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- Looking for an easy popcorn treat that'll wow everyone? This homemade popcorn recipe started in my kitchen when I needed quick Christmas gifts. Now it's our favorite holiday snack! With swirls of red and green caramel coating fresh popped kernels this homemade popcorn brings festive cheer to every bite.
Why This Works Magic
- This easy popcorn recipe needs just a few simple ingredients from your pantry. No fancy tools needed just your stovetop and some holiday spirit! Perfect for busy days when you want something special but don't have hours to spend in the kitchen.
Grab These Ingredients
- Popcorn Kernels: Making homemade popcorn beats store-bought every time.
- Real Butter: Unsalted makes your caramel perfect.
- Brown Sugar: Light brown for that warm sweetness.
- Corn Syrup: Makes our caramel smooth.
- Baking Soda: Secret to light crispy coating.
- Pure Vanilla: Adds that special something.
- Food Colors: For festive red and green.
Let's Make Some Magic
- Fresh Popped Goodness
- Start with homemade popcorn right from your stovetop nothing beats that fresh taste! Split it between two big bowls one for each color. This easy popcorn trick makes sorting so simple.
- Caramel Time
- Get your butter brown sugar and corn syrup bubbling. Three minutes of stirring creates that perfect caramel for your homemade popcorn. Add vanilla and baking soda watch it puff up!
- Color Party
- Split that hot caramel add red to one green to the other. Pour over your easy popcorn batches and start mixing. Work quick the caramel sets fast!
- Baking Magic
- Spread your colorful homemade popcorn on baking sheets. Into a slow oven at 250°F stirring every 15 minutes gets everything crispy perfect.
- Cool Down
- Let your easy popcorn creation cool completely before breaking into clusters. The wait makes it extra crunchy!
My Best Tips
- Making homemade popcorn treats? Get everything ready before starting that caramel! Use big bowls for easy mixing and keep those spatulas handy. This easy popcorn recipe goes quick once you start so being prepared makes all the difference.
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Gifting Time
- Your homemade popcorn stays fresh for two weeks in airtight containers. Pack this easy popcorn creation in clear bags with pretty ribbons for perfect holiday gifts. Everyone loves getting homemade treats especially when they look this festive!
Share The Joy
- Nothing beats homemade popcorn gifts during the holidays! This easy popcorn recipe makes enough to share with everyone. I love seeing faces light up when they get a bag of this colorful treat. Sometimes I mix red and green batches together in the gift bags creates such a pretty holiday swirl. Perfect for teachers neighbors or anyone who needs a little Christmas cheer!
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Why bake the popcorn?
Baking helps the caramel coating become crispy rather than staying chewy.
- → Why divide into two bowls?
Separating allows for creating two different colors without mixing.
- → Why add baking soda?
Baking soda creates tiny bubbles making the caramel lighter and easier to coat popcorn.
- → Can I make this ahead?
Yes, stores well in airtight container up to 2 weeks. Great for advance gift prep.
- → Why stir while baking?
Stirring ensures even coating and prevents clumping or burning.