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Christmas Popcorn Candy

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Christmas Popcorn Candy is a festive, sweet-and-salty holiday treat made with caramel-coated popcorn, warm spices, and crunchy almonds—perfect for snacking or gifting during the holiday season.

  • Author: Emily
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 8–12 servings 1x
  • Category: Dessert, Snack, Holiday
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil (if stove-popping)
  • 1/3 cup popcorn kernels (yields about 10 cups popped)
  • 2/3 cup slivered almonds
  • 100g / 7 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup (170g) light corn syrup (or glucose)
  • 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 extra cinnamon)
  • 1/4 tsp ground cloves (or extra cinnamon)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 110°C/230°F. Line two baking trays with parchment paper.
  2. Pop the popcorn using your preferred method (air popper or stovetop) and place it in a large bowl. Remove any unpopped kernels.
  3. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add brown sugar, corn syrup, and salt. Stir to combine.
  4. Bring mixture to a boil and simmer for 4 minutes without stirring.
  5. Remove from heat and immediately whisk in vanilla, spices, and baking soda until foamy.
  6. Quickly pour the caramel over the popcorn and toss to coat evenly. Add almonds and toss again.
  7. Spread the coated popcorn onto the two prepared baking trays.
  8. Bake for 45 minutes, tossing every 10 minutes to ensure even coating and crisp texture.
  9. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely. Break into chunks and store in an airtight container.

Notes

  • Use glucose syrup as a substitute for corn syrup if unavailable.
  • Adjust popcorn quantity for lighter or heavier caramel coating: 1/3 cup for thick, 3/4 cup for light.
  • Ensure popcorn is fully cooled before storing to maintain crispness.
  • Store in airtight containers for up to 3 weeks.
  • Do not freeze, as moisture will affect texture.

Nutrition