Christmas Popcorn Balls
These festive Christmas popcorn balls are made with just 4 ingredients – a vintage holiday recipe that’s easy, colorful, and perfect for parties!
Christmas Jello Popcorn Balls
There’s something so festive about old-fashioned holiday recipes, and these Christmas Popcorn Balls are the perfect example. They come from a well-loved church cookbook — you know the kind that’s filled with handwritten notes, smudged pages, and recipes that have been shared for generations.
Bright red and green jello syrup gives them their bright color and sweet flavor, and the ingredients are so simple you probably have everything you need already. In fact, you only need 4 ingredients!
What I love most about this recipe is how fun and hands-on it is. Fresh popcorn gets coated in a warm, colorful syrup, then rolled into cheerful little balls that hold their shape as they cool. They’re a little rustic looking, but that is just part of their charm!
These Christmas popcorn balls make the cutest addition to holiday party trays, classroom celebrations, or cookie exchanges when you want something a little different. They’re festive, budget-friendly, and easy to make. Whip up a batch for your next Christmas gathering, and don’t be surprised when people ask for the recipe…it’s a classic for a reason!
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Ingredients
- Popcorn – You’ll need about 12-16 cups of popped popcorn. If you’re using microwave bags, that is 3-4 bags. If using kernels and your own popcorn machine or the stovetop method, you’ll need about 1/2 cup of kernels.
- For the popcorn coating – You’ll use a combination of granulated sugar, light corn syrup, and a box of red or green jello to make the colorful and flavorful coating.
Full ingredient amounts and instructions available in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post.
Helpful Kitchen Tools
Instructions
- Prepare the Popcorn – Pop the popcorn according to package directions and allow to cool to room temperature.
- Make the Syrup – Add the jello powder, sugar, and corn syrup to a saucepan and bring to a boil. Stir until sugar and jello dissolve completely.
- Coat the Popcorn – Pour the jello mixture over the popcorn and stir. Allow to cool enough to handle safely.
- Form the Balls – Roll the popcorn into balls and squeeze gently so they keep their shape. Allow to cool until set.
Video Demo:
Prep Tips
- Variations – You can customize this recipe by adding festive Christmas sprinkles or red and green sanding sugar. Be sure to do so before the coating has dried.
- Storage – Keep the finished popcorn balls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. You can also wrap them individually in plastic wrap or cellophane – they make great DIY food gifts!
More Christmas Snack Recipes & Homemade Food Gifts
Christmas Popcorn Balls Recipe (Printable Recipe Card)
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Christmas Popcorn Balls
Equipment
- Medium Saucepan
- Large Mixing Bowl
Ingredients
- 12-16 cups popped popcorn
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 box red or green gelatin 3oz box
- 1 cup light corn syrup
Instructions
- Pop the popcorn and allow to cool to room temperature.
- Add the other three ingredients to a saucepan and bring to a boil. Stir until sugar and jello dissolve completely.
- Pour the jello mixture over the popcorn and stir until coated. Allow to cool enough to handle safely.
- Roll the popcorn into balls, about the size of tennis balls, and squeeze gently so they keep their shape. Allow to cool until set.
Video
Notes
Variations
- Add festive sprinkles or red and green sanding sugar while the coating is still sticky.
- Swap colors to match any holiday or party theme.
- Press mini candies or holiday M&Ms on the outside before they set.
Storage
- Store popcorn balls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
- Wrap individually in plastic wrap or cellophane for easy gifting.
- For parties, add each ball to a cupcake liner for cute serving.
Nutrition
Pin our Holiday Popcorn Balls Recipe on Pinterest:
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