Caramel Nut-Chocolate Popcorn Cones

Name: Caramel Nut-Chocolate Popcorn Cones
Prep time: 60 min
Total time: 60 min
Yield: 1 dozen.
Ingredients: ICE CREAM CONES:; 1 cup (6 ounces) semisweet chocolate chips; 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream; 12 ice cream sugar cones; CARAMEL CORN:; 7 cups air-popped popcorn; 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips; 1/4 cup chopped pecans; 25 caramels; 2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream; 1/8 teaspoon salt; TOPPING:; 5 caramels; 2 teaspoons heavy whipping cream, divided; 1/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips; 1/4 cup chopped pecans

These adorable treats were inspired by the chocolate-covered ice cream cones I used when I was little. These cone are even better since there is no melting or dripping! They'll go fast at bake sales. —Julie Beckwith, Crete, Illinois

Ingredients

ICE CREAM CONES:
1 cup (6 ounces) semisweet chocolate chips
1/4 cup heavy whipping cream
12 ice cream sugar cones
CARAMEL CORN:
7 cups air-popped popcorn
1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
1/4 cup chopped pecans
25 caramels
2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
1/8 teaspoon salt
TOPPING:
5 caramels
2 teaspoons heavy whipping cream, divided
1/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips
1/4 cup chopped pecans

Directions

Tightly cover a large roasting pan that is at least 3 in. deep with two layers of heavy-duty foil. Poke 12 holes, about 2 in. apart, in the foil to hold ice cream cones; set aside.
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt chocolate chips and cream; stir until smooth. Spoon about 2 teaspoons inside each cone, turning to coat. Dip rims of cones into chocolate, allowing excess chocolate to drip into bowl. Place cones in prepared pan. Let stand until chocolate is set.
Meanwhile, place the popcorn, chocolate chips and pecans in a large bowl; set aside.
In a microwave, melt the caramels, cream and salt on high for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally until smooth. Pour over popcorn mixture and toss to coat.
Using lightly greased hands, fill cones with popcorn mixture. Shape popcorn into a 2-in.-diameter ball on top of cones, pressing down until popcorn mixture is firmly attached to cones.
For topping, place caramels and 1 teaspoon cream in a small microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high at 20-second intervals until caramels are melted; stir until smooth. Drizzle over cones.
Microwave chocolate chips and remaining cream until smooth. Drizzle over cones. Immediately sprinkle with pecans. Let stand until set. Place in bags and fasten with twist ties or ribbon if desired.

Nutrition Facts

1 cone with about 1/2 cup popcorn mixture: 335 calories, 17g fat (7g saturated fat), 13mg cholesterol, 125mg sodium, 48g carbohydrate (33g sugars, 3g fiber), 4g protein.

Originally published as Chocolate-Caramel Nut Popcorn Cones in Taste of Home A+ Recipes from Schools Across America RTL 2013