Sweet and Salty Candy Popcorn

Grab a bag of pre-made popcorn and let's bake a sweet and salty candy popcorn recipe. This is the perfect treat for spending time with family over the holidays watching movies, playing board games or just hanging out together!

The holidays are definitely not over! We're celebrating Christmas today in our house because our son is home after spending time in Vermont with his girlfriend and her family. 

When my children were younger they loved to enjoy bags of popcorn while watching their favorite movies.  I thought I'd take it up a notch and prepare this fun candy filled popcorn to celebrate the holidays!

Or maybe your family loves to play board games or card games while you're all together for the holidays. This popcorn would make a fun snack to munch on! 

Other Yummy Items to Add

This sweet and salty candy popcorn is great any time of year...not just around the holidays. You can change the color of the candy pieces to match any holiday you're celebrating.

Here are a few more yummy items you could stir into the popcorn: 

• Candy Bars - choose your favorite and cut the candy bar up into bite sized pieces.
• Mini Peanut Butter Cups would be really good!
• Chocolate chips - I think mini chocolate chips would be great. 
• Nuts - cashews or peanuts would be a great added crunch!
• Mini Pretzel Twists 
• Chex Cereal - any flavor would work.

Popcorn Storing Tips

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• Once the popcorn is made you're going to want to store the popcorn in an air-tight container.  It will last anywhere from about 4-5 days...if you're lucky to have any leftover! Be prepared for this popcorn to go fast! 
• It will make great gifts too! You can use cellophane treat bags to package up the popcorn. Add some pretty festive ribbon and maybe a gift tag and you have a fun gift!
• You can give the popcorn as a hostess gift or as a parting gift to your guests as they leave your house. 

Main Ingredients Needed

This is an overview of the ingredients and instructions. Be sure to see the recipe card below for exact quantities, detailed instructions and special notes.

• 1 bag popcorn, popped (be sure to remove all of the kernels!)
• 3 tablespoon butter
• 3 cups mini marshmallows
• ½ cup red & green M&Ms
• ¼ cup holiday sprinkles

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Melt the Butter

In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat.

Step 2: Add the Marshmallows

Add in marshmallows and stir frequently, until melted.

Step 3: Layer Popcorn on Baking Tray

Cover a cookie sheet with a piece of parchment or wax paper. Layer popcorn onto pan in a single later.

Step 4: Add Candy Pieces

Pour melted marshmallow mixture over popcorn and quickly add the M&Ms and sprinkles. 

Serve immediately and enjoy! 

Other Snack Recipes you might also Enjoy: 

• Chocolate Covered Pretzels
• Hugs Pretzels
• M&M Chocolate Chip Cookies

This recipe has been updated since it first appeared in 2018 with new photos, information and a new printable recipe card that includes nutritional information. I hope you enjoy the updates as much as I enjoyed working on them!