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Pumpkin Spice Popcorn

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This cozy pumpkin spice popcorn recipe transforms simple ingredients into a sweet, spiced, and aromatic snack perfect for fall movie nights, gatherings, or lunchbox treats. Quick to make and endlessly adaptable, it’s a crowd-pleaser that brings autumn comfort to every bowl.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1/2 cup popcorn kernels (about 110g)
  • 2 tablespoons neutral oil (canola, grapeseed, or coconut oil)
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (or vegan butter/coconut oil for dairy-free)
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar (light or dark)
  • 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
  • Optional: 1/3 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
  • Optional: 1/4 cup white chocolate chips
  • Optional: 2 tablespoons dried cranberries
  • Optional: 1 tablespoon maple syrup

Instructions

  1. Add 2 tablespoons neutral oil to a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Drop in 2-3 kernels and cover. When they pop, add 1/2 cup popcorn kernels, cover, and shake to coat. Continue cooking, shaking occasionally, until popping slows to 2-3 seconds between pops (about 3-5 minutes). Remove from heat immediately.
  2. Pour popcorn into a large mixing bowl. Gently shake or scoop out any unpopped kernels.
  3. Melt 3 tablespoons unsalted butter in a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl. Stir in brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice, ground cinnamon, salt, and vanilla extract (if using). Whisk until smooth and sugar is mostly dissolved.
  4. Slowly drizzle the spiced butter mixture over the popcorn while tossing or stirring constantly to coat evenly. Do this in batches for best coverage. Add any mix-ins like nuts or cranberries now so they stick to the coating.
  5. For crunchier popcorn, spread the coated popcorn onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 300°F (150°C) for 8-10 minutes, stirring once halfway. Let cool completely.
  6. Let the popcorn cool in the bowl or on the baking sheet for 10 minutes. Serve and enjoy.

Notes

For best results, drizzle the spiced butter slowly and toss constantly for even coating. Crisp in the oven for extra crunch, but watch closely to avoid burning. Add-ins like nuts, chocolate, or dried fruit can be mixed in after coating. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. For vegan or dairy-free, use coconut oil or vegan butter. Always check your pumpkin pie spice blend for gluten if needed.

Nutrition

Keywords: pumpkin spice popcorn, fall snack, cozy snack, movie night popcorn, gluten-free popcorn, vegan popcorn, autumn recipe, sweet popcorn, spiced popcorn, easy popcorn recipe

Find it online: https://chrisfeasts.com/pumpkin-spice-popcorn-recipe-easy-cozy-snack-for-fall-nights/