Pin it A festive, crowd-pleasing snack of sweet popcorn clusters, topped with a burst of colorful red and green sprinkles—perfect for last-minute parties or holiday gatherings.
This snack quickly became a holiday favorite in my family because it brings festive colors and a delightful crunch with minimal effort.
Ingredients
- Popcorn: 6 cups freshly popped popcorn (about 1/4 cup unpopped kernels or 1 microwavable bag, plain or lightly salted)
- Coating: 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, 1/3 cup light corn syrup or honey, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt, 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Topping: 2 tablespoons red sprinkles, 2 tablespoons green sprinkles
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Set aside.
- Step 2:
- Place popped popcorn in a large mixing bowl. Remove any unpopped kernels.
- Step 3:
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Stir in corn syrup, sugar, and salt. Bring to a gentle boil, stirring constantly until sugar dissolves (about 2 minutes).
- Step 4:
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
- Step 5:
- Immediately pour the hot mixture over the popcorn. Using a silicone spatula, gently toss to coat all popcorn evenly.
- Step 6:
- Working quickly (the mixture sets fast), scoop heaping tablespoonfuls of coated popcorn onto the prepared baking sheet, forming small piles or clusters.
- Step 7:
- While still sticky, generously sprinkle red and green sprinkles over each pile.
- Step 8:
- Allow to cool and set for 10 minutes before serving.
Pin it This recipe brings back joyful family moments when everyone gathers to snack and celebrate together during the holidays.
Required Tools
Large mixing bowl, small saucepan, silicone spatula, baking sheet, parchment paper
Allergen Information
Contains milk (butter). May contain traces of soy or gluten if using flavored popcorn or sprinkles—check labels for allergens.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 95 per pile, Total Fat: 2 g, Carbohydrates: 19 g, Protein: 1 g
Pin it 
This colorful popcorn treat is the perfect quick fix for festive occasions and always impresses guests with its delightful texture and appearance.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I prevent unpopped kernels in the piles?
Remove any unpopped kernels before coating to avoid hard bites and ensure even clusters.
- → Can I substitute corn syrup with honey?
Yes, honey can be used as a natural sweetener alternative to corn syrup in the coating.
- → What is the best way to evenly coat the popcorn?
Pour the hot coating over popcorn and gently toss with a silicone spatula to cover all pieces thoroughly.
- → How long should I let the piles cool before serving?
Allow the coated piles to cool and set for about 10 minutes to ensure they hold their shape.
- → Can I add nuts or other toppings to these piles?
Yes, chopped nuts or mini pretzels can be mixed in before coating for added crunch and flavor.