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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.
LeAnn says
This is going on our snack table for Super Bowl!!
Linda White says
I just made this minus the spices, plus a teaspoon of Sriracha. OMG. Deelicious.
Tara Knorr says
Another awesome recipe Lisa! I made this for my family on Christmas Eve and everyone raved about it! Delicious! Thank you for all you do!
Melinda says
Why would anyone only make one batch of this? I made a double batch but used pecans instead of cashews. Yum!
Tracey says
This is AWESOME!!!! I hope I can get it to the bags before my husband eats it all!!
Jeana says
Hi! How much does this make? Just curious as to whether or not I should double/triple the recipe for our family coming in town. Thank you!!!
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hi there. It makes 4 cups. ~Amy
Gina says
Do you the the Earth Balance spread would be okay instead of butter to be vegan friendly?
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hi. Our dairy free butter replacement is typically coconut oil. ~Amy
Angie says
This looks delicious!!!!
Deeanna says
This looks good!! We usually just make our popcorn, butter it, and toss it in a bag with cinnamon and coconut sugar.
Erin says
Do you think it will freeze ok?
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hi Erin. I really don't know. I found conflicting answers when I searched. Sorry. ~Amy
Cindy Burlew says
How long will this stay fresh if you keep it in a sealed container? I am wondering how far in advance I can make and give out as Christmas gifts.
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hi Cindy. It should be okay up to a week. ~Amy
Eliza says
I made it with maple syrup instead of honey for an easier comparison with a store bought bag of Cinn-brown sugar popcorn. The kids liked the store bought better. We dont eat much popcorn anyway, so it's a fun treat.
Andrea W. says
Awesome recipe, and so much easier than anticipated. I doubled the batch and added some raw almonds in with the cashews. I also added just a dash of cayenne for a little kick. The texture after cooling was perfect - crunchy and delicious! Taking tomorrow to in-laws along with more traditional sides to provide a tasty snack for in-between meals, lol. Love your site!
Jennie says
There are a lot of popcorn bags and boxes for sale on the web. Just do a search - "shopping popcorn bags" - everywhere from ebay to amazon to you name it, sells them! HTH!
Jodi Mills says
Where did you buy the bags to make the gifts? Also wondering what size? I am searching, but not having much luck.
Thanks
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hi Jodi. You can find them easily online in various shapes and sizes. Target often has them in their "one spot". Here is a link to a similar one: http://www.amazon.com/Unique-Industries-59023UNQ-Popcorn-Boxes/dp/B001K360PK. ~Amy
Julie Vaden says
I am working in the kitchen today getting ready to make some caramel corn that my nieces love! I saw this recipe and was intrigued so I am making 2 batches of that now. Batch 2 is in the oven! I am going to share this on my website! I did make some changes, instead of cinnamon I used my homemade pumpkin spice mix!
April says
Finally got around to making this and I can't believe how good it is! It would for sure make an excellent gift! I do think the taste is a bit more adult than child-perhaps slightly less spice and slightly more honey would make it more kid friendly but regardless it's amazing!
Bonnie says
Used this as a glaze on my pumpkin seeds. Roasted at 300 degrees for about 50mins. Soooo yummy!! I usually do a savory flavor in them but after trying this, I'm hooked!!
Amanda says
I just made these and it was fun! I've never made popcorn in a brown bag like that, how neat! After tasting it I have a great idea for next time. My boyfriend has a jar of cinnamon honey that I didn't even think to use, so I have a feeling I'll be making this again very soon (like tomorrow) using that!
Beth Wade says
We LOVE this recipe! Sometimes we make it with just the popcorn & glaze and the double batch is gone before it can cool off!
Jennifer says
I finally made this for an afternoon snack. So yummy just with the honey/butter/spice glaze poured right on top. Snagged a bite just out of the oven and "Oh my goodness" came right out of my mouth! Can't wait for it to cool, this is a success! Thanks for the wonderful snack recipe!
kelly w says
My boys and I made this last week and have really enjoyed it. It will be one we come back to over and over again. I didn't cook ours quite long enough so next time I will make sure to do so. Thanks for providing these to us for free. It's a huge blessing!
wendy dains says
I made this today but used extra virgin coconut oil instead of the butter, and let me just speak for my while family when i say AMAZING! I also did not have raw cashews so we used pre sliced raw almonds, they roast wonderfully and have a nice crunch to them, YUM!
Sara klavan says
Omg amazing. I used I tablespoon of honey and one of maple syrup, because I did not have the patience to squeeze another tablespoon of honey out of the almost finished bottle. It is amazing. I can't wait to make it again and try with the cocoa powder! My daughter is inhaling it now. I trying to save some for my husband to come home from work, but it's not looking good at the moment.
Mahsa says
Oh my! These are AMAZING!!! I am not a big popcorn fan, but could not stop eating these, from the moment that I poured the honey butter on them, to while they were baking, to when they cooled, I just kept tasting them. Thanks for a great recipe.
John says
"Buying 100% Organic, Certified Organic, and USDA Organic-labeled products is usually the easiest way to identify and avoid genetically modified ingredients." Source:http://gmo-awareness.com/2011/05/05/is-organic-always-gmo-free/. PLEASE: Keep in mind, there are loop-holes in every law and standard and even unintentional contamination. Take a look at gmo-awareness.com for more information. This is the best we can hope for right now.
Jamie says
Oh I had a longing for Cracker Jacks today at the grocery store for our road trip next week. It must be fate that you posted today! haha! I have really young kids so I don't think the cashews would be a good idea...maybe just the popcorn??
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hi Jamie. Just the popcorn would work, too. :)
Sofia says
It tasted so good. I cant wait to pack this for school!
Molly says
I also have the Trader Joe's organic popcorn but does that make in Non GMO? The packaging does not say that it's non GMO so I wasn't sure about it. Thank you!
Jessica says
Someone told me that if it is organic then it must be non-GMO. Is that true?
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hi there. Buying organic is the best way to avoid foods that contain GMOs. Jason recently did a post that will help explain: https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2013/05/02/what-to-buy-organic/. ~Amy
Jill says
I don't know about Trader Joes, but I get a popcorn onlline that is awesome and GMO free! Its called "Tiny but Mighty popcorn". Google it and you'll find it!
Haley @Cupcakes and Sunshine says
This is an awesome idea! I love making my own popcorn! (: It would be fun to sneak into the movie theaters as well!
Yuki says
Sounds good, but where do you get the NON GMO corn to make the pop corn?
Kristi says
Trader Joe's has organic popcorn kernels.
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hi Yuki. Most grocery stores will carry at least one organic popcorn. ~Amy
Kari says
Made this last week. I didn't find it very flavorful. Next time, I'll double the honey, cinnamon and ginger and see if that gives it the edge it needs.
Shannon says
I have made this several times and I crave it. I have tried other varieties of spices and each one is scrumptious especially: cinnamon, cayenne and dark cocoa.
Lauren B says
I just made this for my kids' afternoon snack. Since my son is allergic to butter, I used Earth Balance Almond Spread. I think next time I'll use half the required amount of salt as it seems a bit too salty. To counteract this flavor I sprinkled cinnamon over the top and shook it one last time. Seemed to sweeten it up. I used shelled peanuts instead of cashews and it smells/tastes delicious!!
Renee says
Just made some today! Ah-ma-zing!😋 Only I increased the honey x2 and used 1/2 the butter & no salt still Yummy! Then I made a second batch using cocoa powder instead of cinnamon & ginger (no salt). Perfect!
Amanda says
Oh my gosh... cocoa! That sounds wonderful!!
Mary says
Thinking I'll make this to bag up for end-of-year teacher gifts! Thanks!
Courtney says
I have not tried this yet but thinking when I do to add sunflower seeds. You can probably add any type of nut though some nuts wouldn't work as outlined in the oven but can still add them. I love cinnamon and love popcorn, so i will try within a week.
Megan says
Ummm...this might be the most delicious thing I've ever eaten. Thank you!!!
Ramie says
I wanted to let you know how I inspired I have been by all of your recipes & love that this is a better option than any caramel popcorn I could buy
Casey says
This is so addicting! Perfectly sweet and crisp. The popcorn does soften up after it sits, but I just put the mixture back in the oven for a bit on 170, and that does the trick. Thank you!