15-Minute Churro Style Caramel Corn

Prep: 10 minCook: 5 min6 servingsmediumAmerican
Churro Style Caramel Corn with Cinnamon and Brown Sugar

This sweet and crunchy caramel corn captures the warm, spiced flavors of churros with a rich brown butter caramel coating and aromatic cinnamon. The butter is cooked until golden, then combined with dark brown sugar to create a deep, complex caramel that coats each kernel of popcorn. Perfect for movie nights, parties, or as a homemade gift, this treat offers the nostalgic appeal of carnival-style caramel corn with the beloved taste of the classic Spanish pastry.

VegetarianGluten-FreeNut-Free

Ingredients

6 servings
  • 3 ¼ ounce microwave popcorn, bag
    air-popped kernels1:1

    fresher taste

  • 9 cups popped popcorn, alternative(optional)
  • 2 sticks salted butter
    unsalted butter1:1

    reduce salt elsewhere

    Full guide →
  • 1 cup dark brown sugar, packed
    light brown sugar1:1

    lighter flavor

    Full guide →
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

  1. 1

    Pop popcorn according to package directions and remove all unpopped kernels

  2. 2

    Transfer popped corn to a large mixing bowl

  3. 3

    Place butter in a large saucepan over medium low heat and stir until melted

  4. 4

    Add brown sugar and stir continuously until mixture starts to boil

  5. 5

    Once boiling starts, stop stirring and let boil for 4 minutes

  6. 6

    Remove from heat and add baking soda, vanilla and cinnamon

  7. 7

    Stir continuously for another minute

  8. 8

    Pour caramel mixture over popped popcorn and stir to coat all pieces

  9. 9

    Transfer to a large baking sheet to cool

  10. 10

    Serve room temperature in a large serving bowl or individual bags

Tips

Tip 1

Remove all unpopped kernels before coating to prevent breaking teeth and ensure even caramel distribution.

Tip 2

Stop stirring once the caramel begins boiling to prevent crystallization and achieve smooth texture.

Tip 3

Work quickly when adding the caramel to popcorn as it will begin to harden as it cools.

Good to Know

Storage

Store in airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week

Make Ahead

Can be made up to 3 days ahead and stored in airtight container

Serve With

Serve at room temperature for best texture and flavor

Common Mistakes

Watch

Do not stir caramel while boiling to avoid crystallization

Watch

Work quickly when coating popcorn to prevent caramel from hardening

Substitutions

salted butter→
unsalted butter1:1

reduce salt elsewhere

Full guide →
dark brown sugar→
light brown sugar1:1

lighter flavor

Full guide →
microwave popcorn→
air-popped kernels1:1

fresher taste

Find more substitutions →

FAQ

Can I use light brown sugar instead of dark?

Yes, light brown sugar works but will produce a milder molasses flavor compared to the deeper taste of dark brown sugar.

How long does this caramel corn keep?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week for best crispness and flavor.

What if my caramel crystallizes while cooking?

Start over as crystallized caramel will not coat properly. Avoid stirring once boiling begins to prevent this.