Jump to Recipe Print RecipeThe sound of popping popcorn can spark a wave of nostalgia, bringing me back to cozy winters filled with laughter and holiday cheer. This Christmas Crunch recipe marries that comforting crunch with the indulgence of creamy white chocolate, colorful M&Ms, and the delightful surprise of salty pretzels. In just 15 minutes, you can whip up this easy holiday treat, making it the perfect snack for gatherings or a charming gift that will delight friends and family alike. Whether you serve it at festive parties or package it up in treat bags, this irresistible snack is bound to bring smiles and joy. So, are you ready to create a crowd-pleaser that will elevate your holiday season this year? Why is Christmas Crunch a Must-Try? Delightfully Easy: This recipe requires just a few simple steps and, best of all, only 15 minutes of your time! Colorful Presentation: The vibrant hues of M&Ms and festive sprinkles make this treat visually appealing, perfect for elevating holiday gatherings. Perfect Gift: Packaged in decorative bags, this Christmas Crunch makes a charming homemade gift that is sure to impress. Crowd Favorite: With its combination of sweetness and salty crunch, it’s a snack that pleases palates of all ages, making it ideal for any festive get-together. Versatile Option: Feel free to customize with your favorite candies or nuts, like those found in similar treats such as Bee Sting Cake for added variety! Christmas Crunch Ingredients Ready to whip up some festive magic? Here’s what you’ll need for this delightful Christmas Crunch! For the Popcorn Base Popcorn Kernels – Essential for creating that delightful crunch; use ½ cup to yield about 16-17 cups of delicious popped popcorn. For the Sweet Coating Vanilla Candy Melts – This is what brings the sweetness and smoothness to your popcorn; try it for a thinner layer, or substitute with white chocolate chips for a thicker coating. For the Crunchy Contrast Broken Pretzel Pieces – These add a salty bite that perfectly complements the sweet popcorn; baby pretzels can be a great alternative! For the Festive Flair M&M’s (Green and Red) – Not only do they bring color to your Christmas Crunch, but they also add vibrant sweetness; a 10 oz bag works best! For the Finishing Touch Christmas Sprinkles – Sprinkles elevate your treat to festive heights; adjust the amount based on your desired visual appeal for the holiday season. Step-by-Step Instructions for Christmas Crunch Step 1: Pop the Popcorn Begin by popping the popcorn kernels using a popcorn maker or microwave, following the package directions. Once popped, transfer the fluffy popcorn into a large mixing bowl, ensuring to discard any unpopped kernels. You should have about 16-17 cups of luscious popped corn ready for mixing. Step 2: Combine Ingredients In the bowl with your freshly popped popcorn, gently toss in the broken pretzel pieces and a generous handful of festive M&Ms. Use a large spatula to mix, allowing the sweet and salty elements to blend while keeping the popcorn light and fluffy. This is the foundation of your Christmas Crunch! Step 3: Melt Candy Melts In a microwave-safe bowl, measure out the vanilla candy melts and heat them on 50% power in 30-second intervals. Stir the melts between each interval until completely smooth and melted. This should take about 1 to 2 minutes total. The consistency should be silky enough to drizzle over the popcorn mixture easily. Step 4: Coat the Mixture Once your vanilla candy melts are melted to perfection, drizzle half of the warm coating over the popcorn mixture. Use a spatula to gently toss everything together, ensuring an even coating. Repeat this process with the remaining melted candy, tossing again for a beautifully coated Christmas Crunch. Step 5: Add Sprinkles Line a baking sheet with wax paper and spread the coated popcorn mixture evenly. While the melted candy is still sticky, generously sprinkle the festive Christmas sprinkles over the top. This will help the sprinkles adhere beautifully as the mixture cools, adding an extra layer of color to your holiday treat. Step 6: Cool and Break Apart Allow the Christmas Crunch to cool completely at room temperature. This should take about 30 minutes. Once set, break the mixture into fun pieces and store them in an airtight container. This delightful snack is now ready for sharing, gifting, or enjoying yourself during the holiday festivities! Expert Tips for Making Christmas Crunch • Pop with Care: Ensure popcorn kernels are fully popped for the best texture; unpopped kernels can be a choking hazard. • Melt Gently: Melt vanilla candy melts at lower power to prevent burning; consistency is key for a smooth coat that evenly drapes the popcorn. • Even Coating: Drizzle candy melts in stages, combining gently after each addition for a uniform Christmas Crunch; over-mixing can lead to hardening. • Sprinkle While Sticky: Apply sprinkles while the mixture is still tacky for better adhesion; this helps to create an eye-catching treat. • Storage Savvy: Keep your finished Christmas Crunch in an airtight container to maintain that delightful crunch, preventing any staleness over time. Make Ahead Options These Christmas Crunch treats are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time during the hectic holiday season! You can pop the popcorn and mix it with broken pretzel pieces and M&M’s up to 24 hours ahead of time. Store this mixture in an airtight container to maintain its crunch. The melting and coating process should be done fresh to ensure the white chocolate remains perfectly smooth and delightful. When you’re ready to serve, simply melt the vanilla candy melts, coat the popcorn mixture, add your festive sprinkles, and let it cool until set. This way, you’ll create delicious Christmas Crunch with minimal effort during the festivities! Christmas Crunch Variations & Substitutions Feel free to explore these fun twists on the classic Christmas Crunch that can excite your taste buds even more! Nutty Twist: Add chopped almonds or walnuts for a delightful nutty crunch that contrasts the sweetness beautifully. Caramel Drizzle: Instead of, or in addition to, the white chocolate, drizzle caramel for a rich, sweet flavor that adds a new depth. Spicy Kick: Toss in a dash of cayenne pepper with the salt for a surprising kick that pairs strangely well with the sweetness. Dairy-Free: Opt for dairy-free white chocolate chips or coconut oil for a vegan-friendly approach, keeping the taste equally delightful. Coconut Flakes: Sprinkle unsweetened coconut flakes on top for a tropical flair that complements the sweetness of the white chocolate. M&M Alternatives: Swap out M&Ms for seasonal candies, like peppermint kisses or chocolate covered raisins, for a unique seasonal twist. Crispy Rice Cereal: Mix in some crispy rice cereal for an extra crunchy texture that adds to the fun of your holiday treat. Add Dried Fruits: Incorporate dried cranberries or cherries to lend a chewy contrast to the popcorn and add a pop of color and flavor. These variations allow you to create a customized Christmas Crunch! If you’re in the mood for something else sweet, consider trying my delightful Berrylicious Strawberry Crunch for a fruity change of pace. What to Serve with Christmas Crunch? Bring the warmth of holiday snacks to your table by pairing these delightful treats with a few complementary options! Spiced Hot Chocolate: This rich beverage warms the soul and pairs perfectly with the sweet and salty flavors of the Christmas Crunch. Imagine sipping velvety hot chocolate as you savor bites of the crunchy popcorn. Cheese Platter: A variety of cheeses with nuts and fruits creates a charming contrast to the sweet popcorn. The creamy texture of cheese balances beautifully with the festive crunch, making it a sophisticated snack option. Fruit Salad: Fresh, juicy fruit adds a refreshing element to your holiday spread. The vibrant colors and natural sweetness of seasonal fruits provide a lovely contrast to the decadent Christmas Crunch. Caramel Pecans: These sweet and nutty treats echo the crunchy textures found in the popcorn. Their buttery flavor enhances the whole festive experience, creating a harmonious blend of flavors. Nutty Biscotti: Perfect for dipping into coffee or tea, these crunchy cookies bring an added layer of texture. Their subtle flavors won’t overpower the sweet popcorn but will enhance the overall snack experience. Gingerbread Cookies: The spiced warmth of gingerbread complements the sweetness of the Christmas Crunch beautifully. Each bite of these holiday classics will transport you to cozy winter evenings. Eggnog (or Non-Alcoholic Version): This creamy, spiced drink is a quintessential holiday treat that pairs wonderfully with the crunchy popcorn. The rich flavors of eggnog create a festive mood that complements the sweetness perfectly. How to Store and Freeze Christmas Crunch Airtight Container: Store your Christmas Crunch in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness for up to one week. This prevents staleness and keeps the crunch intact. Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the popcorn for up to 3 months. Place it in a freezer-safe bag or container, removing excess air. Thaw in the fridge before enjoying. Avoid Humidity: Keep your Christmas Crunch away from humidity; moisture can make it soft. Ensure the container is sealed tight to lock out any dampness. Reheating Tips: If you prefer warm popcorn, briefly microwave the stored crunch in 10-second intervals. Be cautious not to overheat it, as it may cause the coating to melt. Christmas Crunch Recipe FAQs How do I choose the right popcorn kernels for Christmas Crunch? Absolutely! For the best results, select high-quality popcorn kernels that are fresh. When popped, they should have a light, fluffy texture and minimal unpopped kernels. Look for bags that have a clear expiration date as the fresher, the better. If you prefer convenience, you can always use pre-popped microwave popcorn for a quick fix! What’s the best way to store Christmas Crunch? To keep your Christmas Crunch fresh and crunchy, store it in an airtight container at room temperature. This way, it can stay crisp for up to one week. Ensure that the container is tightly sealed to keep out air and moisture, both of which can lead to staleness. Can I freeze Christmas Crunch, and if so, how? Very much so! To freeze your Christmas Crunch, place it in a freezer-safe bag or container, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. It can be stored for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight for the best texture. This way, you can whip up a batch ahead of time and always have a festive snack on hand! What should I do if the white chocolate coating hardens too quickly? If you notice that the coating is hardening too quickly while making your Christmas Crunch, don’t worry! This often happens if the candy melts are overheated. To fix this, you can try adding a tiny bit of vegetable shortening to the melted candy melts to keep it smooth. Alternatively, reheat the mixture in 10-second intervals in the microwave, stirring in between, until it reaches a drizzly consistency again. Are there any allergy considerations I should be aware of with Christmas Crunch? Absolutely! If you’re preparing Christmas Crunch for someone with dietary restrictions, it’s important to consider allergens present in the ingredients. Vanilla candy melts may contain dairy and soy, and M&Ms may contain nuts, depending on the variety. Always check the labels for specific allergen warnings and feel free to substitute with allergy-friendly options, like using dairy-free chocolate for those who are lactose intolerant. How long does the chocolate coating take to set? The chocolate coating will typically take about 30 minutes to set at room temperature. To speed up the process, you can place the baking sheet in the fridge for about 15 minutes. Just ensure it’s not too cool, as sudden temperature changes can cause the chocolate to crack. This will get your Christmas Crunch ready for gifting or sharing in no time! Decadent Christmas Crunch: Festive White Chocolate Popcorn This Christmas Crunch combines crunchy popcorn with creamy white chocolate, M&Ms, and pretzels for a delectable holiday treat. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 15 minutes minsCooling Time 30 minutes minsTotal Time 45 minutes mins Servings: 8 cupsCourse: DessertsCalories: 250 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Popcorn Base0.5 cup Popcorn Kernels Yield about 16-17 cups of popped popcorn.For the Sweet Coating10 oz Vanilla Candy Melts Can substitute with white chocolate chips.For the Crunchy Contrast1 cup Broken Pretzel Pieces Baby pretzels can be an alternative.For the Festive Flair10 oz M&M’s (Green and Red)For the Finishing TouchChristmas Sprinkles Adjust amount based on desired visual appeal. Equipment popcorn makermicrowave-safe bowllarge mixing bowlspatulaBaking Sheetwax paper Method Step-by-Step InstructionsBegin by popping the popcorn kernels using a popcorn maker or microwave, following the package directions.In the bowl with your freshly popped popcorn, gently toss in the broken pretzel pieces and festive M&Ms.In a microwave-safe bowl, measure out the vanilla candy melts and heat them on 50% power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until smooth.Drizzle half of the melted candy over the popcorn mixture and toss. Repeat with the remaining candy.Line a baking sheet with wax paper and spread the coated popcorn mixture evenly. Sprinkle festive Christmas sprinkles while still sticky.Allow the Christmas Crunch to cool completely at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Nutrition Serving: 1cupCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 2gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 5mgSodium: 150mgPotassium: 85mgFiber: 1gSugar: 15gVitamin A: 200IUCalcium: 30mgIron: 1mg NotesStore in an airtight container to maintain freshness for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
