Reindeer Popcorn

Dec 21, 2022, Updated Nov 10, 2023

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Santa’s reindeer called and they are tired of Santa getting cookies while they get carrots. They want some of this delicious M&M and sprinkle filled reindeer popcorn for Christmas!

popcorn with canides in it in a striped box on the counter.

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Sweet and Salty Reindeer Popcorn
- Once you have the ingredients, use the following method

two boxes of popcorn with chocolate and sprinkles on the countertop.

Sweet and Salty Reindeer Popcorn

Like every other kid on the planet, mine love putting out homemade cookies and milk for Santa every year by the fireplace. And like all parents I enjoy eating those cookies, especially when they are homemade! I have to say, I for one don’t enjoy taking a giant bite out of a raw carrot that they leave for the reindeer, especially when they leave one for each reindeer…

I devised this delicious sweet and salty reindeer popcorn as a way to keep Santa’s reindeer happy (aka my husband and I) and my kids love making it, its super simple! We like to make a big batch on Christmas Eve and enjoy it while watching a Christmas movie that evening all snuggled up together. This popcorn is great with Hot Cocoa!

two bins of chocolate popcorn with sprinkles and candies

How to make Reindeer Popcorn

First you will need to assemble the following ingredients:

Salted popped popcorn – whether you pop it in the microwave or on the stovetop you want to use freshly popped popcorn that has been salted. A little salt goes a long way in balancing the sweetness of the candy melts and m&ms.
Vanilla Candy Melts – I like to use candy melts instead of white chocolate since I find that they stick to the popcorn better and wont melt all over your hands as you are eating the popcorn. I used Wilton Candy Melts, they are available at most grocery and large retail stores.
Christmas sprinkles – I love festive sprinkles, I use these, but you can use any you like!
Festive M&Ms – since we are using candy melts it’s nice to get some real chocolate flavor and red and green M&Ms dop a great job of that while also adding a festive flair.

Once you have the ingredients, use the following method

Melt the Melts. Melt the vanilla candy melts in the microwave in 30 second intervals stirring frequently.

Drizzle and toss. Drizzle half the popcorn in the candy melts and then the other half making sure you coat well. Pour the mixture onto a parchment paper lined baking sheet or countertop and add the sprinkles and M&Ms tossing to coat evenly.

Set and enjoy. Let the popcorn sit for a few minutes so the candy melts can set. Once they are no longer wet to the touch break into pieces and enjoy!

popcorn with candies in it in a striped box with Christmas trees in the background.

Tips and Tricks for perfect Reindeer Popcorn

If you want perfect results every time, check out our tips and FAQs below.

Let it set. You want to make sure you let the candy melts set before trying to eat the reindeer popcorn. If it isn’t allowed to set it will be really messy to eat and the M&Ms and sprinkles will fall off.

Don’t overmix. While you want to make sure the popcorn is well coated in the candy melts you dont want to overmix. If you overmix your candy melts will start to harden and the sprinkles and M&Ms won’t stick well.

Use nonstick. To make cleaning easier, its best to use parchment paper and a spatula. Candy melts will stick to wooden and metal surfaces and it’s much harder to clean the melts off them.

FAQs

How long will this Reindeer popcorn keep?

If you have leftovers let it cool completely and store in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days.

popcorn covered in white chocolate white sprinkles and candies up close

What to enjoy with Reindeer Popcorn

Check out some of my favorite Christmas recipes with your popcorn:

Gingerbread Chocolate Caramel Tart

Raspberry Champagne Sparkler

Grinch Jello Shots

Chocolate Peppermint Cheesecake

Chocolate Ganache Candy Cane Tort

Eggnog Tart

To see all our Christmas cookie recipes for Santa click here!

chocolate sprinkle popcorn with candies in a striped box.

Reindeer Popcorn Recipe

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Reindeer Popcorn

Yield: 18

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 5 minutes

Additional Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 10 minutes

This delicious candy packed reindeer popcorn is perfect to put out for Christmas or enjoy for a family movie night!

Ingredients

16 cups salted popped popcorn
1 (12 oz) bag Vanilla Candy Melts, I used Wilton Candy Melts
Christmas sprinkles
1 (10 oz) bag green and red Milk Chocolate M&Ms

Instructions

Melt Vanilla Candy Melts in a microwave safe bowl on 50% power in 30 second intervals, stirring after each interval until melted and smooth. Drizzle half of melted candy melts over popcorn mixture, then stir, tossing gently a few times with a rubber spatula.
Drizzle remaining half of melted chips over popcorn, and gently stir mixture until evenly coated (don't over stir though or your sprinkles wont stick if the white chips begin to set and harden).
Pour mixture into a single layer onto wax paper. Sprinkle the entire mixture evenly with sprinkles and M&Ms (as many as you'd like) before the candy melts cool and set.
Allow to cool and harden, then gently break into pieces and enjoy!