Name: Homemade Caramel Popcorn with Werther’s Chewy Caramels
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons butter; 3 tablespoons golden brown sugar; 1/4 cup mushroom popcorn kernels (popped); 1 tablespoon coconut oil; 12 Werther’s Original Chewy Caramels; 1/4 teaspoon baking soda

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Craving that perfect balance of sweet, buttery, and crunchy? This Homemade Caramel Popcorn with Werther’s Chewy Caramels is exactly what your snack game has been missing. It’s made with simple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry—yet tastes like it came straight from a gourmet popcorn shop.

By melting Werther’s Original Chewy Caramels with a bit of coconut oil and golden brown sugar, we create a rich, glossy caramel coating that hugs every popcorn kernel. The final touch? A short bake to crisp everything up—leaving you with a satisfying crunch and that nostalgic, buttery-toffee flavor in every bite.

This is a fun project for movie nights, gifting during the holidays, or just treating yourself with something extra special.

Homemade Caramel Popcorn with Werther’s Chewy Caramels

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Rich, Buttery Flavor: Werther’s caramels give the popcorn a deep, buttery sweetness with a hint of toffee.
Crunchy and Chewy: Thanks to the quick bake, it’s perfectly crisp yet melts in your mouth.
No Candy Thermometer Needed: This is caramel popcorn without the fuss.
Minimal Ingredients: Only six ingredients and a few steps to sweet success.
Customizable: Add chocolate drizzle, nuts, or sea salt for your own twist.

Ingredients

tip: you can find full ingredients and measurements list in the recipe card below

2 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons golden brown sugar
1/4 cup mushroom popcorn kernels
1 tablespoon coconut oil
12 Werther’s Original Chewy Caramels
1/4 teaspoon baking soda

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Sheet
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside. This will help prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.

Step 2: Melt Caramels in Coconut Oil
In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the coconut oil. Add in the Werther’s Chewy Caramels and stir constantly until smooth and fully melted.

Step 3: Add Butter, Sugar, and Baking Soda
Stir in the butter until completely melted. Then add golden brown sugar and baking soda. Continue stirring until the mixture is smooth, bubbly, and glossy.

Step 4: Coat the Popcorn and Bake
Place your popped mushroom popcorn kernels evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Pour the caramel mixture over the kernels and stir gently to coat them evenly.

Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes. This helps set the caramel and gives the popcorn a perfectly crisp finish.

Step 5: Cool and Enjoy
Remove from the oven and let cool completely. Once cooled, break apart and enjoy!

Variations

Sea Salt Caramel Popcorn: Sprinkle with flaky sea salt before baking for a salty-sweet bite.
Nutty Twist: Add chopped pecans or almonds before baking for extra crunch.
Chocolate Drizzle: Once cooled, drizzle with melted dark or white chocolate.
Spicy-Sweet: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the caramel mixture for a sweet heat combo.

Heating and Storage

Storage: Store cooled popcorn in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
Avoid Moisture: Keep away from humidity to preserve crispness.
Reheating: If the popcorn softens, reheat in a 300°F oven for 5–7 minutes to crisp it up.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use bagged popcorn instead of kernels?

Yes, but make sure it’s plain and unsalted so it doesn’t interfere with the caramel flavor.

What is “mushroom popcorn”?

Mushroom popcorn pops into round, compact balls—perfect for coating with caramel without breaking apart.

Can I use Werther’s hard caramels?

Stick with the chewy kind for easy melting and a smoother sauce. Hard caramels don’t melt evenly.

What does baking soda do in caramel?

It causes the caramel to foam slightly, making it lighter and easier to coat the popcorn evenly.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Use vegan butter and swap Werther’s for a plant-based chewy caramel alternative.

What can I substitute for coconut oil?

You can use butter or vegetable oil instead, but coconut oil adds a subtle flavor and smooth melt.

Do I need a candy thermometer?

Nope! This recipe is made without one. The short boil and bake do all the work.

Why bake the popcorn?

Baking helps the caramel harden and creates that satisfying crunch.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely! Use a larger baking sheet or two to make a bigger batch.

How do I keep it from sticking together?

Let it cool completely before storing, and break it into pieces as it hardens.

Conclusion

This Homemade Werther’s Caramel Popcorn brings together that nostalgic, melt-in-your-mouth caramel flavor with a fun crunch you’ll love. Whether you’re making snacks for a party, a movie marathon, or edible gifts during the holidays, this recipe delivers every time—with zero fuss and maximum reward.