A box of Christmas Fun with Cranberries and Popcorn exploding out of a box with popcorn.

Cranberry Popcorn Christmas!

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There’s always a way to make Christmas more fun. Here are some cranberry recipes and ideas that include popcorn for the holidays.

Cranberry/Popcorn Ideas

1. A Garland

A different style of garland using fresh holiday cranberries and popcorn.

Cranberry Popcorn Garland

HOW TO MAKE

For a traditional garland take out some yarn, best if it’s white and unwaxed, and make a big knot at the one end (you can make several to make it bigger). Then start the garland by alternating threading the popcorn and cranberries.

You can use any pattern you like. One common pattern is 3 popcorn pieces and then 2 small red cranberries. Again you can use whatever pattern you like, whether you like it even, having more white or more red, or simply unpredictable. Make it as long as you want. You can also do several small garlands. When you are done, make another big knot at the end.

Decorate your Christmas tree or your front porch with it.

*** The one in the photo is an advanced craft, but shows how fun making these can be, especially around the holidays.

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2. Sweet Holiday Crunch

Sweet Holiday Crunch

Ingredients:

8 cups popped popcorn
1 cup mixed nuts (almonds, pecans, or your favorite)
1 cup dried cranberries
1 cup white chocolate chips
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1 cup brown sugar, packed
1/4 cup light corn syrup
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

Prepare the Popcorn:
Pop the popcorn and remove any unpopped kernels.
Place the popped popcorn in a large mixing bowl, adding the mixed nuts and dried cranberries. Gently toss to combine.

Prepare the Toffee Coating:
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
Stir in the brown sugar, corn syrup, and salt. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring continuously.
Allow it to boil for 4-5 minutes without stirring, until it reaches a rich caramel color.

Add Flavor and Texture:
Remove the saucepan from the heat and quickly stir in the baking soda and vanilla extract. The mixture will bubble up, so be cautious.
Pour the toffee mixture over the popcorn, nuts, and cranberries. Use a spatula to gently fold and coat the popcorn evenly.

Bake to Perfection:
Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C).
Spread the coated popcorn mixture onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, creating an even layer.
Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes to ensure even coating and prevent burning.

Melt the White Chocolate:
While the popcorn mixture is baking, melt the white chocolate chips using a double boiler or microwave. Stir until smooth.

Drizzle with Sweetness:
Once the popcorn mixture is done baking and still warm, drizzle the melted white chocolate over the top. Use a spoon or a piping bag for a decorative touch.

Cool and Break Apart:
Allow the Holiday Crunch to cool completely. If the pieces stick together, break them apart and put into a serving bowl. You can drizzle some more white chocolate on top if you want more sweetness.

Make it a Gift!:
Package your Holiday Crunch in festive containers or gift bags for a delightful holiday treat. It’s perfect for sharing with friends and family during festive gatherings or as a thoughtful homemade gift.

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3. Christmas Popcorn Cranberry (Powder) Caramel Balls

A Xmas treat with lots of sweetness in a ball for dessert

Christmas Popcorn Dried Cranberry Powder, Caramel Ball

Ingredients:

10 cups popped popcorn
1/4 cup dried cranberry powder
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1/3 cup light corn syrup
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Crushed candy canes, for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

Prepare Popcorn and Cranberry powder:
Pop the popcorn and remove any unpopped kernels.
Mix together powder and brown sugar.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the popped popcorn and cranberry powder mixture. Set aside.

Make the Caramel:
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
Stir in sugar, corn syrup, and salt. Bring to a boil, stirring continuously.
Allow the mixture to boil for about 4-5 minutes until it reaches a golden caramel color.

Add Flavor and Texture:
Remove the saucepan from the heat and quickly stir in the baking soda and vanilla extract. The mixture will bubble up.

Coat the Popcorn Mixture:
Pour the caramel mixture over the popcorn and powder. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to gently fold and coat the popcorn evenly.

Form Balls:
Let the mixture cool for a few minutes until it’s safe to handle. Butter your hands lightly, then shape the mixture into bite-sized balls. Place them on a parchment-lined tray.

Garnish (Optional):
While the white chocolate is still wet, sprinkle crushed candy canes over the top for a hint of peppermint flavor and a festive look.

Chill and Serve:
Place the tray of popcorn caramel balls in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or until the caramel has set.

Present and Enjoy:
Once set, transfer the popcorn balls to a festive serving platter. They are now ready to be enjoyed as a delightful Christmas dessert.

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Hope this was helpful.

Remember the holidays aren’t the holidays without cranberries being a part of them somehow and here at Cranby.com we couldn’t agree more. Check out all the delicious things you can do with cranberries in our recipe section, as well as all of the interesting facts about these curious berries.

– Cranby (Happy Holidays!)