Christmas Popcorn Balls with Free Gift Tag Printable
Christmas Popcorn Balls with Free Gift Tag Printable: A classic childhood favorite, these marshmallow popcorn balls get all dressed up for holiday gift giving with a free gift tag printable!
¼cupChristmas colored sprinklesoptional: extra sprinkles for garnish
To wrap the popcorn balls for gifting
6 striped paper straws, cut in half
12 cellophane bags
ribbon
12 printed gift tagsYou can download the gift tags here!
Instructions
First, if necessary, prepare the popcorn and set it aside in a large mixing bowl. Make sure to remove any unpopped kernels.
Next, in a large pot over medium heat, melt the butter and marshmallows together, stirring constantly.
Remove the pot from the heat and stir the vanilla extract into the marshmallow mixture.
Pour the melted marshmallow mixture over the bowl of popcorn and let the popcorn sit for a few minutes to allow the butter/marshmallow coating to cool slightly.
Then, using a rubber spatula or clean hands, stir/mix the popcorn so that the marshmallow mixture is evenly coated over the popcorn. *SEE NOTES*
Now, stir in the sprinkles and mix them in.
Finally, with clean hands, form the popcorn into 12 balls and place them onto a sheet of parchment paper. While it is optional, I like to roll the popcorn balls in extra sprinkles.
To package the popcorn balls for gifts
Insert a cut straw half into the center of each popcorn ball and allow them to cool fully.
Place a popcorn ball pop in each bag.
Punch a hole in each gift tag and fill out the "to and from". Tie each bag closed with a ribbon and a gift tag.
Notes
IMPORTANT: Be careful not to mix the popcorn mixture with your hands right after you've added the marshmallow mixture or you can risk being burned by the hot butter/marshmallow.
You can use any type of popcorn for this recipe: stovetop popcorn, bagged microwaved popcorn, homemade microwave popcorn or pre-popped from the grocery store deli. If you use pre-buttered popcorn, the popcorn balls with have a slightly saltier flavor.
Store any leftover Christmas popcorn balls in an airtight, sealed container for up to 5-7 days. The popcorn may soften but the popcorn balls will still taste delicious.