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Peppermint Popcorn Balls

Peppermint Popcorn Balls

Peppermint Popcorn Balls pin | Teaspoonofspice.com

It’s the season of the Holiday Cookie Exchange! To many, it’s a beloved tradition – where each participant brings only one variety of homemade treat – and everyone goes home with over a dozen different types of cookies, bars, fudge or other treat. But, to my sister-in-law, it’s the dreaded Holiday Cookie Swap. She doesn’t have the time nor the inclination to come up with a home baked recipe. So this recipe for Peppermint Popcorn Balls is for her.

Switch up your holiday cookie swap with these Peppermint Popcorn Balls via @tspcurry Click To Tweet

If you can open a package of marshmallows, and if you have a microwave, you are set. I tweaked this Candy Corn Popcorn Balls recipe from Cooking Light – which requires no cooking: It’s as easy as making microwave popcorn. For a festive touch, I added crushed peppermint candies and chocolate (melted in the microwave) to the original recipe. Thanks to this original, kid-friendly treat, you (and my sister-in-law) will fear the Holiday Cookie Exchange no more.

Peppermint Popcorn Balls | Teaspoonofspice.com

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Peppermint Popcorn Balls | Teaspoonofspice.com

Peppermint Popcorn Balls


  • Author: by Serena Ball, RD
  • Yield: 22 popcorn balls 1x

Description

These simple peppermint popcorn balls will be a favorite at your Holiday Cookie Exchange.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 18 cups freshly popped popcorn (yes, you really need this much popcorn!)
  • 5 candy canes (or 25 peppermint candies,) crushed
  • 1 (10 ounce) bag mini-marshmallows
  • 5 tablespoons butter, cut into pieces
  • 1/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1/2 teaspoon trans-fat free shortening

Instructions

  1. In a very large bowl, mix together popcorn and all but about 2 tablespoons of crushed candy canes. Place the reserved 2 tablespoons candy canes on a large plate.
  2. In a large microwave-safe bowl, mix marshmallows and butter. Melt in the microwave for about 5 minutes on 70% power, stirring halfway through. (Microwave times will vary so watch closely.) Immediately, pour marshmallow mixture over popcorn mixture. Spray cooking spray on your hands and working quickly, form popcorn mixture into 22 balls and place onto a baking sheet coated with cooking spray. Roll each popcorn ball in the plate with crushed peppermint and place back on baking sheet.
  3. Place chocolate chips, and shortening in microwave-safe bowl; microwave on 50% power for about 2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Chocolate should be almost fully melted; stir to melt completely. Using a fork, drizzle chocolate over popcorn balls. Wrap balls in sheets of plastic wrap if desired.

Do you participate in a Holiday Cookie Exchange? What recipe are you making for it this year?

If you can make rice crispy treats, you can make these fun holiday 'cookies.' Easy to make your holiday cookie exchange : PEPPERMINT POPCORN BALLS | @TspCurry - More #Healthy recipes at Teaspoonofspice.com

Tara | Treble in the Kitchen

Tuesday 5th of December 2017

Love this quick treat idea!! Peppermint and chocolate just SCREAM holidays to me!

Serena Ball

Tuesday 5th of December 2017

Is there a better combo? I think not. Oh, wait there is eggnog and boubon.... (:

Kathryn Pfeffer

Monday 4th of December 2017

Such a fun (and festive) idea for the whole family to enjoy this holiday season!

Serena Ball

Tuesday 5th of December 2017

Happy holidays Kathryn, to you and your family!

Lauren Grant | Zestful Kitchen

Monday 4th of December 2017

Ahhh my Grandma used to make popcorn balls all of the time! They are my absolute favorite, love this festive version!

Serena Ball

Tuesday 5th of December 2017

Ahh, thanks for sharing your story Lauren! I used to make popcorn balls with my Grandma. But now they sorta get lost in the sweet-everywhere-all-the-time for my kids. We're trying to resurrect the tradition!

Becca | Rabbit Food Runner

Monday 4th of December 2017

How festive and fun!

Kelly Jones

Monday 4th of December 2017

Totally forgot about popcorn balls! I loved them as a kid and am loving the idea of making some on my own. Pinning!

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