Gingerbread Popcorn at a Glance
What’s even better than the smell of warm gingerbread wafting through your home? Two words: gingerbread popcorn.
It’s exactly what it sounds like — a combination of holiday spices and your favorite snack. Now ain’t that a treat? We just know it’s going to bring the holiday magic to all your get-togethers, especially when you gather in the kitchen with loved ones to make a fresh batch in your Popper.
Check it out:
Gingerbread Popcorn Ingredients
- ½ cup popcorn kernels
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil
- ½ cup butter
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons molasses
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Gingerbread Popcorn Directions
Step 1: Heat
Set your stove to medium heat and allow your Popsmith to preheat for 1 to 2 minutes.
Step 2: Add Oil and Kernels
Pour oil and 3 kernels into the pot. Throw in the rest of the kernels once the first one pops, then cover the Popper.
Step 3: Turn
Crank the Popper clockwise as the kernels pop.
GOOD TO KNOW: If the spinner gets stuck mid-pop, it’s likely because some kernels got lodged behind it. All you need to do when this happens is to gently lift the spinner with your finger. It doesn’t get hot like the rest of the pot, so doing this is completely safe.
Step 4: Remove
When popping slows, take the Popper off the heat and spread the popcorn into a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Step 5: Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 250°F.
Step 6: Make Gingerbread Popcorn Seasoning
Melt butter, brown sugar, and molasses in a saucepan. Bring to a boil and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring constantly. Then, remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract, spices, and salt.
Step 7: Coat and Bake
Drizzle the gingerbread popcorn mixture over the popcorn and toss with a spatula to coat evenly. Bake for 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes. Then let the popcorn cool completely on the baking sheet.
Step 8: Serve
Break your gingerbread popcorn into clusters and enjoy!
More Gingerbread Popcorn Tips
- Start with less spice and adjust to taste — you want the popcorn to taste like a gingerbread cookie, not a spice cabinet!
- This gingerbread popcorn is great on its own, but you can add mix-ins like toasted pecans, crushed gingersnap cookies, and white chocolate drizzle to make it extra special.
- Planning to make this popcorn as a gift? Wait for it to cool completely before pouring it into an airtight container (mason jars with red ribbons tied around them are a nice touch).
Your New Holiday Tradition
Gingerbread popcorn is a treat so warm and cozy, it just screams Christmas! But we have a feeling you’ll crave it any day of the year — not only during the holiday season. We hope it brings you plenty of joy and special moments with the ones you love.
Looking for more holiday popcorn recipes and snacking inspiration? You’ll love this peppermint popcorn recipe!
Gingerbread Popcorn FAQs
Can you make gingerbread popcorn without molasses?
While molasses gives this gingerbread popcorn recipe its authentic gingerbread flavor, you can swap it with maple syrup or honey when you're in a pinch. The flavor, though, will be sweeter and less complex, so we recommend sticking to molasses as much as possible.
Can you make this gingerbread popcorn ahead of time?
Yep, you can. This homemade popcorn can stay fresh for up to 5 days, provided you keep it in an airtight container at room temperature. You also want to let it cool completely before storing.
