Pin to Board 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 always brings smiles at our holiday parties. The kids love the bright sprinkles and the mix of crunchy and sweet is irresistible.
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.
Pin to Board This treat always reminds me of cozy holiday gatherings with family and the joy of sharing simple homemade snacks.
Notes
Swap out red and green sprinkles for other colors to match any occasion.
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.
Pin to Board 
Enjoy these festive popcorn piles fresh for maximum crunch and flavor. They're perfect for sharing.
Common Questions
- → How do I prevent unpopped kernels in the piles?
Before coating, remove any unpopped kernels from the popcorn to avoid hard bites and ensure an even texture throughout the piles.
- → Can I substitute corn syrup with honey in the coating?
Yes, honey can be used as a natural alternative to corn syrup, providing a slightly different sweetness and flavor profile.
- → What is the best way to shape the popcorn into piles?
While the coating is still warm and sticky, use a tablespoon to scoop and shape the popcorn into small clusters on a lined baking sheet.
- → How should I store the popcorn piles for freshness?
Store the cooled piles in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain crispness for up to two days.
- → Can I customize the topping colors for different occasions?
Absolutely, swap the red and green sprinkles with any color combination to match the theme of your event or celebration.