Cinnamon Roll Popcorn Recipe
Introduction
Cinnamon Bun Popcorn is a deliciously sweet and spiced snack that combines the warmth of cinnamon with the crunch of popcorn. It’s perfect for cozy nights or sharing at parties. This easy recipe delivers a treat reminiscent of your favorite cinnamon rolls in a fun, crunchy form.
Ingredients
- 8 cups popcorn (from about 1/4 cup unpopped kernels)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 3 tablespoons light brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
Instructions
- Step 1: On a baking sheet, toss the popcorn with the melted butter until evenly coated. Add the brown sugar and ground cinnamon, then toss again to distribute the spices evenly. Spread the coated popcorn in an even layer on the baking sheet.
- Step 2: In a glass measuring cup, whisk together the confectioners’ sugar with 1 1/2 teaspoons of water. Add more water in 1/2 teaspoon increments as needed until the glaze has a runny consistency similar to the icing on a cinnamon roll.
- Step 3: Drizzle the glaze evenly over the popcorn. Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator and chill for 20 to 25 minutes until the glaze has set.
Tips & Variations
- Use air-popped popcorn for a lighter snack and less oil.
- For an extra crunch, sprinkle chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts before drizzling the glaze.
- Adjust cinnamon to taste for a spicier or milder flavor.
- If you prefer a dairy-free version, substitute butter with coconut oil.
Storage
Store Cinnamon Bun Popcorn in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain its crispness. Avoid refrigerating, as this may cause the popcorn to become chewy. If the glaze softens, let popcorn sit at room temperature before serving to regain some crunch.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use microwave popcorn for this recipe?
Yes, but be sure to use plain, unsalted, and unbuttered popcorn to control the flavor and texture when adding your own butter and cinnamon sugar glaze.
How do I make sure the glaze coats the popcorn evenly?
Drizzle the glaze slowly and spread the popcorn gently with a spatula if needed. Tossing the popcorn lightly before chilling helps distribute the glaze evenly as it sets.
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Cinnamon Roll Popcorn Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: Approximately 8 cups 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Cinnamon Bun Popcorn recipe offers a delightful twist on traditional popcorn by coating it with a warm cinnamon-sugar mixture and a sweet glaze reminiscent of classic cinnamon buns. Perfect for snack time or a cozy movie night treat, it combines the crunch of popcorn with the comforting flavors of cinnamon, brown sugar, and a sweet confectioners’ sugar glaze.
Ingredients
Popcorn Base
- 8 cups popcorn (about 1/4 cup unpopped kernels)
Coating
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 3 tablespoons light brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Glaze
- 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
- 1 1/2 to 2 teaspoons water (adjust for glaze consistency)
Instructions
- Toss Popcorn with Butter and Spices: On a large baking sheet, combine the popped popcorn and melted butter. Sprinkle the light brown sugar and ground cinnamon over the mixture, tossing everything well to ensure each popcorn kernel is evenly coated. Spread the coated popcorn evenly across the baking sheet.
- Prepare the Glaze: In a glass measuring cup or small bowl, whisk the confectioners’ sugar together with 1 1/2 teaspoons of water. Gradually add more water, about 1/2 teaspoon at a time, whisking continuously until the glaze reaches a consistency similar to a cinnamon roll glaze—smooth and slightly runny.
- Drizzle and Set: Drizzle the prepared glaze evenly over the cinnamon-coated popcorn on the baking sheet. Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator and chill for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the glaze sets completely and holds the popcorn pieces together lightly.
Notes
- For best results, use freshly popped popcorn that is still warm to better absorb the butter and sugar mixture.
- You can adjust the cinnamon quantity to your taste preference for a stronger or milder spice flavor.
- If you prefer a crunchier texture, spread the popcorn thinly and avoid overcrowding on the baking sheet.
- Store leftover popcorn in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain crispness.
- To make this recipe vegan, substitute butter with a plant-based alternative.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes (popcorn assumed pre-popped)
- Category: Snack
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Cinnamon Bun Popcorn, sweet popcorn, cinnamon sugar popcorn, popcorn glaze, snack recipe, easy popcorn recipe
