Popcorn Piles with Sprinkles (Printable version)

Sweet popcorn clusters topped with colorful red and green sprinkles for festive occasions.

# What You'll Need:

→ Popcorn

01 - 6 cups freshly popped popcorn (from about 1/4 cup unpopped kernels or 1 plain microwavable bag)

→ Coating

02 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
03 - 1/3 cup light corn syrup or honey
04 - 1/2 cup granulated sugar
05 - 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
06 - 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

→ Topping

07 - 2 tablespoons red sprinkles
08 - 2 tablespoons green sprinkles

# Directions:

01 - Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside.
02 - Place the popped popcorn in a large mixing bowl, removing any unpopped kernels.
03 - In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter; stir in corn syrup, sugar, and salt. Bring to a gentle boil, stirring constantly until sugar dissolves, about 2 minutes.
04 - Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
05 - Immediately pour the hot syrup over the popcorn. Using a silicone spatula, gently toss to coat all popcorn evenly.
06 - Quickly scoop heaping tablespoonfuls of coated popcorn onto the prepared baking sheet, forming small piles or clusters.
07 - While the coating is still sticky, generously sprinkle the red and green sprinkles over each pile.
08 - Allow the popcorn piles to cool and set for 10 minutes before serving.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • One-pot meal
  • Freezer-friendly
02 -
  • Contains Milk (butter)
  • May contain traces of soy or gluten if using flavored popcorn or sprinkles—check labels for allergens.
03 -
  • For extra crunch, add 1/4 cup chopped nuts or mini pretzels to the popcorn before coating.
  • Swap out red and green sprinkles for other colors to match any occasion.
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