Santa Crunch Popcorn is a fun, festive, and sweet holiday treat made with popcorn, melted chocolate, crunchy pretzels, and colorful sprinkles. This easy-to-make Christmas snack is perfect for holiday parties, movie nights, or homemade gifts!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & easy – Ready in just 10 minutes!
- Festive & fun – Perfect for Christmas celebrations.
- Sweet & salty – A delicious mix of flavors and textures.
- Great for gifting – Package in holiday bags for a homemade treat.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Popcorn (plain, popped)
- White chocolate (melted)
- Pretzels (crushed or broken into pieces)
- Red & green M&Ms
- Holiday sprinkles
- Mini marshmallows (optional)
Directions
- Prepare popcorn – Pop the popcorn and remove any unpopped kernels. Spread on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Melt the chocolate – Microwave white chocolate in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
- Drizzle over popcorn – Pour melted chocolate over the popcorn and toss gently to coat.
- Add mix-ins – Sprinkle crushed pretzels, M&Ms, marshmallows, and holiday sprinkles over the popcorn while the chocolate is still wet.
- Let set – Allow to cool for about 10 minutes until the chocolate hardens.
- Break apart & serve – Break into pieces and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6-8
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
Variations
- Chocolate drizzle – Add dark or milk chocolate for extra richness.
- Nutty crunch – Mix in chopped pecans or almonds.
- Spicy kick – Add a dash of cinnamon or cayenne for a sweet-heat combo.
- Candy cane twist – Crush candy canes and sprinkle them over the popcorn.
Storage and Reheating
- Store: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Freeze: Not recommended, as the popcorn may become chewy.
FAQs
Can I use microwave popcorn?
Yes! Just use a lightly salted or plain variety.
How do I prevent soggy popcorn?
Make sure the popcorn is fully dry before adding melted chocolate.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Store in an airtight container until ready to serve.
Can I use colored candy melts instead of white chocolate?
Absolutely! Red and green candy melts add extra festive color.
What’s the best way to melt chocolate?
Use a microwave in 30-second intervals or a double boiler for smooth melting.
Can I add caramel?
Yes! Drizzle caramel over the popcorn before adding the chocolate.
How do I package this for gifts?
Use holiday-themed bags or tins for a festive presentation.
Can I use dark chocolate instead of white chocolate?
Yes! It will give a rich, less sweet flavor.
What other toppings can I use?
Try crushed Oreos, toffee bits, or dried cranberries for variety.
Is this gluten-free?
Yes! Just ensure your pretzels and mix-ins are gluten-free.
Conclusion
Santa Crunch Popcorn is a simple, fun, and festive treat that brings holiday cheer in every bite. Whether you’re making it for a party, movie night, or gifting to loved ones, this sweet-and-salty snack is sure to be a hit. Try it today and spread some Christmas magic!
Description
Santa Crunch Popcorn is a fun, festive, and sweet holiday treat made with popcorn, melted chocolate, crunchy pretzels, and colorful sprinkles. This easy-to-make Christmas snack is perfect for holiday parties, movie nights, or homemade gifts!
1. Prepare the Popcorn:
- Pop 8 cups of popcorn and spread it on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Remove any unpopped kernels.
2. Melt the Chocolate:
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt white chocolate chips with coconut oil in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth.
3. Coat the Popcorn:
- Drizzle melted chocolate over the popcorn and toss gently to coat.
4. Add the Festive Crunch:
- Sprinkle M&M’s, crushed pretzels, candy canes, and Christmas sprinkles over the chocolate-coated popcorn.
5. Let It Set & Serve:
- Let the popcorn cool for 10-15 minutes until the chocolate hardens.
- Break into pieces and serve!
Notes
✔ Make It Extra Sweet: Drizzle with milk or dark chocolate as well.
✔ Storage: Keep in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
✔ Gift Idea: Package in holiday treat bags for an easy edible gift!