Candied Popcorn Stars

Name: Candied Popcorn Stars
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 8 serving(s)
Ingredients: 1 c. sugar; 1/3 c. light corn syrup; 1/3 c. water; 2 tbsp. butter; 1/4 tsp. salt; 1 tsp. vanilla; 8 c. popped corn; 1/3 c. red and/or green nonpareils; 1/4 c. cinnamon candies

These easy to make popcorn candies can double as dessert and Christmas tree decor!

By Virginia PasleyPublished: Dec 9, 2014

Be the first to review!

Jump to recipe

Melina Hammer

Country Living editors select each product featured. If you buy from a link, we may earn a commission. Why Trust Us?

Yields:

8 serving(s)

Prep Time:

10 mins

Total Time:

30 mins

The Year: 1952 The Cookbook: The Holiday Candy Book

In this cheerful illustrated compendium of recipes for candy, fudge, toffee, and other retro delicacies such as "shaped marzipan dainties," author Virginia Pasley shares timeless advice related to the science of sweets. "Everything turns out right when the humidity is down and the weather is cool," she says, assuring us that winter is the prime season for candy-making. We're particularly loving these popcorn stars that make for charming edible ornaments-that is, if they ever make it to the tree.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

Ingredients

1 cup sugar
1/3 cup light corn syrup
1/3 cup water
2 Tbsp. butter
1/4 tsp. salt
1 tsp. vanilla
8 cups popped corn
1/3 cup red and/or green nonpareils
1/4 cup cinnamon candies

Directions

1. Step 1Combine sugar and next 3 ingredients in a heavy sauce pan. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring often, until butter melts and sugar dissolves. Increase heat to medium; bring to a boil. Cook, without stirring, until candy thermometer registers 255°F.
2. Step 2Remove from heat; stir in salt and vanilla. Quickly pour mixture over popcorn; toss gently to coat. Add nonpareils, tossing gently to combine.
3. Step 3Moisten or grease hands. Working quickly, press the mixture into 5-inch star-shaped cookie cutter. If candied corn becomes too hard to shape, place in a warm (200°F) oven for a few minutes to soften.