Get ready to add a dash of holiday cheer to your kitchen with our delightful Hot Cocoa Popcorn Balls recipe! These festive treats are perfect for gifting and sharing during the Christmas season. Discover the magic of turning popcorn into sweet, cocoa-infused, and sprinkle-covered delights.
The holiday season is here, and it's time to whip up some festive treats that will leave your taste buds tingling with joy. If you're a simple baker with a love for all things sweet and delightful, we've got just the recipe to make your Christmas celebrations even more special. Get ready to embark on a culinary adventure that will turn your kitchen into a winter wonderland. We're diving into the world of Hot Cocoa Popcorn Balls – a fun and easy Christmas recipe that's bound to spread smiles and warmth.
There's something about the holiday season that brings out the inner baker in all of us. Whether you're an experienced pastry chef or someone who only occasionally dabbles in the kitchen, the joy of creating delicious treats is universal. These Easy Popcorn Balls are the perfect embodiment of this festive spirit. They combine the nostalgia of popcorn with the comforting flavors of hot cocoa, all wrapped up in a charming, easy-to-make ball. So, if you're looking for a delightful and edible gift or a delightful snack to enjoy by the fireplace, read on!
As the snowflakes fall and the Christmas lights twinkle, there's a certain magic in the air that makes us crave indulgent, cozy treats. Hot Cocoa Popcorn Balls are not only delicious but also incredibly fun to make. Whether you're whipping them up for a festive gathering or packaging them as adorable holiday gifts, these popcorn balls are sure to be a hit. So, don your apron, gather your ingredients, and let's explore why we absolutely adore this fun Christmas recipe.
For other fun recipes that are no bake, check out our Chocolate Rice Krispie Treats Gingerbread Men, Christmas Wreath Marshmallow Treats, and our adorable Christmas Chocolate Covered Oreos.
Why We Love This Fun Christmas Popcorn Balls Recipe
Hot Chocolate Popcorn Balls are more than just a delicious treat – they're a gateway to holiday happiness. Here's why we can't get enough of them:
1. Festive Flavor Fusion: These popcorn balls combine the rich, chocolatey goodness of hot cocoa with the satisfying crunch of popcorn. It's a flavor fusion that's simply irresistible making them the perfect treat.
2. Easy to Make: Simple bakers rejoice! This recipe is such a breeze to follow that even little hands can help! You don't need fancy equipment or advanced baking skills to create these delightful treats. Unlike the traditional popcorn balls, this fun treat requires no light corn syrup or candy thermometer!
3. Perfect for Gifting: Whether you're making a batch for loved ones or as hostess gifts for holiday parties, Hot Cocoa Popcorn Balls are a thoughtful and charming present that will spread Christmas cheer. They're so easy that you can make a large batch and pass them out as neighbor gifts too.
Ingredients to make these Hot Chocolate Popcorn Balls
Before we get into the nitty-gritty of creating these holiday delights, let's take a look at what you'll need:
- 10-12 cups of popcorn- 1 bag popped microwave popcorn (make sure to remove the unpopped kernels at the bottom of the bag) or ½ cup of popcorn kernels if making stovetop popcorn of an air popper.
- Unsalted butter- If you like a salty sweet treat, use salted butter.
- Bag of marshmallows- I like to use the miniature marshmallows
- Hot cocoa mix
- Christmas sprinkles- these can be changed up for any season
- Marshmallow bits- To really give them the Hot Chocolate flair!
Easy Marshmallow Popcorn Balls Instructions
- Melt butter and mini marshmallows over medium low heat until it's a glue-like consistency.
- Remove from heat, add hot cocoa mix, and stir.
- Pour the hot mixture over popped popcorn in a large bowl, stir to coat.
- Add in Christmas sprinkles and mini marshmallow bits to the popcorn mixture and mix evenly.
- Form ⅛ cup of mixture into balls; repeat for 12-15 popcorn balls.
- Place on a parchment paper or wax paper lined tray and dry for 30 minutes. Enjoy your delicious popcorn treat!
This recipe can also be made in the microwave using a large microwave-safe bowl. Simply microwave butter and marshmallows for 30-40 seconds, then stir with a wooden spoon until gooey texture, then continue with the instructions.
Now, let's talk about ingredient substitutions in case you need to get a bit creative:
- Butter: If you're looking for a lighter alternative, you can use coconut oil instead of butter.
- Hot Cocoa Mix: Experiment with different flavors of hot cocoa mix to add a unique twist to your popcorn balls. Peppermint hot cocoa mix is a festive choice.
- Sprinkles: Feel free to use your favorite holiday-themed sprinkles. You can also add crushed candy canes for a delightful crunch. Mini red and green m&m candies would be cute too.
- Mini Marshmallow Bits: If you can't find mini marshmallow bits, you can cut regular-sized marshmallows into small pieces.
Tips for the Perfect Hot Cocoa Popcorn Balls
- Non-Stick Hands: To avoid sticky situations when forming the popcorn balls, spray your hands with cooking spray before handling the mixture to make the ball shape.
- Get Creative: Don't hesitate to get creative with your decorations. Try adding crushed candies, chopped nuts, or drizzles of white chocolate for a personalized touch.
- Store Properly: To keep your popcorn balls fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They'll stay delicious for up to three days.
- Go Jumbo: If you want larger popcorn balls, use 1⁄2 cup of the mixture instead of 1⁄8 cup, and you'll get about 4-5 jumbo popcorn balls.
With these options, you can tailor your Hot Cocoa Popcorn Balls to your taste and the ingredients you have on hand.
Ways to Package and Gift These Popcorn Balls
One of the best things about Hot Cocoa Popcorn Balls is how they can be beautifully packaged and gifted. Here are some creative ideas to turn your treats into thoughtful presents:
1. Festive Gift Boxes: Place the popcorn balls in a cupcake liner then in colorful, festive boxes, and tie them with ribbons or twine. Add a personalized gift tag for that extra special touch.
2. Mason Jars: Layer the popcorn balls in mason jars, alternating with layers of colorful sprinkles. Seal the jars with lids adorned with ribbon and a holiday tag.
3. Cellophane Bags: Fill clear cellophane bags with popcorn balls, and tie them with a festive bow. These transparent bags allow the recipients to see the delightful treats inside.
4. Decorative Tins: Find decorative tins in holiday-themed designs, and arrange the popcorn balls inside. Tins not only protect the treats but also make for lovely keepsakes.
Common Popcorn Balls Recipe Questions
Can I make these popcorn balls in advance for a Christmas party?
Absolutely! Hot Cocoa Popcorn Balls can be made a day or two in advance. Just be sure to store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh and delicious.
Can I use microwave popcorn instead of popping my own kernels?
Yes, you can use microwave popcorn as a time-saving alternative. Just make sure to choose plain, unsalted popcorn to control the flavor.
Are there other flavor variations I can try?
Certainly! You can experiment with different flavored hot cocoa mixes, add crushed peppermint candies, or drizzle melted chocolate over the popcorn balls for a decadent twist.
Can I freeze these popcorn balls for longer storage?
While they are best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze Hot Cocoa Popcorn Balls in an airtight container for up to one month. Thaw them at room temperature before serving.
So there you have it – the recipe for Hot Cocoa Popcorn Balls, complete with tips, ingredient substitutions, and ideas for gifting. Embrace the holiday spirit, gather your loved ones, and have a blast making and sharing these festive treats. Happy baking, and Merry Christmas!
More Holiday Recipes We Think You'll Love
- 10-12 cups popped popcorn 1 bag popped popcorn
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 10 oz bag mini marshmallows
- 1 tablespoon hot cocoa mix
- ½ cup Christmas sprinkles
- ¼ cup mini marshmallow bits
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In a large saucepan, melt butter and marshmallows together. Mixture should be a glue-like consistency.
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Once marshmallows and butter are melted together, remove the mixture from heat and add in the hot cocoa mix and stir until incorporated.
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Pour marshmallow mixture over the popped popcorn (which should be in a large bowl). Stir with a spatula until popcorn is evenly coated.
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Add in sprinkles and marshmallow bits. Stir until evenly incorporated into the popcorn mixture.
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Grab about 1⁄8 cup of the mixture and form into a ball. Repeat with the remaining mixture (you should get between 12-15 popcorn balls)
To avoid sticking, spray your hands with cooking spray before forming the popcorn balls.
For extra flavor, add in 1 teaspoon of peppermint extract to the marshmallow mixture.
These will keep for 3 days in an airtight container.
To make jumbo popcorn balls, use 1⁄2 cup of the mixture instead of 1⁄8 cup. You will get
about 4-5 popcorn balls.
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