Pin 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.
I have found this snack perfect for holiday get-togethers because everyone loves a crunchy sweet treat that looks cheerful.
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 
Making this snack always brings back warm memories of family holiday parties where everyone gathers around sharing treats and laughter.
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
Calories 95 Total Fat 2 g Carbohydrates 19 g Protein 1 g per pile
Pin This recipe is simple, fun, and sure to brighten any gathering with its festive flair.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → How do I prevent unpopped kernels from in the piles?
Before coating, carefully remove any unpopped kernels from the popcorn to avoid unpleasant bites in the final clusters.
- → Can I substitute corn syrup in the coating?
Yes, honey can be used as a natural alternative to corn syrup for the buttery coating without compromising flavor.
- → What is the best way to form the popcorn clusters?
While the coating is still warm and sticky, scoop heaping tablespoons of coated popcorn onto parchment-lined sheets and press lightly to shape small piles.
- → How should I store the popcorn piles to keep them fresh?
Store the cooled popcorn clusters in an airtight container at room temperature; they maintain freshness for up to two days.
- → Are there any variations to customize the sprinkles?
You can swap the red and green sprinkles for any color to suit different occasions or themes.
- → What additional ingredients can add crunch to the clusters?
Adding chopped nuts or mini pretzels to the popcorn before coating introduces extra texture and contrast.