approximate per Serving)
Calories: 297 kcal
Carbohydrates: 45 g
Protein: 2 g
Fat: 13 g
Fiber: 2 g
Sugar: 29 g
