Elf Maple Popcorn

Popcorn is something that is fun to play with and add different toppings.  The options are endless when it comes to cooking with popcorn!  This Elf Maple Popcorn is not only delicious, but it’s a FUN project to do with your children or grandchildren!

Here’s how you can make your own Elf Maple Popcorn!

Ingredients

• 12 cups popped popcorn, salted
• ½ cup (1 stick) salted butter
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon maple flavored extract
• 1 cup marshmallows
• 1/2 cup candy covered sunflower seeds, optional, or other multi colored candy
• 2 cups Bugles Original Crispy Corn Snack
• Green candy melts
• Pink candy melts
• Yellow candy melts
• Red candy melts

Create the Elf Hats!

line a baking sheet with wax paper.  Melt the green candy melts according to the package directions. Wedge a Bugle snack on a fork and dip into melted candy coating. Tap the fork against the side of the bowl to remove access. Use a toothpick to slide the coated Bugle snack on to the waxed paper. Repeat as desired. Allow candied Bugles to set completely.

Repeat the process with the pink candy melts. Allow candied Bugles to set completely.

Heat the yellow candy melts according to package directions. Place melted candy into a zip top freezer bag or candy decorating bag. Snip the end slightly. Drizzle yellow candy over each green-coated Bugle to resemble a stripe on the elf hat. Allow candied Bugles to set completely before mixing with snack mix.

Heat the red candy melts according to package directions. Place melted candy into a zip top freezer bag or candy decorating bag. Snip the end slightly. Drizzle red candy over each pink-coated Bugle to resemble a stripe on the elf hat. Allow candied Bugles to set completely before mixing with snack mix.

Make the popcorn!

Line a baking sheet with parchment. Top with cooked and salted popcorn.

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the brown sugar to melted butter and stir until combined. Pour the maple extract into the mixture and stir well. Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally, for 5 to 6 minutes.

Pour sugar over the popcorn. Toss to coat.

Add remaining ingredients and decorated Bugles. Toss well and serve.

Cook’s note: If you prefer a crunchy popcorn, add the sugar mixture to the popcorn and toss to coat. Then, bake the popcorn in a 250 degree oven for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes. Allow popcorn to cool completely. Break into pieces and then add remaining ingredients.

Baking around the holidays is a long-standing tradition of ours in our home!  I think this Elf Maple Popcorn is going to be a new staple that we make every year!

This treat would be a great gift for a neighbor!  Grab a Christmas tin or bucket, fill it up with Elf Maple Popcorn and then attach a Christmas card!

What is your family favorite to bake around the holidays?

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