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+ servings
candy popcorn on a cookie sheet
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Candy Popcorn

Learn to make vibrant candy popcorn with our easy recipe! Perfect for parties, movie nights, and fun family snacks.
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings 12 cups
Calories 126kcal

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup popcorn kernels about 12 cups popped
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup light corn syrup
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • Food coloring Pink, green, orange, and purple (optional)

Instructions

  • Pop the popcorn kernels using your preferred method (air popper, stovetop, or microwave). Ensure there are no unpopped kernels. Divide the popped popcorn into four mixing bowls.
    Popped popcorn in a mixing bowl
  • In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine sugar, butter, corn syrup, and salt. Stir continuously until the mixture comes to a boil.
  • Once boiling, stop stirring and let the mixture cook for 4-5 minutes. It should reach a temperature of 235°F (soft-ball stage). If you don't have a candy thermometer, you can test a small amount in cold water – it should form a soft ball.
    Sugar bowled to the softball stage
  • Remove the saucepan from heat and pour into four separate bowls. Add food coloring to each bowl and mix until well combined.
    Food coloring added to the sugar mixture
  • Pour the candy coating over the popped popcorn in each bowl. Use a spatula to gently fold and coat the popcorn evenly with the candy mixture.
    Candy mixture poured over the popcorn
  • Allow the popcorn to cool completely before combining. Store in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
    colorful popcorn on the cookie sheet ready to be divided

Nutrition

Serving: 1cup | Calories: 126kcal | Carbohydrates: 24g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 10mg | Sodium: 96mg | Sugar: 23g