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It all started when I was working on those fun little “non-cookie” holiday gift ideas last week. I thought glazed pecans or nuts would be a very tasty gift, but then I took the idea a step further and added popcorn to the mix. Bag up some of this stuff, tie on a bow, and you now have the perfect gift for neighbors, teachers, and even the mailman. Don’t forget to attach a recipe card so the recipient not only enjoys every last bite, but also knows it doesn’t contain a bunch of junk and additives (like those highly processed tubs of caramel popcorn). Just be sure you make some extra so you can enjoy it yourself…yum!
Cinnamon Glazed Popcorn Mix
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F.
- In a small pot over low heat melt the butter and honey together. Mix in the cinnamon, ginger, and salt.
- Put the cashews in an extra large mixing bowl. Coat them with about a tablespoon of the butter/honey mixture.
- Spread the coated nuts onto a baking sheet covered with parchment paper and bake for 6 minutes.
- Meanwhile, in the same large bowl evenly coat the plain popcorn – minus any unpopped kernels – with the remaining butter/honey mixture.
- After the cashews have been in the oven for 6 minutes, take out the tray, add the popcorn to it, and mix it all up together. Stick the tray back in the oven and set the timer for 4 minutes.
- After 4 minutes open the oven and stir or shake the mixture around on the baking sheet. Set the timer for 2 more minutes.
- Once again open the oven and stir/shake the mixture so there are no hot spots that could get burnt. Set the timer for 1 more minute at which point the mixture will once again need to be checked/stirred.
- Repeat the process of checking/stirring the popcorn mixture every minute then take it out of the oven once it turns a dark brown (it can burn easily toward the end!). My total bake time was 6 minutes for the nuts then an additional 7 or 8 minutes once I added the popcorn.
- The popcorn and nuts will be slightly wet right out of the oven, but will harden as they cool.
Love this recipe! It has been our family tradition the last few years to include bags of this honey glazed popcorn in our stockings. We can’t have corn but have used broken up pieces of plain rice cakes and popped sorghum with great success! Our whole family loves it!
I very much loved this. It tasted delicious, often tastes better when you add a hint of cinnamon.
Very good. Will make again.
How far ahead could I make a batch for a party? How do you recommend storing it? I’ve nde many times – but we always eat it immediately
Hi there. As long as you keep it in a airtight container, it stays fresh for a week or so. Be sure it cools completely before you put it in a storage container.
What would be the modified recipe if I just wanted cinnamon coated almonds in a semi healthy version (meaning calories).
Can I sub coconut oil for butter and maple syrup for honey for a vegan version?
Hi. that should work.
Comical that you call this real food. Its not.
It’s real food meaning it’s not processed. It is made at home with real ingredients, not in a lab with chemicals. Even desserts can be real food.
Hi, just wondering, how far ahead can you make and bag this popcorn in treat bags? I want to prepare ahead of time, but I want to be sure it stays fresh. Thank you!!
Hi Emily. I often pack popcorn in lunches the night before and it is fine the next day.
I just made this using only 2 Tablespoons of coconut oil and then 2 tablespoons of maple syrup and almonds and my kids loved it. Thanks!
We love this! Thanks for a great recipe. I made it several times dr a variety of reasons over the holidays. It’s quickly becoming a go-to snack/gift!
Hi Joan. It is normal for the popcorn to shrink a little when you add the mixture.
I made this last night and loved the flavor. However, I had a problem with the popcorn deflating when I poured the honey/butter mixture on it. It still tasted great but I thought the popcorn should have been fluffier. Did I do something wrong or is that normal?
I just made this tonight (without nuts due to nut allergies & replaced butter with vegan soy free butter due to dairy allergies) & it was soooo good! My husband, 2 daughters & I just loved it. So much healthier & delicious than regular caramel corn. I got your cookbook for Christmas & am loving it so far.
Omg! Just made a double batch of this…..so yummy! Too bad it won’t make it into my Christmas goodie bags, we’ve already eaten half of it! Guess I can make more. ;)
Fresh ginger or dried? Or will either work? Thanks!!
Follow up–used fresh ginger and it worked great. This is a great recipe! Thanks!
:)
This is delicious! I vegan-ized it by subbing earth balance for the butter & vegan honey. It turned out great!
Hi! I was wondering if anything could be substituted for the butter? (Have a child with milk protein intolerance). Thanks !!
Hi Ashley. Out typical dairy free suggestion is coconut oil. Here is more info: https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2012/02/07/how-to-cook-with-coconut-oil/.
Would it be alright if I used pecans? I have a whole shelf full at the moment and would love to use them up!
Sure! :)
So glad to find one without corn syrup! I’m very allergic to it, but love caramel corn. Will have to try this!
One word…delicious!! I made this for our afternoon snack (along with some apple slices) and the kids are gobbling it up!
Seems like whenever I’m looking for a new recipe, your page always comes up! Which make me very happy! I’m working on cutting the junk from our house and your site helps so much! Although I’m not doing it 100% yet I will get there. Thanks so much for all you do!!!!!!
OMG I’m HOOKED! I made this tonight so I can have a snack while I am around festival food all day long tomorrow. Yeah, I’m not going to care one bit! This might even be a road trip snack in the near future!
Turned out really well, didn’t nearly look as good in real life as in the picture, though. I was very skeptical to try it because I don’t like cashews, but that was my favorite part.
I LOVE your website.
For a delicious popcorn seasoning, I add sea salt and squeeze half a lemon all over it, and mix it up. It is great in lieu if butter, and so delicious! My kids eat it up.
Yum! Great without nuts!