White Chocolate Christmas Popcorn with M&Ms
If you’re looking for the perfect holiday treat that’s ridiculously easy to make and guaranteed to disappear faster than Santa up the chimney, this White Chocolate Christmas popcorn snack mix is IT! Every bite combines salty popcorn tossed in smooth, melted white chocolate with festive red and green M&Ms and pretzels, adding that perfect Christmas touch. Trust me, your family won’t be able to keep their hands off this one!
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Having quick and delicious treats in your recipe arsenal during the busy holiday season is a game-changer. This Christmas popcorn snack mix is exactly that – a no-fuss treat that looks festive and tastes amazing. It joins my collection of go-to holiday favorites like Easy Christmas Rice Krispie Treats with M&Ms (which uses the same festive red and green candies) and White Chocolate Chex Mix (perfect for making alongside this popcorn since you’ll already have the white chocolate melted!).
What I love about this recipe is how it fits perfectly into your holiday treat rotation. Making Reindeer Noses or Rolo Pretzel Reindeers? Grab extra pretzels and make this popcorn mix too. Already picked up holiday M&Ms for your Rice Krispie Treats? You’re halfway ready for this recipe. It’s all about smart holiday baking – using similar ingredients across different treats saves both time and money during the busy season.
Plus, this Christmas popcorn is perfect for those last-minute party invites or when you need a quick but impressive gift. Package it up with some Reindeer Nose Treats, and you’ve got a beautiful holiday treat box that looks like you spent way more time than you actually did!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this magical Christmas treat.
- Popcorn Base: Pre-popped popcorn works perfectly fine here, but I prefer using microwave popcorn (2 bags, 3 oz each) for the freshest result. Both butter and plain varieties work great – butter adds extra richness, while plain lets the other flavors shine through.
- White Chocolate: Creates our creamy coating that holds everything together. High-quality white chocolate (like Ghirardelli) melts smoothly and gives the best flavor.
- Mini Pretzels: Adds essential salty crunch and texture contrast. Mini size distributes perfectly throughout the mix, ensuring every bite has that sweet-salty balance.
- Christmas M&Ms: Brings festive color and chocolate flavor. Regular M&Ms work best as they stay in place – avoid peanut variety which tends to sink.
- Coconut Oil: Our secret weapon for perfect chocolate consistency. Prevents seizing and helps create that smooth, even coating.
- Optional Toppings (Sprinkles/Candy Canes): Extra festive touch that transforms this from regular popcorn into a true holiday treat. Add while the chocolate is wet for best results.
Step-By-Step Instructions
- Prep Your Workspace: Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup. Get out your extra-large mixing bowl (you need at least a 6-quart bowl for this recipe) Working with a smaller bowl? No problem – divide the recipe in half and make two batches
- Pop the Popcorn: Pop your microwave popcorn according to package instructions. Take an extra minute to remove any unpopped kernels. Transfer popped corn to your large bowl.
- Mix the Add-ins: Add your pretzels and M&Ms. Gently toss everything together. Set aside while you prep your chocolate
- Melt the Chocolate: Combine white chocolate and coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each. Continue until completely smooth (usually takes about 1:40 total).
- Coat the Mix: Pour melted chocolate over your popcorn mixture. Gently fold everything together until evenly coated. Spread onto your prepared baking sheet. Add any sprinkles or candy canes while the chocolate is still wet. Let it set, and enjoy!
Serving Tips
You guys, this Christmas popcorn is like the little black dress of holiday treats – it works for literally everything! For parties, pile it high in a gorgeous bowl (instant centerpiece – you’re welcome!). Having a Christmas movie night? Individual cups are super cute and keep everyone from fighting over the last handful!.
Pro Tips for Success
- Bowl Size Matters: The biggest mistake? Using a bowl that’s too small! A 6-quart mixing bowl works, but an 8-quart would be even better. If you’re using a smaller bowl, just work in batches – it’s better than cleaning popcorn off your counter!
- Getting Perfect Coverage: That extra space in your mixing bowl isn’t just for show – it lets you fold everything together gently without breaking the pretzels or creating chocolate clumps.
- Chocolate Tips: Having trouble with your white chocolate getting weird and clumpy? This is exactly why we add that tiny bit of coconut oil – it’s like magic for smooth melting.
Recipe Variations
Want to mix things up? Here are some fun twists:
- Use dark chocolate-covered pretzels instead of plain ones
- Add a dark chocolate drizzle on top (looks fancy but super easy!)
- Try using holiday-shaped pretzels for extra festive flair
- Mix in some mini marshmallows for a hot cocoa vibe
Recipe Substitutions
No white chocolate chips? No problem! Here’s what works:
- White almond bark or candy melts instead of chocolate chips
- Pre-popped popcorn works perfectly fine
- Dairy-free white chocolate and chocolate gems for a dairy-free version
- Crushed graham crackers or broken wafer cookies instead of pretzels
- Vegetable oil can sub for coconut oil
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
This Christmas, popcorn rarely makes it to the storage container in my house! But if you do have leftovers (how?!), here’s what to do:
Immediate Storage:
- Let set completely before storing
- Keep in an airtight container at room temperature
- Will stay fresh up to two weeks
- Keep away from heat sources
For Gifting:
- This Christmas popcorn is perfect for packaging and gifting! You can find beautiful holiday tins at craft stores or go simple with clear cellophane bags tied with festive ribbon.
- For cellophane bags, don’t overfill – leave room at the top for a nice bow
- Add a handwritten tag with the “best by” date (stays fresh for 2 weeks)
- Plus, this makes a great activity to do with kids – they can help with the mixing and decorating while you handle the hot chocolate part. One batch fills about 4-6 gift bags, depending on size. Perfect for teacher gifts, neighbors, or anyone who loves a sweet-and-salty treat!
FAQs About Christmas Popcorn
Absolutely! Just keep in mind it’ll make the final treat a bit richer. Both kinds work great!
Put them in a sealed zip-top bag and crush gently with a rolling pin. Works like a charm and contains all the peppermint shrapnel!
You bet! It stays fresh for up to two weeks in an airtight container. (If you can resist eating it all, that is!)
Drop a comment below when you try it – I’d love to hear how it turned out. And hey, if you come up with any fun twists on the recipe, share those too. Don’t forget to rate the recipe if you loved it as much as I do. Happy snacking! 🎄✨
Christmas Popcorn
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl (for combining ingredients)
- Microwave-safe bowl (for melting chocolate)
Ingredients
- 2 bags (3 oz) microwave popcorn (butter or plain)
- 1 cup mini pretzels
- 1 cup Christmas M&Ms red and green
Chocolate Coating:
- 12 oz white chocolate chips or vanilla candy melts
- 2 teaspoons coconut oil or vegetable oil optional, for smoother melting
- Salt to taste
Optional Toppings:
- Holiday sprinkles
- Crushed candy canes
- ANDES Peppermint Crunch Baking Chips
Instructions
- Line a large pan with parchment or foil; set aside.
- Pop the microwave popcorn according to package instructions. Once popped, remove any unpopped kernels and place the popcorn in a large mixing bowl.
- Gently mix in the mini pretzels and Christmas M&Ms with the popcorn until evenly distributed.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the white chocolate or candy melts with coconut oil (if using). Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until completely melted and smooth.
- Pour the melted chocolate over the popcorn mixture. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to gently stir until all the popcorn is well coated. Taste and add salt if needed, I had to add some salt to mine.
- Spread the coated popcorn mixture onto a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper in an even layer.
- Quickly sprinkle holiday sprinkles over the top while the chocolate is still wet.
- Once chocolate is set, serve immediately or package in festive bags or containers for gifting.
Notes
Use Ghirardelli white chocolate chips for the best taste and melting results
Regular M&Ms work better than peanut M&Ms (won’t sink)
Mini pretzels distribute more evenly than larger-size Timing & Temperature:
Microwave chocolate in 30-second intervals Assembly Tips: Use a sizeable 6-8 quart bowl Remove all unpopped kernels before mixing
Fold pretzels gently to prevent breaking Storage:
Keeps for up to two weeks in an airtight container
Store at room temperature
Keep away from heat sources Make-Ahead/Gifting:
Great for making ahead for parties
Cool completely before packaging
Can be packaged with other treats like Reindeer Noses Substitutions:
Works with both butter or plain popcorn
Can use white almond bark or candy melts
Vegetable oil can replace coconut oil
Christmas Popcorn
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl (for combining ingredients)
- Microwave-safe bowl (for melting chocolate)
Ingredients
- 2 bags (3 oz) microwave popcorn (butter or plain)
- 1 cup mini pretzels
- 1 cup Christmas M&Ms red and green
Chocolate Coating:
- 12 oz white chocolate chips or vanilla candy melts
- 2 teaspoons coconut oil or vegetable oil optional, for smoother melting
- Salt to taste
Optional Toppings:
- Holiday sprinkles
- Crushed candy canes
- ANDES Peppermint Crunch Baking Chips
Instructions
- Line a large pan with parchment or foil; set aside.
- Pop the microwave popcorn according to package instructions. Once popped, remove any unpopped kernels and place the popcorn in a large mixing bowl.
- Gently mix in the mini pretzels and Christmas M&Ms with the popcorn until evenly distributed.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the white chocolate or candy melts with coconut oil (if using). Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until completely melted and smooth.
- Pour the melted chocolate over the popcorn mixture. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to gently stir until all the popcorn is well coated. Taste and add salt if needed, I had to add some salt to mine.
- Spread the coated popcorn mixture onto a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper in an even layer.
- Quickly sprinkle holiday sprinkles over the top while the chocolate is still wet.
- Once chocolate is set, serve immediately or package in festive bags or containers for gifting.
Notes
Use Ghirardelli white chocolate chips for the best taste and melting results
Regular M&Ms work better than peanut M&Ms (won’t sink)
Mini pretzels distribute more evenly than larger-size Timing & Temperature:
Microwave chocolate in 30-second intervals Assembly Tips: Use a sizeable 6-8 quart bowl Remove all unpopped kernels before mixing
Fold pretzels gently to prevent breaking Storage:
Keeps for up to two weeks in an airtight container
Store at room temperature
Keep away from heat sources Make-Ahead/Gifting:
Great for making ahead for parties
Cool completely before packaging
Can be packaged with other treats like Reindeer Noses Substitutions:
Works with both butter or plain popcorn
Can use white almond bark or candy melts
Vegetable oil can replace coconut oil
