Description
This Cinnamon Popcorn recipe combines the warm, cozy flavors of cinnamon and caramel with crunchy popcorn for a delightful sweet snack. Perfect for holiday treats or anytime you crave a deliciously spiced popcorn, it features a buttery cinnamon caramel coating baked to crisp perfection.
Ingredients
Popcorn
- 8 cups plain popped popcorn
Cinnamon Caramel Sauce
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup light corn syrup
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare: Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and allow easy cleanup.
- Place popcorn in bowl: Transfer the 8 cups of plain popped popcorn into a large mixing bowl, ready to be coated with caramel.
- Make the cinnamon caramel: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the 1/4 cup unsalted butter. Stir in 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1/4 cup light corn syrup, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil while stirring constantly to dissolve the sugar and blend flavors.
- Boil then add finishing ingredients: Once boiling, stop stirring and let the caramel cook undisturbed for 3 to 4 minutes to thicken. Remove from heat and immediately stir in 1/4 teaspoon baking soda and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; the mixture will bubble up slightly, creating a lighter caramel texture.
- Coat the popcorn: Quickly pour the cinnamon caramel over the popcorn and toss gently but thoroughly to coat every piece evenly before it hardens.
- Bake the popcorn: Spread the coated popcorn in an even layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes to ensure even coating and crispness.
- Cool and serve: Remove the popcorn from the oven and let it cool completely on the baking sheet. Once cooled, break into pieces and serve immediately or store in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Notes
- Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the caramel sauce for a sweet-spicy kick.
- Drizzle with melted white chocolate after baking for a decadent dessert-style treat.
- Store popcorn in an airtight container to keep it fresh and crunchy for several days.