Best Candy Bar Popcorn Recipes

Candy Bar Popcorn Balls image

Provided by Kardea Brown

Categories dessert

Time 2h50m

Yield 12 popcorn balls

Number Of Ingredients 13

1 stick (8 tablespoons) unsalted butter
1/2 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup light corn syrup
1 cup sweetened condensed milk
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
18 cups popped salted popcorn (start with 2/3 cup kernels)
Nonstick cooking spray, for greasing hands
Two 12-ounce packages milk chocolate chips
2 tablespoons coconut oil or shortening
1 1/2 cups crushed salted dry-roasted peanuts
Additional optional toppings: crushed buttery finger candy bars, chopped toffee, crushed Oreos

Steps:

Combine the butter, light brown sugar, granulated sugar and corn syrup in a medium heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a boil and cook to 240 degrees F (hard ball stage), about 11 minutes. Stir in the sweetened condensed milk and salt and boil 1 minute more. Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla.
Pour the caramel over the popcorn in a large bowl and stir to coat evenly. Shape into 12 balls using buttered or greased hands.
Combine the chocolate chips and coconut oil in a small microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high in 30-second intervals until melted. Place the peanuts in a shallow dish. Dip the popcorn balls halfway into the chocolate, then dip in the crushed peanuts (or other toppings). Remove to a parchment paper-lined baking sheet to harden, about 2 hours.

Popcorn and Candy Cookie Bars image

Provided by Cheri Liefeld

Categories Snack

Time 2h

Yield 12

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 roll (16.5 oz) refrigerated sugar cookie dough
2 cups sugar
1/2 cup water
1 teaspoon kosher (coarse) salt
2/3 cup whipping cream
6 cups popped popcorn
2 cups pretzel sticks, broken into pieces
2 cups candy-coated milk chocolate candies
1 cup salted peanuts
Additional kosher (coarse) salt, if desired

Steps:

Heat oven to 350°F. Spray cookie sheet with cooking spray or line with cooking parchment paper. Press cookie dough on cookie sheet.
In large saucepan, heat sugar, water and 1 teaspoon salt to boiling over medium-high heat. Boil without stirring until mixture is amber in color, about 8 to 12 minutes. Remove from heat; slowly pour in whipping cream (mixture will sputter).
In large bowl, toss popcorn, pretzels, candies and peanuts. Drizzle with caramel mixture; stir until well coated. Firmly and evenly press mixture on cookie dough. Sprinkle with additional salt.
Bake 20 to 25 minutes or until cookie layer is baked. Cool completely. Cut into 4 rows by 3 rows.

Nutrition Facts : ServingSize 1 Bar