Marshmallow Popcorn Christmas Tree

This is one of those Christmas crafts that doubles as a snack, and kids go absolutely wild for it. Popcorn gets coated in a sticky, bright green marshmallow-Jello mixture, then shaped into a cone while still warm and studded with candy “ornaments."

The lime Jello powder does two things: it turns the marshmallow coating a vivid Christmas tree green and adds a fruity sweetness that makes the popcorn taste like a treat, not just sticky kernels.

Work fast once you pour the marshmallow mixture over the popcorn. It sets up quickly as it cools, and you need it pliable to shape the cone. Dampen your hands before shaping. Dry hands stick to the marshmallow and you’ll tear the whole thing apart.

Kitchen Tips

• Pop the popcorn ahead of time and remove all unpopped kernels. Biting into a hard kernel in a sticky popcorn ball is no fun.
• Melt the marshmallows over medium heat and stir constantly. They burn easily and scorched marshmallow tastes bitter.
• Shape the tree around an inverted paper cone or a foil form for a more stable, symmetrical shape.
• Press the candy decorations in firmly while the marshmallow is still tacky. Once it sets, nothing sticks.

Variations

• Use strawberry Jello and red food coloring for a red holiday tree.
• Press a pretzel stick into the base as a “trunk” and set it on a plate for display.
• Drizzle white chocolate over the finished tree to look like snow.