Santa Crunch Popcorn Recipe for Holiday Magic

Whipping up some delightful santa crunch popcorn always brings magical moments to winter gatherings.

Sweet kernels dance with festive sparkle and unexpected crunch.

Colorful sprinkles and white chocolate create a playful treat that delights all ages.

Childhood memories blend seamlessly with contemporary dessert creativity.

Holiday magic transforms ordinary popcorn into something extraordinary.

Crisp textures and sugary notes promise pure celebration in every delectable bite.

Santa Crunch Popcorn Made for Snack Season

• Super easy recipe that children can help prepare, creating fun family memories while making a tasty Christmas snack.
• Colorful, crunchy, and irresistibly sweet, this Santa Crunch Popcorn will be the star of any holiday party or movie night.
• Requires simple ingredients and basic kitchen skills, making it accessible for bakers of all experience levels.

Ingredients to Pop, Toss, and Crunch with Joy

• Popcorn: Light and crunchy base for the Santa Crunch dessert, best when freshly popped and free from unpopped kernels. White or yellow kernel varieties work well for maximum crunch.

How to Make This Festive Popcorn Favorite

Step 1: Pop Fresh Popcorn

Grab your favorite popcorn kernels and air pop or use a stovetop method to create light, fluffy popcorn. Spread the popped kernels evenly across a parchment-lined baking sheet, ensuring they form a single layer. Carefully remove any unpopped or partially popped kernels to keep the texture smooth and enjoyable.

Step 2: Prepare Festive Coating

• White chocolate chips
• Red candy melts
• Green candy melts
• Christmas sprinkles
• Peppermint candies (crushed)

Step 3: Melt Chocolate Magic

Gently melt white chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every 30 seconds to prevent burning. Use a smooth, consistent motion to create a silky chocolate base.

Step 4: Create Colorful Drizzles

Separately melt red and green candy melts in microwave-safe bowls. Drizzle the white chocolate and colored candy melts over the popcorn, creating a festive swirl pattern.

Step 5: Add Festive Crunch

Sprinkle crushed peppermint candies and Christmas sprinkles generously over the chocolate-coated popcorn. Press gently to help toppings stick.

Step 6: Chill and Set

Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes until the chocolate hardens completely. Break into clusters and serve in holiday-themed bowls.

Pro Tips for Sweet and Salty Perfection

• Select Quality Kernels: Choose fresh, non-stale popcorn kernels for the best texture and flavor.
• Spread Evenly: Arrange popcorn in a single layer on the parchment paper to ensure uniform coating and crunchiness.
• Remove Unpopped Kernels: Carefully sift through popcorn to eliminate hard, unpopped kernels that could break teeth.
• Cooling Technique: Let the popped popcorn cool completely before adding toppings to prevent soggy results.
• Storage Hack: Store Santa Crunch Popcorn in an airtight container to maintain its crisp texture for up to 3 days.

How to Keep Your Popcorn Fresh and Crunchy

• Store Santa Crunch Popcorn in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Keep away from direct sunlight and moisture to maintain crispness.
• Place cooled popcorn in a freezer-safe bag, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 2 weeks. Thaw at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving.
• Spread leftover popcorn on a baking sheet and warm in a preheated oven at 250°F for 5-7 minutes. This method helps restore its original crispy texture.
• Do not reheat popcorn in the microwave, as it can make the treat soggy and lose its delightful crunch.

Drinks and Treats That Pair with Holiday Popcorn

• Enjoy this festive popcorn alongside a steaming mug of peppermint hot chocolate, creating a cozy winter treat that perfectly captures the Santa Crunch spirit.
• Serve with a chilled glass of cranberry spritzer or sparkling apple cider to balance the sweet and crunchy flavors of the popcorn.
• Create a fun dessert station by offering a white chocolate dip or cream cheese frosting for drizzling, allowing guests to customize their Santa Crunch experience.
• For adult gatherings, pair with a holiday-themed cocktail like a candy cane martini or a spiced rum eggnog to elevate the seasonal snacking moment.

Variations for Any Holiday Crunch Craving

• Gluten-Free Santa Crunch: Swap regular white chocolate for certified gluten-free white chocolate and ensure all sprinkles are gluten-free.
• Vegan Holiday Popcorn: Replace white chocolate with dairy-free white chocolate alternative and use plant-based festive sprinkles for a cruelty-free version.
• Low-Sugar Santa Treat: Use sugar-free white chocolate chips and sugar-free holiday sprinkles to create a diabetic-friendly snack.
• Nut-Free Christmas Crunch: Verify all ingredients are processed in a nut-free facility and double-check sprinkle ingredients for potential nut contamination.

Santa Popcorn Questions and Tips

• What makes Santa Crunch Popcorn so festive?

The colorful red and green M&Ms and sprinkles give this holiday treat its cheerful Christmas look, making it perfect for holiday parties and gatherings.

• Can I use microwave popcorn instead of making it from scratch?

Yes, you can use store-bought microwave popcorn, just make sure to choose plain or lightly salted to avoid overwhelming flavors that might clash with the sweet coating.

• Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely! Children love helping mix the ingredients and enjoy the sweet, crunchy treat. It’s a fun holiday activity that the whole family can make together.

• How long does Santa Crunch Popcorn stay fresh?

When stored in an airtight container at room temperature, this festive snack stays crisp and delicious for 2-3 days after preparation.

Santa Crunch Popcorn Recipe

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4.7 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Santa crunch popcorn blends festive holiday cheer with irresistible sweet and salty flavors. Christmas magic sparkles through crunchy caramel-coated popcorn studded with peppermint chunks, creating a delightful seasonal treat you’ll savor with every delicious bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 8 cups (64 fluid ounces) popped popcorn
• 1 cup (6 ounces) white chocolate chips
• ½ cup (5 ounces) M&Ms (red & green)

Complementary Ingredients:

• ½ cup pretzels, broken into pieces
• ¼ cup crushed candy canes
• ¼ cup Christmas sprinkles

Melting Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) coconut oil or butter

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Instructions

1. Prepare a large parchment-lined baking sheet and spread freshly popped popcorn evenly across the surface, carefully sifting out any unpopped kernels to ensure a smooth, crunchy base for the treat.
2. Melt white chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl, heating in short 15-second intervals and stirring between each burst to prevent scorching, until the chocolate becomes smooth and completely liquefied.
3. Drizzle the melted white chocolate generously over the popcorn, using a spatula or spoon to create an even coating that will bind the mixture together and provide a creamy, sweet foundation.
4. Immediately sprinkle Christmas-themed sprinkles, red and green candy-coated chocolates, and crushed candy canes across the chocolate-covered popcorn, ensuring a festive and colorful distribution of toppings.
5. Allow the white chocolate to set and harden at room temperature for approximately 15-20 minutes, or expedite the process by placing the baking sheet in the refrigerator for 10 minutes.
6. Once the chocolate has completely solidified, break the popcorn into clusters and transfer to a serving bowl or package in festive gift bags for a delightful holiday snack.

Notes

• Opt for air-popped or freshly popped corn for the best texture and flavor, avoiding pre-packaged microwave popcorn with added oils and preservatives.
• Carefully sift through the popcorn to remove unpopped kernels, preventing potential dental mishaps and ensuring a smooth, enjoyable snacking experience.
• Sprinkle colorful holiday-themed sprinkles or crushed candy canes over the Santa Crunch Popcorn for an extra festive touch that delights both kids and adults.
• Store the popcorn in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain its crispness and prevent staleness.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 12 g
• Sodium: 90 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg