Christmas Crunch is a sweet and salty snack that comes together in just 15 minutes. Make a batch for movie night, gifts and more.
We make this Christmas Crunch recipe every year for Christmas. We love it and it is also perfect to hand out to friends and family.
It’s such a cute Christmas dessert and everyone always looks forward to it. It is similar to Reindeer Chow but with popcorn. If you like White Chocolate Popcorn, you will love this version for holiday parties. Another fun dessert to try is Strawberry Santas along with Christmas Candy Desserts. If you love Oreos, try Christmas Oreo Balls Recipe.
If you have gluten free friends and family, try 45 Gluten Free Christmas Desserts.
Table of Contents
What flavor is Christmas Crunch?
It is white chocolate popcorn and taste amazing. This sweet snack mix is so decadent and looks really festive. The red and green candy elevates the look for the holiday season.
Ingredients:
- Bags of Popcorn, made per the package instructions
- Pretzels, broken into small pieces
- White Candy Melts
- Green and Red M&Ms
- Christmas Sprinkles
Find the complete ingredient list and instructions for the recipe at the bottom.
Variations:
- Popcorn. This can easily be made with air popped popcorn instead. This recipe uses approximately 10 cups of popped popcorn.
- Melted candy. You can use melted white chocolate chips instead of candy melts if you prefer.
- Pretzels and peanuts. You can use different shapes of pretzels in this recipe. Another idea is to leave the pretzels whole instead of breaking into pieces. Sometimes, we also add a handful of peanuts and combine in a large bowl.
- Microwave safe bowl. Make sure to use a bowl that is microwave safe to melt the candy. Only melt in increments so that you do not burn it.
- Flavored candy melts. Try different flavors such as mint, milk chocolate or peppermint.
- More holidays. Substitute the red and green m&m’s for other seasonal m&m’s or plain ones. You can pair this with any sprinkles that work for the occasion to enjoy these year round.
- Chex Cereal. Instead of popcorn, use chex cereal. It is a tasty variation that combines well with the other ingredients.
How to make Christmas Crunch:
Step 1. Prepare the popcorn and place on a baking sheet with parchment paper or wax paper. Make sure to remove any kernels.
Step 2. Sprinkle the broken pretzel pieces on top and gently mix them into the popcorn with your hands.
Step 3. Melt the candy in a microwave safe dish. Heat in 20 second intervals and stir after each one until completely melted.
Step 4. Coat with half of the melted candy. Gently toss with a rubber spatula to coat the mixture with the candy melts.
Step 5. Drizzle the remaining candy all over the popcorn.
Step 6. Pour the remaining candy melts over the popcorn mixture and top with the sprinkles.
Step 7. Allow to cool completely and harden. Let the mixture cool completely so that the candy can harden.
Step 8. Then break into pieces and serve.
Additional Mix-Ins
- Crushed Candy Canes
- Mini marshmallows
- Peanuts
- Cashews
- Mini Peanut Butter Cups
- Peanut M&M’s
- Nutella M&M’s
- Peanut Butter M&M’s
- Mini Chocolate Chips
Feel free to use any of your favorite mix-ins. It is super easy to adapt and make this based on preference.
Frequently Asked Questions
Popcorn can go stale quickly. Due to this, I suggest using this within a week of making it.
This will ensure freshness.
We used plain microwave popcorn cooked to the package instructions. I wouldn’t use the extra butter varieties in this recipe. It will be too greasy.
You can store the leftovers at room temperature in an airtight container or bag for up to 1 week.
Make sure to allow the popcorn mixture to completely cool before placing in containers.
More Christmas treats to try:
- Christmas chocolate covered oreos
- Christmas Dirt Cups
- Little Debbie Christmas Tree Dip
- Christmas Bark Recipe
- Reindeer Pretzels
- 60 Easy Christmas Dessert Recipes
Please try this recipe and leave a comment once you do!
Christmas Crunch
Ingredients
- 2 bags Popcorn made per the package instructions
- 1 cup Pretzels broken into small pieces
- 1 bag White Candy Melts 12 oz bag
- 1 bag Green and Red M&Ms
- Christmas Sprinkles
Instructions
- Pop the popcorn based on the bag instructions and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Spread the popcorn over the parchment paper. Sprinkle the broken pretzel pieces on top and gently mix them into the popcorn with your hands.
- Place the candy melts in a microwave safe dish. Heat in 20 second intervals (stirring after each one) until the melts are fully melted.
- Drizzle half of the melted candy over the popcorn mixture and gently toss with a rubber spatula to coat the mixture with the candy melts.
- Pour the remaining candy melts over the popcorn mixture and Sprinkle the M&Ms and Christmas Sprinkles on top.
- Let the mixture cool completely so that the candy can harden. Then break into pieces and serve.
