Cinnamon Candy Popcorn
Sweet and spicy cinnamon candy popcorn combines crunchy popcorn with a glossy red hot candy coating, perfect for parties, movie nights, or festive gatherings seeking bold flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place popcorn in a large bowl and set aside.
- In a saucepan, combine butter, corn syrup, and red hot candies.
- Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly.
- Boil for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Pour the hot mixture over the popcorn and mix thoroughly.
- Turn the coated popcorn into 2 greased 15 x 10 x 1-inch baking pans.
- Bake at 250°F for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes.
- Remove from pans and place on waxed paper to cool.
- Break apart and store in airtight containers.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist on flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of sea salt or a dash of cayenne pepper to the popcorn before coating. If you don’t have red hot candies, try using cinnamon candies instead. Ensure the popcorn is completely popped and free of unpopped kernels to avoid any crunch surprises. Stir the mixture quickly over heat to prevent burning.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Cinnamon Candy Popcorn as a festive snack at holiday gatherings or movie nights. It pairs beautifully with a bowl of popcorn from Marie'S Blueberry Muffins for a sweet and savory treat. Consider packaging it in cellophane bags as a fun party favor or gift for friends.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Cinnamon Candy Popcorn in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. To refresh the popcorn, you can briefly reheat it in the oven at 200°F for about 5-10 minutes, which will restore its crispness. Avoid refrigerating, as this can make the popcorn chewy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cinnamon Candy Popcorn contains roughly 1402 calories, with 32g protein, 195g carbohydrates, and 56g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (127% of the Daily Value), protein (63% of the Daily Value), and iron (32% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1225mg per serving (53% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of popcorn for this recipe?
Yes, you can use any type of popped popcorn, including flavored varieties. Just keep in mind that if you choose a savory popcorn, it might alter the overall taste of the candy coating. Air-popped popcorn works best for a light and fluffy texture.
What can I do if the candy coating is too thick?
If the candy coating seems too thick when pouring over the popcorn, you can add a tablespoon of water or an extra teaspoon of corn syrup to thin it out. Stir well to combine, ensuring that the coating remains smooth and easy to pour.
Is there a way to make this recipe more festive?
Absolutely! For a more festive look, consider adding edible glitter or colored sprinkles after coating the popcorn. You can also mix in some seasonal candies like M&Ms or chocolate-covered pretzels for added texture and flavor.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).