Christmas Marshmallow Caramel Popcorn is a delightful treat that brings warmth and sweetness to the holiday season. This recipe combines the nostalgic flavors of caramel and marshmallow, creating a perfect snack for cozy family gatherings or festive parties. It's a fun and simple way to add a touch of homemade love to your holiday celebrations, and it's sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike.

This sweet and sticky popcorn is perfect on its own, but you can also serve it alongside a platter of fresh fruit for a refreshing contrast. It pairs wonderfully with hot cocoa or a warm apple cider, making it an ideal treat for a movie night or a holiday get-together. For a more indulgent spread, consider adding some chocolate-dipped pretzels or a selection of nuts to complement the popcorn's flavors.

Servings: 8

10 cups popped popcorn
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup light corn syrup
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups mini marshmallows

Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C).

Place the popped popcorn in a large bowl, making sure to remove any unpopped kernels.

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.

Add the brown sugar, corn syrup, and salt to the melted butter. Stir until the mixture comes to a boil.

Let the mixture boil for 5 minutes without stirring.

Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.

Pour the caramel mixture over the popcorn and gently stir to coat evenly.

Add the mini marshmallows to the popcorn mixture and stir until they are evenly distributed.

Spread the popcorn mixture onto a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes.

Remove from the oven and let cool completely before breaking into pieces and serving.

For a fun twist, try adding some crushed peppermint candies or a sprinkle of cinnamon to the caramel mixture for a festive flavor. You can also mix in some roasted nuts like almonds or pecans for added crunch. If you're catering to chocolate lovers, drizzle some melted white or dark chocolate over the cooled popcorn for an extra decadent treat. For those who prefer a less sweet option, reduce the amount of marshmallows or skip them altogether.

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