Red Hot Cinnamon Popcorn

I’m diving into one of those irresistible snacks that instantly takes me back to childhood fairs and funfairs – Red Hot Cinnamon Popcorn. We’re talking crispy, sweet, with that fiery cinnamon kick that makes your mouth do a little happy dance. It’s the kind of treat that’s perfect for cozy movie nights or bringing just the right amount of nostalgia to your get-togethers. It’s not just popcorn; it’s an experience.

Oh, my family goes absolutely nuts for this stuff. My husband, bless him, can demolish a whole batch in one sitting. He claims it’s practicing for some competitive popcorn eating contest, but I know it’s because it’s just that dang good. Our weekend tradition has slowly evolved to make big bowls of this spicy-sweet delight, and the moment you get that waft of cinnamon, it’s like a siren call in this house. Even the dog starts hanging around the kitchen, hoping for a crumb miracle.

How to Make It

You start with your popped popcorn. Nice and simple. Getting the corn evenly popped is always a gamble with my ancient stovetop pot – if only I could fit an air popper between my various coffee gadgets. Heat up the Red Hots with some butter in a saucepan until it’s melted and resembles this spicy red lava. Pour this mix over your popcorn, stirring like you mean it (and praying for even coverage). It’ll take a bit to dry, but once it does, oh boy, you’ll find friends and family suddenly dropping by unannounced.

✔Ingredient Notes

– Popcorn Kernels: I swear by the classic yellow, but really, any kind works as long as you don’t leave half un-popped.
– Red Hot Candies: These are the heart and soul… or should I say, tongue burner of the dish.
– Butter: Real butter, please. The kind that makes you feel slightly guilty (in the best way).

✔Recipe Steps

1. Pop your corn kernels until fluffy and beautiful.
2. Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
3. Add Red Hots and stir until fully melted.
4. Pour the hot, cinnamon-y mix over the popcorn.
5. Stir well to coat every glorious piece.
6. Let it cool until the candy coating hardens a bit, then dig in.

What to Serve It With

✔Tips & Mistakes

✔Storage Tips

If by some miracle you don’t finish it all, just toss the leftovers in an airtight container. It should keep for a few days, but good luck resisting! Cold is decent, but seriously, it’s the perfect breakfast snack if you ask me – popcorn’s basically a cereal, right?

✔Variations and Substitutions

You can try using honey or maple syrup instead of the candies, but it won’t really be the same fiery fun. If you find yourself short on butter, margarine is a super meh substitute, promised to disappoint slightly but will still get the job done.

Frequently Asked Questions

Red Hot Cinnamon Popcorn

This spicy and sweet Red Hot Cinnamon Popcorn is perfect for movie nights or festive gatherings. A crunchy snack with a fiery cinnamon kick!

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Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 5 minutes minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes minutes

Servings: 6

Calories: 120kcal

Ingredients

 

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Main Ingredients

• ▢ 10 cups popped popcorn
• ▢ 1.5 cups granulated sugar
• ▢ 0.5 cup red hot cinnamon candies crushed
• ▢ 0.25 cup unsalted butter melted
• ▢ 0.5 teaspoon cinnamon
• ▢ 0.25 teaspoon salt

Instructions

Preparation Steps

• Preheat oven to 250°F (120°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Stir in sugar, crushed cinnamon candies, cinnamon, and salt until fully combined and smooth.
• Pour the hot mixture over the popped popcorn and stir to coat evenly.
• Spread the coated popcorn evenly onto the prepared baking sheet.
• Bake for 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes to prevent burning.
• Remove from oven and let cool completely before serving.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container to maintain crispness. Perfect as a holiday snack or party treat!