Easter is done and there’s a ton of goodies to eat. So, this is something I’m making from my pile of bank holiday weekend leftovers (can I also just take this moment to say, how is it already nearing the end of April?!!)
Anyway, I’m a massive fan of a mixed salt and sweet treat (chocolate covered pretzels: HEAVEN) Also, ever in a conundrum as So, combining the salty popcorn with the super-sweet-childhood-favourite ‘Smarties’ is idyllic, in my opinion. However, if you’re not a salt/sweet treat fan, you can always use sweet popcorn OR if you have left over mini eggs, M and M’s, skittles, these will work too!
Ingredients
1 packet of microwave popcorn, 100g (salty in my opinion, sweet if you desire)
270g plain flour
1 tsp bicarbonate of soda
1/2 tsp baking powder
100g unsalted butter
75g oil (sunflower, veg or light olive)
150g soft light brown sugar
40g caster sugar
1 egg
4 packets smarties (about 145g)
Baking sheets, lined and greased
Preheat the oven 180oC
Makes about 22
1) Microwave your popcorn as per instructions on the packet (you can pop your own corn, which is desirable, but I was lazy, see how you feel)
2) In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, bicarbonate of soda and baking powder. Set aside.
3) In a large bowl whisk together the butter, oil, light brown sugar and caster sugar until pale and fluffy. Then add the egg and whisk again until all combined.
4) Pour half the flour mixture into the butter/sugar mixture bowl and fold together until only just combined, then add the remaining flour and repeat. Do not over mix.
5) Add the popcorn and about half of the smarties and mix together until evenly dispersed. (Probably best doing this with your hands, the popcorn can be a bit of a nightmare)
6) Use your hands again to roll the batter into golf sized balls. Place on the baking tray and press down gently, making sure they’re not too flat. Stick 3 or 4 smarties on top. These cookies spread, so leave enough room for them to grow. Place in the oven for 12-13 mins, they will still be light in colour, browning a tiny bit round the edges.
7) Leave to cool on the baking sheet and then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely (if you can wait that long)
