A Gingerbread Popcorn Recipe You’ll Want to Cozy Up To

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 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 remove the lid to let steam escape.

Step 5: Make Gingerbread Popcorn Seasoning

Melt butter, brown sugar, and molasses in a saucepan. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Then, remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract, spices, and salt.

Step 6: Combine

Drizzle the gingerbread popcorn mixture over the popcorn, then cover the Popsmith, and give the pot a few more cranks or shakes to distribute the flavoring evenly.

Step 7: Serve

Pour your gingerbread popcorn into a bowl 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 to make it extra special, you can add mix-ins like toasted pecans, crushed gingersnap cookies, and white chocolate drizzle.

• 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!