If you're craving a snack that strikes the perfect balance between spicy and sweet, this Cinnamon Candy Popcorn Recipe is about to become your new favorite. Imagine crispy popcorn coated in a buttery, cinnamon-spiced candy shell, all drizzled with luscious white chocolate—it's party-time happiness in every bite!

A close-up view of freshly popped white popcorn being covered with a thick, bright red sauce that is poured from a red ladle. The popcorn fills the bottom layer, with the red sauce flowing generously over it, creating a shiny and smooth texture contrast against the fluffy popcorn. The background features a white marbled texture that softly reflects light. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Cinnamon Candy Popcorn Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Cinnamon Candy Popcorn Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Cinnamon Candy Popcorn Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I honestly can’t get enough of this cinnamony popcorn. Every time I make it, friends ask for the recipe, and it’s perfect whether you're binge-watching your favorite show or need a snack that wows at parties.

Deliciously Bold Flavor: The spicy sweetness from Red Hots candies creates a unique and addictive taste.
Perfect Crunch: The popcorn stays crisp thanks to careful baking and coating techniques.
Eye-Catching Presentation: The drizzle of white chocolate and red sprinkles makes it look as good as it tastes.
Quick and Fun to Make: With just about an hour from start to finish, it’s a snack you can whip up anytime.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Before you dive in, gather all your ingredients and a good baking sheet lined with parchment paper—this recipe’s success hinges on using the right candy and popcorn for that perfect crunch and cinnamon kick.

Flat lay of popped popcorn kernels, a stick of fresh butter, a small white bowl of granulated sugar, a small white bowl of light golden corn syrup, a small white bowl filled with vibrant red cinnamon candies (Red Hots), a small white bowl with fine salt, a small white bowl of white baking soda powder, a small white bowl of glossy white chocolate chips, and a small white bowl of bright red sprinkles, all arranged symmetrically on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Popped popcorn: Use plain, air-popped or lightly salted popcorn for the best canvas to coat the candy mixture.
Butter: Adds richness and helps dissolve the sugar into the perfect candy coating.
Sugar: Sweetens and helps form that crispy shell on the popcorn.
Light corn syrup: Keeps the candy coating smooth and prevents crystallization.
Red Hots candies: The star ingredient! Their cinnamon flavor infuses the popcorn with spicy sweetness.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances depth of flavor.
Baking soda: Creates tiny bubbles in the candy coating for a lighter texture.
White chocolate chips: Melted and drizzled for a creamy finish that complements the cinnamon spice.
Red sprinkles: Adds festive color and a little extra crunch to the final touch.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the best parts about this Cinnamon Candy Popcorn Recipe is how easily you can tailor it to suit your tastes or the occasion. Whether you want it sweeter, spicier, or even a bit more festive, there’s room to get creative!

Variation: I once added a pinch of cayenne pepper to the candy coating for an extra kick—it gave the popcorn a surprisingly delightful heat that balanced perfectly with the sweetness.
Diet-Friendly Option: Swap the white chocolate chips for dairy-free white candy melts or use a sugar substitute to make it vegan or lower in sugar without sacrificing the fun flavor.
Seasonal Twist: During the holidays, try stirring some crushed candy canes into the mixture alongside Red Hots for a minty cinnamon combo that screams festive cheer.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Cinnamon Candy Popcorn Recipe

A bright red bowl filled with popcorn covered in red candy coating, white drizzled glaze, and topped with small red candy pieces and white candy chips scattered throughout. The popcorn pieces are glossy and clustered, showing various textures from smooth candy coating to crunchy popcorn. Some popcorn spills over around the bowl on a white marbled surface. The background includes a blurred box with red and orange colors. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Popcorn Canvas

Start by preheating your oven to a cozy 250° F—low and slow is the key here. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper, which is a lifesaver for easy cleanup and keeps your popcorn from sticking. Once your popcorn is popped and ready, spread a generous 8 cups in a single layer on the sheet. This ensures each kernel gets an even coat of that amazing cinnamon candy mixture later on.

Step 2: Craft the Cinnamon Candy Coating

Grab a medium saucepan and melt ½ cup of butter over medium heat. Once melted, stir in ¼ teaspoon salt, 1 cup of Red Hots candies, ½ cup sugar, and ¼ cup light corn syrup. Keep whisking until the mixture comes to a boil and everything is beautifully combined. This is the stage where the kitchen fills with that irresistible spicy-sweet aroma. Take the pan off the heat and quickly stir in ½ teaspoon baking soda — it will cause the mixture to bubble up slightly, making the coating lighter and crispier.

Step 3: Coat & Toss the Popcorn

Working quickly while the candy mixture is still hot, pour it evenly over your popcorn spread on the baking sheet. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to gently toss and coat every piece — you want that spicy cinnamon magic to reach all corners. The warmth of the coating makes the popcorn wonderfully sticky but be careful not to crush the kernels!

Step 4: Bake and Give It a Good Toss

Pop your cinnamon-coated popcorn into the preheated oven for a relaxing 30 minutes to let the candy set perfectly. Halfway through, remove it to toss the popcorn gently again — this helps ensure each kernel stays gloriously coated. Once baked, allow it to cool slightly before moving on to the finishing touches.

Step 5: Melt and Drizzle the White Chocolate

Melt ½ cup of white chocolate chips in the microwave, following the package instructions carefully. Stop and stir every 15-20 seconds to prevent burning and to achieve a silky smooth texture. Drizzle the glossy white chocolate over your popcorn, adding a touch of creamy sweetness that pairs beautifully with the spicy cinnamon coating.

Step 6: Decorate and Finish with Flair

While the white chocolate is still soft, sprinkle ⅓ cup of Red Hots candies, ¼ cup of white chocolate chips, and some vibrant red sprinkles over the top. This final flourish not only amps up the visual appeal but also adds extra bursts of cinnamon candy and delightful crunch. Let everything set before breaking into your irresistible snack.

Top Tip

Getting the perfect spicy-sweet balance and that irresistible crunchy coating takes a few extra tricks. These tips will help you nail the Cinnamon Candy Popcorn Recipe every time, making your snack both flavorful and fabulous.

Use Parchment Paper: Lining your baking sheet not only prevents sticking but makes cleanup a breeze—trust me, the candy coating can get sticky fast!
Work Quickly When Coating: The candy mixture hardens fast, so pour it over the popcorn and toss promptly to ensure every kernel gets that perfect cinnamon candy hug.
Even Tossing Is Key: Give your popcorn a good toss halfway through baking to get an even coat and avoid clumps—this little step makes a big difference.
Don’t Skip the Baking Soda: Stirring it in right off the heat puffs up the candy for a lighter texture, which I learned only after a few sticky batches!

How to Serve Cinnamon Candy Popcorn Recipe

The left side shows a small silver pot filled with a bright, glossy red sauce with a soft, slightly bubbly texture, and a silver whisk inside it. The pot sits on a square brown cork mat on a white marbled surface, with a bit of liquid spilled next to it. On the top left corner, there is a white bowl partially visible, filled with plain white popcorn. The right side features a white baking tray filled with popcorn covered in a shiny, thick red coating, with a black spatula resting on top, smeared with the red sauce. The popcorn shows some white peeking through the red layer, and the baking tray sits on the same white marbled surface with the brown cork mat underneath. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate your Cinnamon Candy Popcorn, consider adding a sprinkle of crushed cinnamon sticks or a pinch of edible glitter for a festive touch. Fresh mint leaves can add a pop of green, balancing the fiery reds. Serving in colorful bowls or festive party cones turns this treat into a conversation starter.

Side Dishes

This spicy-sweet popcorn pairs wonderfully with rich, creamy dips like vanilla yogurt or chocolate fondue. For a savory contrast, try it alongside a cheese platter — sharp cheddar or creamy brie complements the cinnamon heat beautifully. It’s also a fantastic snack to round out movie nights or holiday gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your leftover Cinnamon Candy Popcorn in an airtight container at room temperature to keep it crisp and fresh. It will stay delicious for up to 3 days, perfect for snacking over a few days without losing that crunch or spice.

Freezing

If you want to keep this treat longer, you can freeze the popcorn in a tightly sealed freezer bag. When properly stored, it can last for up to one month without sacrificing texture or flavor. Just be sure to thaw it at room temperature to avoid condensation making it soggy.

Reheating

To revive that fresh-baked crispness, simply spread the popcorn on a baking sheet and warm it in a 250° F oven for 5–7 minutes. This step refreshes the coating’s crunch without melting the white chocolate drizzle or burning the candy glaze.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of candy besides Red Hots for the cinnamon flavor?

While Red Hots are key for their distinctive cinnamon kick, you can substitute with other cinnamon-flavored candies if needed. Just make sure they melt well and won’t alter the texture drastically.

Why do I need to toss the popcorn halfway through baking?

Tossing the popcorn during baking ensures the cinnamon candy coating distributes evenly. It helps avoid uneven clumps and guarantees each bite has that perfect balance of spice and sweetness.

What’s the purpose of the baking soda in the candy coating?

Adding baking soda creates tiny air bubbles in the hot candy mixture, giving the coating a lighter, less dense texture. This makes the popcorn crispier and less sticky.

Can I make this Cinnamon Candy Popcorn Recipe vegan or dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative like coconut oil or vegan margarine, and use dairy-free white chocolate chips or candy melts. Keep an eye on ingredient labels to ensure all components fit your dietary preferences.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about the way spicy cinnamon Red Hots transform simple popcorn into a festive, flavorful treat. This Cinnamon Candy Popcorn Recipe offers the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, creamy, and crunchy—a snack that’s as fun to make as it is to share. Whether you’re celebrating a holiday, hosting a party, or just craving a cozy night in, this recipe is bound to brighten your day and warm your taste buds. Happy snacking!