Christmas Marshmallow Caramel Corn is the ultimate holiday snack, combining the sweet, gooey delight of caramel with the light crunch of popcorn. Topped with festive sprinkles and optional white chocolate drizzle, this treat is perfect for holiday parties, family movie nights, or as a thoughtful gift. Best of all, it’s easy to make and delivers a show-stopping result!
Why You’ll Love Christmas Marshmallow Caramel Corn
- Sweet and Salty Perfection: The buttery caramel and marshmallow mixture creates an irresistible balance of flavors.
- Quick and Easy: With just 35 minutes of total time, you’ll have a festive treat ready to impress.
- Customizable: Add sprinkles, drizzle with chocolate, or keep it simple—it’s up to you.
- Perfect for Sharing: This recipe yields a generous 12 cups of caramel corn, making it ideal for gifting or serving at holiday gatherings.
Ingredients Notes
- 8 cups popped popcorn (use an air popper for best results)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 2 tbsp light corn syrup
- 1 (10 oz) bag large marshmallows (about 35 pieces)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Red and green sprinkles (optional)
- 1/2 cup white chocolate (optional, for drizzling)
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Large mixing bowl
- Medium-sized saucepan
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Baking sheet
- Aluminum foil or parchment paper
- Non-stick cooking spray
How To Make Christmas Marshmallow Caramel Corn
Step 1: Prepare Your Popcorn
- Pop 8 cups of popcorn using an air popper or stovetop method. Air-popped popcorn works best for a light texture, but stovetop popcorn with minimal oil is also great.
- Transfer the popcorn to a large mixing bowl, making sure to remove any unpopped kernels.
- Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil (shiny side up) or parchment paper. Spray it generously with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Make the Caramel Sauce
- In a medium saucepan, melt 1/2 cup of unsalted butter over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
- Add 1 cup of packed brown sugar and 2 tablespoons of light corn syrup. Stir the mixture continuously to combine the ingredients.
- Cook the mixture for 2–3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sugar dissolves and the caramel thickens slightly.
Step 3: Incorporate the Marshmallows
- Reduce the heat to low and add the entire 10 oz bag of marshmallows to the saucepan.
- Stir continuously until the marshmallows are fully melted and combined with the caramel.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract for added flavor depth.
Step 4: Combine Caramel with Popcorn
- Gradually pour the warm marshmallow-caramel mixture over the popcorn in the mixing bowl.
- Use a wooden spoon or spatula to gently toss the popcorn, ensuring every kernel is evenly coated.
- Spread the coated popcorn onto the prepared baking sheet, creating an even layer for cooling.
Step 5: Add Festive Toppings
- Allow the caramel corn to cool completely at room temperature, which helps the caramel harden for a delightful crunch.
- Optional: Melt 1/2 cup of white chocolate in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between. Drizzle the melted chocolate over the cooled popcorn using a spoon or piping bag.
- While the white chocolate is still wet, sprinkle the popcorn with red and green sprinkles for a festive touch.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
- Once the caramel and chocolate have fully set, break the popcorn into clusters.
- Serve in holiday-themed bowls or portion into gift bags for sharing.
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serving Suggestions: Perfect for holiday movie nights, parties, or as a festive snack to pair with hot cocoa or cider.
- Storage: Store the caramel corn in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For gifting, package it in cellophane bags tied with a ribbon for a festive presentation.
Variations
- Add Nuts: Mix in roasted pecans or almonds before pouring on the caramel for added crunch.
- Salted Caramel Corn: Sprinkle a touch of sea salt over the popcorn after coating it with caramel for a sweet-salty flavor.
- Chocolate Lovers’ Twist: Drizzle with both white and dark chocolate for a decadent treat.
- Festive Mix-Ins: Add mini marshmallows, crushed candy canes, or holiday M&Ms for extra flair.
Helpful Notes
- Prevent Stickiness: Spraying your hands lightly with non-stick spray can make spreading the caramel-coated popcorn easier.
- Work Quickly: The caramel sets fast, so be ready to toss and spread the popcorn immediately after adding the caramel.
- Even Coating: Toss the popcorn gently to avoid breaking it while ensuring every kernel is evenly coated.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs
- Ree Drummond (The Pioneer Woman): “For the perfect caramel texture, be patient while stirring the sauce—consistent heat and stirring are key to preventing burnt sugar.”
- Ina Garten: “Always use good-quality vanilla extract for an added depth of flavor—it makes all the difference in sweet treats.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use microwave popcorn?
A: Yes, but choose a plain, unsalted, and unbuttered variety to avoid overpowering the caramel flavor.
Q: How do I prevent the popcorn from getting soggy?
A: Ensure the caramel sauce is cooked until slightly thickened, and let the coated popcorn cool completely to harden.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! This caramel corn keeps well in an airtight container for up to 5 days, making it a perfect make-ahead treat.
Q: Can I skip the white chocolate drizzle?
A: Yes, the white chocolate is optional. The caramel corn is delicious on its own or with just sprinkles for decoration.
Q: Can I freeze caramel corn?
A: It’s not recommended, as freezing can affect the texture and make the popcorn less crunchy.
Conclusion
Christmas Marshmallow Caramel Corn is a fun, festive treat that’s perfect for sharing. With its gooey marshmallow caramel coating and optional decorative touches, it’s sure to be a holiday favorite. Whether you’re enjoying it at home or giving it as a gift, this popcorn is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Enjoy the sweet crunch of the season!
