There’s something magical about the crackle and crunch of Christmas Caramel Popcorn that transports you straight into a winter wonderland. Picture this: fluffy popcorn coated in a glossy, buttery caramel, glistening like freshly fallen snow. delicious fall-inspired side The aroma wafts through the air as you prepare to indulge in this irresistible treat. breakfast treat for the holidays It’s the perfect blend of sweet and salty—every bite is like a cozy hug on a cold winter night.

Now, let me take you back to last year’s holiday gathering. I was busy juggling too many tasks, from decorating cookies to attempting to untangle lights that seemed to have a vendetta against me. Just when I thought I’d lost the battle, my cousin brought out a giant bowl of Christmas Caramel Popcorn. The way everyone dove in, faces lighting up with delight, made me realize that this treat wasn’t just food; it was pure joy wrapped in crunchy goodness. For more inspiration, check out this Caramel Toffee Crunch Cake recipe.

My family still talks about how we nearly finished off an entire batch in one evening—talk about a crowd-pleaser!

this recipe

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Popcorn Kernels: Use high-quality kernels for that perfect fluff; air-popped works best for optimal crunch.

• Unsalted Butter: Fresh butter enhances the flavor without overwhelming the sweetness; it’s essential for that rich caramel base.

• Brown Sugar: Choose light brown sugar for a mellow flavor that complements the buttery notes beautifully.

• Light Corn Syrup: This syrup helps create that glossy finish and prevents crystallization; vital for smooth caramel.

• Baking Soda: A tiny pinch creates bubbles that keep the caramel airy, preventing it from getting too sticky.

• Salt: A sprinkle of salt enhances all the flavors, balancing the sweetness perfectly.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Pop Your Corn: Start by popping your popcorn kernels using an air popper or on the stovetop until fluffy and white. Place them in a large bowl, ready for their caramel coat.

Create Your Caramel Sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt unsalted butter along with brown sugar and corn syrup. Stir continuously until fully combined and bubbly—about five minutes should do the trick.

Add Flavor with Baking Soda and Salt: Once bubbling, remove from heat and quickly whisk in baking soda and salt. The mixture will foam up dramatically—don’t worry; that’s normal!

Toss It All Together: Pour your hot caramel sauce over the popped popcorn in batches, mixing gently but thoroughly after each addition until every kernel is coated in deliciousness.

Bake for Crunchiness: Spread your caramel-coated popcorn onto a lined baking sheet and bake at 250°F (120°C) for about 45 minutes. Stir every 15 minutes to ensure even coating and crunchiness.

Cool and Serve!: Once baked, let it cool completely before breaking it into clusters. Serve it in festive bowls or gift it in cute jars—the perfect holiday treat!

Now that you’ve mastered this delightful Christmas Caramel Popcorn recipe, get ready to spread some cheer! Whether you’re snacking during holiday movies or gifting jars filled with love (and popcorn), this treat is bound to be a hit! perfect pairing for Christmas snacks.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

To achieve the best results, pop the popcorn first, then prepare the caramel sauce while it cools.

Add Your Touch

Consider adding festive sprinkles or chopped nuts to your caramel popcorn for extra crunch and flavor.

Storing & Reheating

Store your Christmas Caramel Popcorn in an airtight container to maintain freshness for several days. savory main course option.

Cooking this Christmas Caramel Popcorn always reminds me of the time my friends devoured an entire batch in one movie night—definitely a hit!

FAQ

Can I use microwave popcorn for this recipe?

Yes, microwave popcorn works well, but fresh-popped corn is preferred for texture.

How do I prevent my caramel from hardening too much?

To keep caramel soft, store your popcorn in an airtight container immediately after cooling.

What can I add to enhance the flavor of my popcorn?

Adding cinnamon or nutmeg can elevate the holiday flavor profile beautifully!

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Christmas Caramel Popcorn

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• Author: Hellen
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 8 servings 1x

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Description

Christmas Caramel Popcorn is the ultimate holiday treat that combines fluffy popcorn with a rich, buttery caramel coating. This sweet and salty snack will elevate your festive gatherings, filling your home with a delightful aroma. Perfect for movie nights or as a gift, this simple yet indulgent recipe is sure to become a seasonal favorite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup popcorn kernels
• ½ cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup light brown sugar
• ½ cup light corn syrup
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp sea salt

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Instructions

1. Pop the popcorn kernels using an air popper or stovetop until fluffy. Transfer to a large bowl.
2. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter, brown sugar, and corn syrup. Stir continuously until bubbly (about 5 minutes).
3. Remove from heat and whisk in baking soda and salt; the mixture will foam.
4. Pour the caramel sauce over the popcorn in batches, mixing well after each addition to coat evenly.
5. Spread the popcorn on a lined baking sheet and bake at 250°F (120°C) for 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes.
6. Cool completely before breaking into clusters. Serve in festive bowls or jars.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Category: Snack
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (30g)
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 40mg
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 1g
• Cholesterol: 15mg