Save 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 recipe quickly became my go-to for holiday parties because it's easy to make and loved by all ages.
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.
Save It My kids love helping me sprinkle the red and green toppings before the popcorn cools; it makes prepping the snack a fun family event.
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
Per pile: Calories 95, Total Fat 2 g, Carbohydrates 19 g, Protein 1 g
Save It This popcorn treat adds festive flair in just minutes and is perfect to share with friends and family.
Common Questions About Recipes
- → What type of popcorn is best for making the piles?
Freshly popped plain or lightly salted popcorn works best to absorb the sweet coating evenly without overpowering the flavor.
- → Can I use alternatives to corn syrup in the coating?
Yes, honey is a great natural substitute that provides a similar sweetness and texture to the coating.
- → How do I ensure the coating sets properly on the popcorn?
After mixing the hot syrup with popcorn, quickly form clusters and allow them to cool on parchment paper; the coating will harden as it cools.
- → What storage method keeps the piles fresh?
Store cooled popcorn piles in an airtight container at room temperature; they stay fresh for up to two days.
- → Can I add toppings other than red and green sprinkles?
Absolutely, colorful sprinkles of any kind, chopped nuts, or mini pretzels can be used to customize texture and flavor.