Festive Christmas Popcorn Candy mix with colorful treats and holiday themes.

Christmas Popcorn Candy

ByCasey Monroe

why make this recipe

Christmas Popcorn Candy is a delightful treat that’s perfect for the holiday season. This recipe combines the fun of popcorn with the sweet crunch of caramel and spices, making it a favorite for many. Whether you’re preparing for a holiday party, giving gifts, or enjoying a cozy night in, this candy is a tasty addition to seasonal snacks.

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 :

  1. Popcorn:

    • Use a pot, pan, or air popper to make the popcorn. If using oil, heat it in a large pot and add the popping corn. Cover and wait for popping to stop before removing from heat.

  2. Caramel:

    • In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar, corn syrup, and salt.
    • Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly for about 4-5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
    • Remove from heat and add the vanilla extract, baking soda, and spices (cinnamon, ginger, allspice, cloves). Mix well.

  3. Baking to crisp:

    • Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C).
    • In a large bowl or roasting pan, mix the popcorn and slivered almonds. Pour the caramel mixture over the popcorn, stirring until evenly coated.
    • Spread the mixture onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in the oven for about 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes to ensure even crispiness.

how to serve Christmas Popcorn Candy

Once cool, break the popcorn candy into pieces and serve in a festive bowl or package it in bags for gifts. It’s a wonderful snack for gatherings or can be enjoyed on its own while watching holiday movies.

how to store Christmas Popcorn Candy

Store the popcorn candy in an airtight container at room temperature. This will help keep it fresh and crunchy for about 1 week. If you want it to last longer, you can freeze it, but it may lose some crunch when thawed.

tips to make Christmas Popcorn Candy

  • Make sure to stir the caramel frequently to prevent it from burning.
  • You can add chocolate chips or dried fruit for extra flavor.
  • If you like it spicier, feel free to add more cinnamon or ginger according to your taste.

variation

You can customize the nuts used in this recipe. Try walnuts, pecans, or even peanuts for a different texture and flavor. Additionally, using different spices like nutmeg or cardamom can give it a unique twist.

FAQs

1. Can I use microwave popcorn?
Yes, you can use microwave popcorn, but make sure to choose a plain flavor without butter for the best result.

2. What can I use instead of corn syrup?
You can substitute light corn syrup with honey or glucose syrup, though this may slightly change the flavor.

3. How long does it take to make Christmas Popcorn Candy?
The total time to make this candy is about 1 to 1.5 hours, including popping the corn and baking time.