I posted a delicious popcorn treat back around Easter called Bunny Bait–and now here’s a seasonal adaptation for the holidays. It only takes about 5 minutes to whip this up, so it’s perfect for these hectic times. With a delightful crunch, this stuff is dangerously addictive. If you need a little energy boost on a dreary wintry day, it will definitely get you going.
In this recipe, I used a vanilla candy melt, but if you’d like to switch it up, a peppermint flavor is always in keeping with the holidays.
- 1/2 cup popping popcorn kernels or 2 bags tender white popcorn
- 12 oz bag vanilla candy melts, such as Wilton’s
- 1 and 1/3 cups broken pretzel pieces
- 12 oz green and red milk chocolate or mint M&Ms
- Red, green and white sprinkles (I used Jingle Mix Nonpareils)
Directions
Using a popcorn popper, pop the corn into a large bowl according to manufacture’s directions. (You can also use plain microwave popcorn.) Remove any unpopped popcorn kernels, then add broken pretzel pieces and M&Ms and toss.
Melt candy melts in a microwave safe bowl on 50% power in 30 second intervals, stirring after each interval, until melted and smooth. Drizzle half of melted chips over popcorn mixture then stir, tossing gently a few times with a rubber spatula. Drizzle the remaining half of melted the chips over popcorn and gently stir mixture until evenly coated. (Be careful not to over-stir, since the sprinkles won’t stick if the white chips begin to set and harden).
Pour mixture into a single layer onto wax paper. Sprinkle entire mixture evenly with sprinkles (as many as you’d like) before vanilla chips set. Allow to cool and harden, then gently break into pieces and store in an airtight container.
Bonus: Looking for last-minute gift ideas? I was able to fill eight or nine 1/2″ x 4″ party treat bags about 2/3 full with this recipe!
Adapted from Bake at 350
