This festive Caramel Popcorn Recipe is everything you love about holiday snacking — warm, buttery caramel coating every bite, a satisfying crunch, and that irresistible sweet-salt balance that feels right at home during Christmas. Perfect for holiday movie nights, edible gifting, party appetizer tables, and snack jars, this recipe is simple to make and bakes into a crisp, golden batch that stays crunchy for days. Whether you're prepping treats for guests or assembling adorable Christmas snack bags, this homemade caramel popcorn adds just the right touch of sweetness to your holiday celebrations.
Prep & Cooking Duration
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 1 hr
- Total Time: 1 hr 10 mins
- Servings: 12
- Yield: About 12 cups of caramel popcorn
Ingredients
- 12 cups plain popped popcorn (from ½ cup kernels or 1 bag plain popcorn)
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- ¼ cup light corn syrup (or honey as a substitute)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
Optional Holiday Add-Ins
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for Christmas spice)
- ½ cup chopped pecans or almonds
- ½ cup white chocolate drizzle
- ¼ cup crushed candy cane pieces
Directions
- Prepare the Popcorn:
Preheat oven to 250°F (120°C). Spread popcorn evenly onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Remove any unpopped kernels to avoid accidental bites. - Make the Caramel:
In a medium saucepan, combine brown sugar, butter, corn syrup, and salt over medium heat. Stir until melted, then bring the mixture to a boil. Allow it to boil without stirring for 4–5 minutes.
Tip: Boiling without stirring helps the caramel develop a smooth, glossy texture. - Add Vanilla & Baking Soda:
Remove caramel from heat and carefully stir in vanilla and baking soda. The mixture will foam — this aeration helps the caramel coat the popcorn more evenly. - Coat the Popcorn:
Immediately pour the caramel over the popcorn. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to toss until the popcorn is fully coated. - Bake for Crunch:
Transfer the coated popcorn to the oven and bake for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes to ensure even coating and crisping.
Holiday tip: Add nuts before baking; add chocolate drizzle or candy canes after cooling. - Cool & Serve:
Let the caramel popcorn cool completely on the baking sheet. Break up into pieces and store in an airtight container.
Nutrition Facts (per serving) — Estimated
- Calories: 195
- Total Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4.8g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Sugar: 23g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Sodium: 135mg
Conclusion
This Caramel Popcorn Recipe is a festive, crowd-pleasing treat that captures the cozy sweetness of Christmas. It’s easy to prepare, customizable with spices or holiday toppings, and perfect for gifting or serving at seasonal gatherings. With its buttery crunch and warm caramel flavor, this Christmas snack is guaranteed to be a holiday favorite year after year.
