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After the holiday season, I’m usually a little lost. For months – well all year, really – I’m planning the decorations, candies, and cookies I’ll be making for the Christmas season. I love to over plan and prepare: it’s just in my nature. So when it all comes to an end the week after Christmas, I usually go into seclusion. Don’t let me fool you into thinking I don’t enjoy New Year’s: it is a celebration after all! Whether going to a party or hosting your own, quick munchies are always needed along with a good cocktail. This sweet and spicy cinnamon and cayenne caramel corn will leave everyone craving more.
And since I’m totally addicted to popcorn (examples here, here, and here…), I, of course, couldn’t turn down the chance to make this recipe for this celebratory holiday!
To top off the evening, I love to pair the caramel corn with a quick champagne cocktail that’s a fun take on a Kir Royale. In a way, this combination is a high-low pairing that makes each component that much better.
To make the cocktail:
- In a champagne flute, scoop two tablespoons raspberry sherbet.
- Pour in a splash (1 tablespoon) of raspberry liquor.
- Top with your desired champagne.
These are quick to serve and easy to make into a bar. Set everything out and let people make their own while they munch on popcorn!
Happy New Year!
More popcorn recipes
Chocolate Covered Popcorn
Turkey-Shaped Popcorn Balls
Quick Caramel Corn
Three Fall Kettle Corn Recipes
Watch how to make this cinnamon & cayenne caramel corn
Did you make this recipe? If so, make sure to leave me a comment and a recipe rating (any number of stars) so I know how it turned out for you!
Cinnamon & Cayenne Caramel Corn
Ingredients
- 4 qt popped popcorn
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- 8 tbsp (1 stick) unsalted butter
- ¼ cup light corn syrup
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¾ tsp baking soda
Instructions
- Spray a large brown grocery bag with nonstick baking spray.
- Pour the prepared popcorn into the grocery bag and set aside.4 qt popped popcorn
- In a large bowl, combine the sugar, butter, corn syrup, salt, cinnamon and cayenne pepper. Cook in the microwave for 3 minutes. Stir and cook 1 ½ minutes. Stir and cook an additional 1 minute until the mixture is thickened and bubbling throughout.1 cup light brown sugar, 8 tbsp (1 stick) unsalted butter, ¼ cup light corn syrup, ½ tsp kosher salt, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
- Immediately stir in the vanilla extract and baking soda. Stir vigorously to ensure no dry baking soda remains.1 tsp vanilla extract, ¾ tsp baking soda
- Pour over popcorn in bag. Fold over the top of the bag tightly and shake for 30 seconds to evenly coat the popcorn in caramel.
- Place bag in microwave and cook 1 minute. Shake the bag for 20 seconds, turn upside down and cook an additional minute.
- Remove from microwave and pour on two parchment-lined baking sheets. Allow to cool 30 minutes and serve. Once cooled, the popcorn can be placed in airtight containers for up to one week.
Nutrition
Easy, fun, delicious and quick cleanup, thanks for this great recipe, Caleb!
You are doing great job I appreciate you. You don’t just rush through the recipe😊 . Thank you.
Why do you cook or bake some Carmel corn. However, the popcorn ball you add vinegar to? What does the baking/microwaving do? Make it crispy vs chewy? Inquiring minds want to know.
Delicious! I tripled the cayenne (we like spice!) and it’s delicious against the cinnamon and the sweetness of the sugar/syrup. I didn’t prepare it in our microwave – I love the idea of how easy it is, but I didn’t have any paper bags so I went old school & slow-baked it in the oven after mixing it all together. Still, it’s a very easy recipe and so tasty – thank you, Kaleb!
This is the easiest and best-tasting caramel corn ever. Thank you so much for the recipe. I would never have thought to put cayenne in the sweet popcorn. Over the top!
Made this popcorn and it is amazing. Just the little hint of cayenne adds a nice kick! Crazy preparation but it works! Thanks Calab! Oh, FYI for anyone interested 4qts. Popcorn is 16 cups
This popcorn was so easy to made and 100% addicting! My husband and I loved this recipe! Thank you for sharing.
This recipe is the easiest I’ve ever made. Very good with the hint of cinnamon and cayenne pepper. I used vegan butter and should have used less than 1/2 cup because of water content, next time 1/3 cup. Also had to use microwave popcorn and will be sure to have kernels next batch.
Thank you Kaleb and your helper behind the camera. We enjoy your show.