Name: Red Hot Cinnamon Popcorn Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3.3 ounce bag plain microwave popcorn, popped (about 6-7 cups popped popcorn); 1/4 cup butter; 9 ounces red cinnamon imperial candies (Red Hots); 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1/4 cup light corn syrup; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon extract (optional)

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Introduction

Red Hot Cinnamon Popcorn is a fun and spicy twist on a classic snack. Coated in a sweet and fiery cinnamon glaze, this popcorn is perfect for movie nights or holiday treats. It’s easy to prepare and delivers a delightful crunchy sweetness with a kick.

A close-up of a pile of bright red candied popcorn filling a white bowl with a textured interior. Each popcorn piece is fully coated with glossy red candy, showing some white and yellow popcorn kernels peeking through the coating. A few candied popcorn pieces spill out from the bowl onto a wooden surface, all set against a white marbled background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

3.3 ounce bag plain microwave popcorn, popped (about 6-7 cups popped popcorn)
1/4 cup butter
9 ounces red cinnamon imperial candies (Red Hots)
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup light corn syrup
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon extract (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 225°F (107°C). Lightly butter a roasting pan and spread the popped popcorn evenly inside. Place the pan in the oven to gently warm the popcorn while you prepare the cinnamon syrup.
Step 2: In a heavy saucepan, melt the butter most of the way. Add the Red Hots, granulated sugar, corn syrup, and salt. Bring the mixture to a boil, then let it boil for 5 minutes without stirring.
Step 3: Remove the pan from heat. Carefully stir in the baking soda and cinnamon extract if using. The mixture will foam slightly.
Step 4: Quickly pour the hot syrup over the warm popcorn. Stir well to evenly coat all the popcorn pieces.
Step 5: Bake the coated popcorn in the oven for 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes to prevent clumping.
Step 6: Remove from the oven and give the popcorn a final stir. Let it cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, break into pieces and transfer to an airtight container for storage.

Tips & Variations

For a milder cinnamon flavor, reduce the amount of Red Hots or omit the cinnamon extract.
If you prefer a crunchier texture, bake the popcorn a little longer but watch carefully to avoid burning.
Try adding chopped nuts like pecans or almonds for extra texture and flavor.
Use homemade popped popcorn instead of microwave if preferred, just be sure to measure about 6-7 cups.

Storage

Store the cooled Red Hot Cinnamon Popcorn in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay fresh for up to one week. To refresh the crunch, spread the popcorn on a baking sheet and warm it in a 250°F oven for 5-10 minutes before serving.

How to Serve

A white bowl filled with bright red popcorn coated in a shiny, sticky glaze, making each popcorn piece look glossy and textured; the popcorn pieces are piled high in the bowl, with some scattered small round red candies on the white marbled surface around the bowl. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cinnamon candy?

Yes, you can substitute Red Hots with other cinnamon-flavored candies, but the final flavor and color may vary slightly. Avoid candies that melt into a very thick syrup, as this can affect coating texture.

Is the cinnamon extract necessary?

No, the cinnamon extract is optional. It adds an extra layer of cinnamon flavor but the Red Hots provide plenty of spice and sweetness on their own.