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There is nothing quite like the smell of cinnamon buns baking, but when you do not have time for dough and rising, this cinnamon bun popcorn brings all those warm bakery flavors to your kitchen in under an hour. If you love popcorn with a twist and crave something cozy and sweet, this recipe is a game changer for movie nights or lazy Sundays.
I whipped this up on a snow day when we needed an extra treat to go with our movie marathon No one could stop grabbing handfuls and even my pickiest eater begged for seconds
Ingredients
- Butter: brings richness and helps the coating cling to the popcorn Look for high quality salted butter for fuller flavor
- Brown sugar: adds that signature caramel note Go for light or dark depending on your preference for depth
- Granulated sugar: brings lightness and balances out the brown sugar
- Light corn syrup: keeps the coating glossy and helps everything stick nicely Make sure it is clear and fresh
- Kosher salt: sharpens the sweetness and elevates the flavors Use flaky or fine salt if you prefer
- Ground cinnamon: is the star of this recipe Choose a fresh and fragrant jar for bold cinnamon bun flavor
- Baking soda: makes the coating lighter for that crisp bite Check your box for freshness
- Vanilla extract: pulls all the bakery notes together Real vanilla works best if you have it
- Mini marshmallows: give the popcorn a soft hint of chew Try to pick the freshest bag so they melt smoothly
- Plain popped popcorn: is your canvas Go for air popped or lightly salted just avoid flavored or buttered varieties for best texture
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat and Prep:
- Preheat your oven to 225 F and line a large rimmed cookie sheet with a silicone baking mat This keeps cleanup easy and stops the popcorn from sticking
- Make the Cinnamon Coating:
- Melt the butter in a large heavy bottom pot over medium heat let it get nice and bubbly but do not brown it Add the brown sugar granulated sugar light corn syrup and salt Stir everything together until it is well combined and turns glossy Keep the mixture over medium heat and bring it to a gentle boil
- Cook the Syrup:
- Once boiling stop stirring This is important as stirring can make the syrup crystallize Let it bubble for about 5 minutes If you are using a gas stove you might want to drop the heat to medium low so the sugar does not burn
- Add Flavorings:
- Quickly remove the pot from heat and immediately toss in the ground cinnamon baking soda vanilla extract and mini marshmallows The mixture may foam up and that is exactly what you want Stir vigorously until the marshmallows melt completely and you have a silky cinnamon syrup
- Coat the Popcorn:
- Spread the plain popped popcorn out onto your prepared baking sheet Pour the hot cinnamon syrup evenly over the popcorn Use a silicone spatula or big spoon to gently toss and coat all the kernels Try to be gentle so you do not crush the popcorn
- Bake and Stir:
- Slide the sheet into the oven Bake for 15 minutes then pull it out and give everything a good stir Do this again after another 15 minutes Then bake for an additional 5 to 10 minutes until it is dry to the touch and crisp
- Cool and Enjoy:
- Take the popcorn out of the oven and give it one last stir Leave it to cool completely on the sheet so it firms up and gets that classic crunch Enjoy right away or store in an airtight container
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My favorite part of making this snack is the cinnamon sticking to every corner of the popcorn I have such fond memories of baking with cinnamon for holidays and this treat always makes my kitchen smell just like those childhood mornings
Storage Tips
Cinnamon bun popcorn stays freshest when kept in an airtight tin or zip top bag at room temperature Avoid the fridge as cold can make it chewy Properly sealed it will stay crisp for up to a week though it usually disappears much faster
Ingredient Substitutions
You can use vegan butter or coconut oil for dairy free or plant based diets If you do not have corn syrup try using honey or golden syrup instead And if mini marshmallows are missing from your pantry toss in a handful of larger ones just cut them into small pieces first
Serving Suggestions
Pile this popcorn into bowls for family movie nights or wrap it up in clear bags to give as homemade holiday gifts It is also a fun treat for kids parties or baby showers Place in cupcake liners for easy portioning
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Cultural and Historical Context
Popcorn itself has deep roots in American food history dating back to Indigenous Peoples who first discovered its magical pop This sweet cinnamon twist brings bakery flavors to a classic snack making it truly an American fusion comfort food
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How do you prevent the coating from making popcorn soggy?
Bake the coated popcorn at a low temperature and stir several times. This helps dry out excess moisture and sets the coating for a crisp finish.
- → Can I use microwave popcorn instead of air-popped?
Yes, as long as it's plain and unsalted. Avoid heavily buttered or flavored varieties so the cinnamon mixture adheres well.
- → Is there a substitute for corn syrup?
You can use honey or golden syrup, though the texture and flavor may change slightly. Corn syrup ensures a smooth, glossy coating.
- → How long does the popcorn stay fresh?
Once cooled, store it in an airtight container at room temperature. It stays crunchy for up to a week.
- → Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?
Absolutely! Add toasted pecans, walnuts, or even white chocolate chips after baking for extra texture and flavor.