Cinnamon Roll Popcorn Recipe

If you’ve ever craved the cozy, sweet comfort of a cinnamon roll but wanted something a bit more snackable, this Cinnamon Roll Popcorn Recipe is an absolute game-changer. It’s that perfect mix of buttery, cinnamon-spiced goodness with a sweet glaze that just melts into the popcorn, making every bite feel like a little celebration.

I love this recipe because it’s quick, easy, and perfect for those cozy movie nights or casual get-togethers. You’ll find that it’s a crowd-pleaser no matter the occasion — plus, making it at home means you can control the sweetness and spice perfectly to your taste.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Cinnamon Roll Popcorn Recipe comes down to a few simple ingredients that work together beautifully. I recommend using fresh popcorn and quality butter for the best flavor.

• Popcorn: Using about 1/4 cup of unpopped kernels yields enough popcorn for this snack, and you can use an air popper or stove method—whichever you prefer!
• Unsalted Butter: Melted butter absorbs best and lets you control the saltiness perfectly.
• Light Brown Sugar: This gives that lovely molasses hint, key for that cinnamon roll vibe.
• Ground Cinnamon: Fresh, fragrant cinnamon is what makes this recipe sing—don’t skip it!
• Confectioners’ Sugar: This is mixed into the glaze, offering smooth sweetness and that sticky finish.
• Water: Just a little to thin out the glaze to the right consistency.

Variations

One of the things I love about this Cinnamon Roll Popcorn Recipe is how easy it is to tweak to your own liking. I often switch up the glaze or add extras to keep things interesting.

• Maple Glaze Variation: I sometimes swap the water with pure maple syrup for a richer, deeper flavor my family adores.
• Spiced Up: Adding a pinch of nutmeg or clove intensifies the cinnamon roll flavor and makes it even cozier.
• Nutty Twist: For crunch and extra flavor, sprinkle in toasted pecans or walnuts after glazing.
• Vegan-Friendly: Use coconut oil instead of butter and a powdered sugar blend that’s vegan-certified to cater to plant-based diets.

How to Make Cinnamon Roll Popcorn Recipe

Step 1: Pop and Prep Your Popcorn

First things first, pop your kernels using your preferred method—an air popper works beautifully, but stovetop popping with a bit of oil is great too. Once popcorn is ready, spread it on a large baking sheet to cool slightly. This makes sure the glaze won’t make everything soggy later.

Step 2: Toss with Butter, Brown Sugar, and Cinnamon

Drizzle the melted unsalted butter over the popcorn, then sprinkle the brown sugar and cinnamon evenly. Use a spatula or your hands to toss everything gently but thoroughly—this ensures every kernel is coated in that warm cinnamon sugar goodness.

Step 3: Make and Drizzle the Cinnamon Roll Glaze

In a small glass measuring cup, whisk together the confectioners’ sugar with 1 1/2 teaspoons of water. I like to add more water in small increments if the glaze feels too thick—aim for something runny like the glaze you’d find on a cinnamon roll. Drizzle this all over the popcorn in an even layer.

Step 4: Chill and Set

Pop the baking sheet into the fridge for 20 to 25 minutes. This chilling time lets the glaze set perfectly so the popcorn isn’t sticky but deliciously coated. Once set, break apart any clusters gently, and your Cinnamon Roll Popcorn is ready to enjoy!

How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Popcorn Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple, but sometimes I sprinkle a little extra cinnamon sugar or even a light dusting of cocoa powder on top for a rich twist. A few chopped toasted nuts add texture and make it feel more festive—perfect for sharing!

Side Dishes

This popcorn pairs wonderfully with a warm cup of coffee, chai, or a glass of cold milk. If it’s movie night, I like having some fruit slices or a simple cheese board nearby—it balances the sweetness perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

At parties, I love serving this Cinnamon Roll Popcorn Recipe in cute kraft paper bags tied with twine or in mason jars decorated with a cinnamon stick for extra charm. Kids especially enjoy watching me drizzle the glaze, turning snack time into a little show.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover popcorn in an airtight container at room temperature. I find it stays fresh and crisp for up to 3 days, but after that, it can start to lose its crunch.

Freezing

Freezing Cinnamon Roll Popcorn Recipe isn’t my go-to since the glaze can get a bit soft when thawed, but if you want to freeze it, wrap it tightly in freezer-safe bags and use within a month. I recommend letting it thaw fully and then crisping it up briefly in a low oven.

Reheating

If your popcorn loses crispness, pop it in a 250°F oven for about 5-7 minutes to refresh that crunch. Just watch it closely so it doesn’t burn. This little trick always brings it back to life for me.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Cinnamon Roll Popcorn Recipe holds a special place in my snack rotation because it’s effortlessly delicious and has the power to turn an ordinary night into something cozy and sweet. Whether you’re making it for family movie night or just because, you’ll appreciate how simple it is to sprinkle a little joy into your day with this treat. Give it a try—you might just find it becoming your new favorite snack to share and savor.

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