Christmas Crunch is the epitome of holiday cheer in a snack. This delightful mix of popcorn, candy, and pretzels, all lovingly drizzled in white chocolate, is not just a treat for the taste buds but also a feast for the eyes. Its vibrant colors and irresistible sweet and salty combination make it a hit at any holiday gathering.
Not only is this recipe incredibly easy to whip up, but it also offers the perfect opportunity for creative expression. You can customize it with your favorite candies or keep it classic with the festive red and green M&M’s. Whether you’re hosting a party, looking for a fun cooking activity with kids, or need a thoughtful homemade gift, Christmas Crunch is your go-to holiday treat.
Table of contents
Christmas Crunch Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 bags of microwave popcorn (approximately 10 cups when popped)
- Mini M&M’s Candy (Red & Green)
- Peanut M&M’s Candy (Red & Green)
- Festive Sprinkles (Red & Green)
- 1 cup of pretzels, broken into halves
- ¾ cup of white chocolate candy melts
- 6 tablespoons of salted butter
- 3 cups of mini marshmallows
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Instructions
- Preparation: Begin by lining an 11 x 17-inch baking sheet with parchment paper. This will make cleanup easier and prevent sticking.
- Pop the Corn: Follow the package directions to pop the two bags of microwave popcorn. Once popped, spread the popcorn evenly on the prepared baking sheet and set it aside. Tip: For an alternative mixing method, see the note below.
- Create the Melted Mixture: In a medium saucepan, heat the salted butter over medium-low heat until melted. Add in the mini marshmallows and white chocolate candy melts. Stir the mixture continuously until it’s completely melted and smooth, ensuring no lumps remain.
- Combine with Popcorn: Drizzle about three-quarters of the melted marshmallow and white chocolate mixture over the popcorn. Gently toss the popcorn to ensure an even coating.
- Add the Festive Touch: Pour the remaining butter mixture over the popcorn. Now, it’s time to sprinkle the Mini M&M’s, Peanut M&M’s, festive sprinkles, and broken pretzels over the top. This not only adds a burst of color but also a delightful crunch.
- Let it Set: Allow the popcorn mix to cool completely. This step is crucial as it lets the mixture set and flavors meld together.
- Enjoy: Once cooled, your Festive Popcorn Mix is ready to be enjoyed! This treat is perfect for holiday gatherings, movie nights, or as a special snack during the festive season.
Note: If you prefer mixing in a larger bowl for more even coating, simply transfer the popped popcorn to a bowl before adding the melted mixture. This can make tossing and coating a bit easier.
Storing Instructions:
- Cool Down First: Make sure the Christmas Crunch is completely cool before storing to avoid any moisture build-up.
- Seal Tightly: Keep it in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent staleness.
- Room Temperature Storage: Place the container in a cool, dry area, away from direct sunlight or heat sources.
- Avoid Moisture: To keep the crunch intact, ensure it’s not exposed to dampness or humidity.
- Adhering to these guidelines will keep your Christmas Crunch delicious for approximately one week.
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Christmas Crunch FAQS
The calorie content in Christmas Crunch, which is a holiday-themed cereal or snack, can vary depending on the specific brand or recipe. If you’re referring to a commercially available product like Cap’n Crunch’s Christmas Crunch cereal, a typical serving size (about 1 cup or 27 grams) usually contains around 110 to 120 calories. However, for homemade Christmas Crunch recipes, which often include a mix of cereals, pretzels, candies, and a sugary coating, the calorie count can be higher. It’s important to check the nutritional information on the packaging or the recipe details for accurate calorie content.
Christmas Crunch often differs from regular crunch cereals or snacks in terms of flavor and ingredients. It usually features seasonal flavors like peppermint or cinnamon and is often colored or decorated with festive holiday themes. The basic composition might remain similar to regular crunch snacks, which typically include cereal, but the added holiday-themed ingredients and flavors make it distinct.
The sugar content in crunch candy can vary widely based on the type of candy. For instance, in a standard Crunch chocolate bar (which is a popular form of crunch candy), a single bar (about 43 grams) contains around 24 grams of sugar. This amount can differ in other types of crunch candies, especially those that are part of a mix or have additional ingredients like caramel, nuts, or fruit flavors. Always refer to the nutritional label for the most accurate information on sugar content.
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Christmas Crunch
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- Total Time: 10 minutes
Ingredients
- 2 bags of microwave popcorn (approximately 10 cups when popped)
- Mini M&M’s Candy (Red & Green)
- Peanut M&M’s Candy (Red & Green)
- Festive Sprinkles (Red & Green)
- 1 cup of pretzels, broken into halves
- ¾ cup of white chocolate candy melts
- 6 tablespoons of salted butter
- 3 cups of mini marshmallows
Instructions
- Preparation: Begin by lining an 11 x 17-inch baking sheet with parchment paper. This will make cleanup easier and prevent sticking.
- Pop the Corn: Follow the package directions to pop the two bags of microwave popcorn. Once popped, spread the popcorn evenly on the prepared baking sheet and set it aside. Tip: For an alternative mixing method, see the note below.
- Create the Melted Mixture: In a medium saucepan, heat the salted butter over medium-low heat until melted. Add in the mini marshmallows and white chocolate candy melts. Stir the mixture continuously until it’s completely melted and smooth, ensuring no lumps remain.
- Combine with Popcorn: Drizzle about three-quarters of the melted marshmallow and white chocolate mixture over the popcorn. Gently toss the popcorn to ensure an even coating.
- Add the Festive Touch: Pour the remaining butter mixture over the popcorn. Now, it’s time to sprinkle the Mini M&M’s, Peanut M&M’s, festive sprinkles, and broken pretzels over the top. This not only adds a burst of color but also a delightful crunch.
- Let it Set: Allow the popcorn mix to cool completely. This step is crucial as it lets the mixture set and flavors meld together.
- Enjoy: Once cooled, your Festive Popcorn Mix is ready to be enjoyed! This treat is perfect for holiday gatherings, movie nights, or as a special snack during the festive season.
Notes
If you prefer mixing in a larger bowl for more even coating, simply transfer the popped popcorn to a bowl before adding the melted mixture. This can make tossing and coating a bit easier.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
Keywords: Christmas Crunch, holiday snack, popcorn mix, festive treat, sweet and salty, homemade gift, party favorite, easy recipe, colorful dessert, family-friendly.
