Christmas Popcorn Candy is a delightful treat that brings festive cheer to your holiday gatherings. With its crunchy popcorn coated in sweet caramel and spices, this snack is perfect for sharing or enjoying by yourself. Whether you’re celebrating with family or hosting a party, this treat adds that extra sprinkle of joy to the season.
Why Make This Recipe
Christmas Popcorn Candy combines the fun of popcorn with the warmth of seasonal spices and the sweetness of caramel. It’s an easy recipe that doesn’t take much time to prepare, making it a great activity for kids and adults alike. Plus, it’s a beautiful addition to holiday gift baskets or party platters. Who wouldn’t love a homemade treat during the festive season?
How to Make Christmas Popcorn Candy
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil (not required if air popping with a popcorn maker)
- 1/3 cup popping corn (10 cups popcorn, Note 1 for lighter caramel coverage)
- 2/3 cup slivered almonds
- 100g / 7 tbsp butter (unsalted)
- 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1/2 cup (170g) corn syrup (light, substitute glucose, Note 2)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 3 tsp cinnamon powder
- 2 tsp ginger powder
- 1/2 tsp allspice powder (or more cinnamon)
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves (or more cinnamon)
Directions:
Pop the Corn: In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the popping corn and cover the pot. Once the popping slows down, remove it from heat. If you are using an air popper, skip the oil and pop the corn directly.
Make the Caramel: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Then, stir in the brown sugar, corn syrup, and salt. Bring this mixture to a gentle boil, stirring constantly for about 4-5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
Add Flavors: Remove the saucepan from heat and carefully add the vanilla extract, baking soda, and all the spices. Stir well to combine.
Combine Everything: Pour the caramel over the popped popcorn and slivered almonds. Stir until the popcorn is evenly coated.
Bake to Crisp: Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). Spread the popcorn mixture onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes to ensure even crisping.
How to Serve Christmas Popcorn Candy
Serve your Christmas Popcorn Candy in festive bowls or individual bags for gifts. It’s a fantastic snack for movie nights, holiday parties, or as a treat after dinner. You can even mix it in with other holiday treats for a fun dessert platter!
How to Store Christmas Popcorn Candy
To keep your Christmas Popcorn Candy fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature. It should last for about a week, but it’s likely to disappear much sooner!
Tips to Make Christmas Popcorn Candy
- Make sure to stir the caramel mixture constantly to prevent it from burning.
- Feel free to adjust the spices to your liking. More cinnamon or nutmeg can give it a unique flavor!
- If you like a crunchier texture, bake it a little longer, watching closely so it doesn’t burn.
Variation
You can add different mix-ins for more variety. Try adding dried cranberries, holiday M&Ms, or different nuts based on your preference.
FAQs
1. Can I use microwave popcorn for this recipe?
Yes, you can use microwave popcorn. Just make sure it is plain popcorn without butter.
2. What can I use instead of corn syrup?
You can use glucose syrup or even honey as a substitute, but keep in mind that this may slightly change the flavor and texture.
3. How can I make this recipe more festive?
Consider adding some colorful sprinkles or edible glitter after baking for a fun and festive touch!
Now you have a wonderful recipe for Christmas Popcorn Candy. Enjoy making it this holiday season!
Christmas Popcorn Candy
Ingredients
For the popcorn
- ¼ cup vegetable oil (not required if air popping with a popcorn maker)
- ⅓ cup popping corn (10 cups popcorn) Note 1 for lighter caramel coverage
- ⅔ cup slivered almonds
For the caramel sauce
- 100 g unsalted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
- ½ cup corn syrup (light, substitute glucose) Note 2
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp baking soda
- 3 tsp cinnamon powder
- 2 tsp ginger powder
- ½ tsp allspice powder or more cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground cloves or more cinnamon
Instructions
Pop the Corn
- In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the popping corn and cover the pot. Once the popping slows down, remove it from heat. If you are using an air popper, skip the oil and pop the corn directly.
Make the Caramel
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Then, stir in the brown sugar, corn syrup, and salt. Bring this mixture to a gentle boil, stirring constantly for about 4-5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
Add Flavors
- Remove the saucepan from heat and carefully add the vanilla extract, baking soda, and all the spices. Stir well to combine.
Combine Everything
- Pour the caramel over the popped popcorn and slivered almonds. Stir until the popcorn is evenly coated.
Bake to Crisp
- Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). Spread the popcorn mixture onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes to ensure even crisping.
