Caramel Peppermint Popcorn Crunch Mix
Caramel Peppermint Popcorn Crunch Mix is the ultimate festive snack that combines the delightful flavors of caramel and peppermint for a sweet, crunchy treat. Perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy movie nights, this mix features airy popcorn coated in homemade caramel, studded with M&Ms and crushed candy canes. It’s an irresistible blend of textures and flavors that will have everyone reaching for more!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: About 8 servings 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 10 cups air-popped popcorn
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- ¼ cup light corn syrup
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp pure peppermint extract
- 1 cup red and green M&Ms
- 1 cup crushed candy canes
Instructions
- Pop your popcorn using an air popper or stovetop method.
- Prepare a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine sugar, butter, corn syrup, and salt; cook until melted and bubbling (about 4-5 minutes).
- Remove from heat and stir in peppermint extract.
- Pour hot caramel over warm popcorn in a large bowl, tossing to coat evenly.
- Spread the mixture on the prepared baking sheet and bake at 250°F (120°C) for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes.
- Allow to cool completely before mixing in M&Ms and crushed candy canes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: Ensure the popcorn is warm when adding caramel to help it stick better. Feel free to substitute flavored popcorn or add seasonal spices like nutmeg for extra flair.