Holiday Magic in Every Bite: South Carolina’s Christmas Popcorn Balls Recipe!

Photo byChristmas recipes and crafts

As the holiday season approaches, there’s no better way to embrace the festive spirit than with South Carolina’s Christmas Popcorn Balls. These fun, colorful treats are the perfect combination of sweet and crunchy, bringing a sense of joy and nostalgia to any holiday gathering. South Carolina is known for its hospitality and love of all things homemade, and this recipe fits right in with the state’s tradition of festive holiday snacks that are easy to make and share.

The warmth of the season comes alive when you take a bite of these Christmas Popcorn Balls. The sweet marshmallow mixture combined with vibrant red and green colors makes them an eye-catching addition to any dessert table. With a blend of buttery goodness and crunchy popcorn, topped with festive sprinkles, these treats are not just delicious but also full of holiday cheer.

South Carolina Christmas Popcorn Balls Recipe

Ingredients:

• 10 cups popped popcorn 🍿
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter 🧈
• 1 (10 oz) bag mini marshmallows 🍬
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract 🍦
• Red and green sprinkles 🎄✨
• Red and green food coloring 🌈
• Cooking spray 🧴

Instructions:

1. Pop the Popcorn
   Begin by popping 10 cups of popcorn and placing it into a large bowl. Make sure all kernels are popped to perfection for the best texture. 🍿
2. Melt Butter and Marshmallows
   In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the mini marshmallows, stirring continuously until the mixture becomes fully melted and smooth, forming the base for your popcorn balls. 🧈🍬
3. Add Vanilla and Color
   Stir in the vanilla extract to enhance the flavor. Divide the melted marshmallow mixture evenly between two bowls. Add red food coloring to one bowl and green food coloring to the other, stirring until the colors are vibrant and even. 🌈✨
4. Combine with Popcorn
   Pour the red marshmallow mixture over half of the popcorn and the green mixture over the other half. Gently toss each portion until all the popcorn is evenly coated in its respective color. 🍿🌈
5. Form Popcorn Balls
   Spray your hands with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Carefully shape the popcorn into balls, pressing firmly to ensure they hold their shape. Work gently but swiftly while the mixture is still warm and pliable. 🧴🍿
6. Decorate
   Roll each popcorn ball in red and green sprinkles for an extra festive touch. The sprinkles will not only add color but also a slight crunch. 🎄✨
7. Cool and Serve
   Let the popcorn balls cool on a parchment-lined tray for about 30 minutes. Once cooled, they’re ready to serve. These treats make a fun and delicious addition to any Christmas party, and they’re also a perfect gift for friends and neighbors. 🎉

The Joy of Sharing South Carolina’s Holiday Treats

Christmas Popcorn Balls are more than just a snack; they’re a tradition that brings friends and family together. South Carolina’s love for easy, flavorful recipes shines through in every bite. Whether you’re making them with kids as part of a holiday activity or sharing them at a party, these popcorn balls are sure to spread joy.

Their versatility allows for endless creativity—you can add different toppings, mix in various colors, or even personalize them with your favorite holiday sprinkles. No matter how you make them, these Christmas Popcorn Balls are sure to bring the festive spirit to any gathering.

Here is the recipe and more information for making Christmas Popcorn Balls

Christmas Popcorn Balls Recipe

Ingredients:

• 10 cups of popped popcorn 🍿
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter 🧈
• 1 (10 oz) bag of mini marshmallows 🍬
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract 🍦
• Red and green food coloring 🌈
• Red and green sprinkles 🎄✨
• Cooking spray 🧴

Instructions:

1. Pop the Popcorn: Pop 10 cups of popcorn using your preferred method and set it aside in a large bowl. 🍿
2. Melt the Marshmallow Mixture: Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add in the marshmallows and stir until completely melted and smooth. 🧈🍬
3. Add Vanilla and Colors: Stir in the vanilla extract. Divide the marshmallow mixture into two bowls and add red food coloring to one and green to the other, mixing until well-colored. 🌈
4. Combine with Popcorn: Pour the red marshmallow mixture over half of the popcorn and the green over the rest. Gently toss to coat evenly. 🍿🌈
5. Shape Popcorn Balls: Spray your hands with cooking spray to prevent sticking and shape the popcorn into balls. Press firmly to ensure they hold together. 🧴🍿
6. Decorate and Serve: Roll the popcorn balls in festive sprinkles and let them cool on a parchment-lined tray before serving. 🎄✨

Tips for Success:

• Spray your hands with cooking spray while forming the balls to avoid sticky hands​(Bake It With Love)​(Crayons & Cravings).
• Make sure the marshmallow mixture cools just enough so it’s easy to work with but still sticky​(Divas Can Cook).
• For variation, you can add in M&Ms, chocolate drizzles, or crushed candy canes to the popcorn mixture​(christmasonadime.com)​(Divas Can Cook).

Storage:

Store these popcorn balls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, wrap them in plastic wrap and freeze for up to a month​(Singing Dog Vanilla)​(Crayons & Cravings).

This recipe is perfect for holiday parties, bake sales, or just a fun festive treat for the family!