I absolutely love this Cinnamon Bun Popcorn Recipe because it combines the comforting warmth of cinnamon rolls with the fun crunch of popcorn. It’s such a delightful snack that feels special but takes hardly any time to whip up. Whenever I need a cozy treat that satisfies both my sweet tooth and my craving for something crunchy, this popcorn is my go-to.
You’ll find that this Cinnamon Bun Popcorn Recipe works wonderfully for movie nights, casual get-togethers, or even as a homemade gift. The cinnamon and brown sugar glaze creates a sweet, slightly sticky coating that’s brilliantly addictive—and trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to make it again and again.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple ingredients: Uses pantry staples you probably already have on hand.
- Quick to make: Ready in under 40 minutes with minimal hands-on time.
- Perfectly balanced flavor: The cinnamon and brown sugar create that classic cinnamon bun taste without being overpowering.
- Fun & versatile: Great for snacks, parties, or a little sweet indulgence anytime.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Cinnamon Bun Popcorn Recipe calls for straightforward ingredients that combine beautifully to mimic that irresistible cinnamon roll flavor. Each one plays a key role in creating the perfect sweet, buttery glaze that clings to the popcorn.
- Popcorn: Freshly popped, plain popcorn is the best canvas for the glaze; I prefer air-popped for less oil, but stovetop works too.
- Unsalted butter: Melts smoothly to help the sugar and cinnamon stick, and keeps the popcorn from drying out.
- Light brown sugar: Adds that deep, caramel-like sweetness that defines cinnamon buns.
- Ground cinnamon: The star spice that gives this recipe its familiar warm, cozy flavor.
- Confectioners’ sugar: Used to make the glaze that gives the popcorn a shiny, sweet finish.
Variations
I love to play around with this Cinnamon Bun Popcorn Recipe depending on the season and mood. Sometimes I add a little vanilla extract to the glaze for an extra layer of flavor, or toss in some chopped nuts for crunch. Feel free to make it your own!
- Nutty Twist: Adding toasted pecans or walnuts gives a satisfying crunch that my family goes crazy for.
- Spiced Up: Sprinkle a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom with the cinnamon for a warm, spiced variation I often make around the holidays.
- Gluten-Free: Since popcorn is naturally gluten-free and the glaze contains no gluten, this treat fits perfectly for gluten-sensitive friends.
How to Make Cinnamon Bun Popcorn Recipe
Step 1: Toss Popcorn with Butter and Cinnamon Sugar
Start by popping about 1/4 cup of kernels to make 8 cups of popcorn. Once popped and cooled slightly, spread the popcorn out on a baking sheet. Drizzle your melted butter over the popcorn, then sprinkle the light brown sugar and ground cinnamon right on top. Toss everything together gently but thoroughly—this helps every crunchy piece get coated with that cinnamon-sugar magic. Spread it out in an even layer to prepare for glazing.
Step 2: Whisk the Sweet Glaze
In a glass measuring cup, whisk together confectioners’ sugar with 1 ½ teaspoons of water. Add more water, just half a teaspoon at a time, until you get a smooth glaze roughly the consistency of cinnamon roll icing—not too thick that it clumps, but not runny enough to soak right through. This glaze is what makes it feel just like you’re munching on warm cinnamon buns, but in popcorn form.
Step 3: Drizzle and Chill
Drizzle that luscious glaze evenly over your cinnamon-sugar coated popcorn. Refrigerate the whole pan for 20 to 25 minutes so the glaze sets up nicely and creates a slightly crisp shell. When you dig in, you’ll notice a perfect balance of sticky sweetness with a hint of cinnamon spice in every bite.
Pro Tips for Making Cinnamon Bun Popcorn Recipe
- Use Fresh Popcorn: I learned that popcorn tastes best when freshly popped, so pop it just before starting and avoid pre-packed varieties that might be stale.
- Glaze Consistency Matters: Don’t rush the glaze prep—getting the water ratio just right prevents clumps, making it easier to drizzle evenly.
- Even Coating: Toss the popcorn gently but thoroughly so every kernel gets a touch of cinnamon-sugar—this builds flavor in every bite.
- Cooling is Key: Letting the glaze set in the fridge keeps the popcorn from getting soggy and helps it hold its shape when serving.
How to Serve Cinnamon Bun Popcorn Recipe
Garnishes
I like to sprinkle a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt on top just before serving—it amps up the sweetness and adds a lovely salty contrast that brings out the cinnamon flavor even more. Sometimes, I’ll toss in a handful of mini chocolate chips for an extra indulgent touch that melts slightly in with the warm glaze.
Side Dishes
Pairing this Cinnamon Bun Popcorn Recipe with a warm drink like chai tea or a nice cup of coffee makes for a cozy snack break. It’s also fantastic alongside lighter fruit salads or a creamy cheese board if you want to balance sweet and savory at a gathering.
Creative Ways to Present
For birthday parties or holiday celebrations, I love to serve this popcorn in cute little mason jars or colorful paper cones. Wrapping it up with a festive ribbon makes it a charming gift or party favor. You could even layer it in a clear bowl with whipped cream and fresh berries for a playful cinnamon bun dessert parfait twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (sometimes hard to believe they last!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature. I’ve found that the popcorn stays crisp and tasty for up to 3 days. Just make sure it’s fully cooled before sealing it up to keep that perfect crunch.
Freezing
Freezing cinnamon popcorn might sound unusual, but I’ve tried it when I made extra batches ahead of time. Wrap it well in freezer-safe bags, and it keeps for about a month. Just thaw it at room temperature and give it a quick toss before serving to freshen it up.
Reheating
To bring back that fresh-out-of-the-oven vibe, I heat leftover cinnamon bun popcorn in the oven at 250°F for about 5 minutes. This crisps it up nicely without melting the glaze completely. Just keep an eye on it to avoid burning.
FAQs
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Can I use microwave popcorn for this Cinnamon Bun Popcorn Recipe?
You can use microwave popcorn, but I recommend choosing a plain, lightly salted variety without extra butter or flavorings. This will give you more control over the sweetness and cinnamon flavor, and avoid clashing tastes in the glaze.
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What if I don’t have confectioners’ sugar for the glaze?
Confectioners’ sugar is key because it dissolves quickly and creates a smooth glaze. If you don’t have it, you can try finely grinding granulated sugar in a blender, but the texture won’t be quite the same. The glaze might be grainier, but it will still taste delicious.
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How do I adjust sweetness if I prefer a less sugary snack?
Feel free to reduce the brown sugar or confectioners’ sugar by a tablespoon each to dial down the sweetness. You can also skip the glaze and just toss popcorn with cinnamon and a bit of melted butter for a lighter cinnamon treat.
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Does the popcorn stay crunchy after refrigeration?
Yes! Refrigerating the popcorn after glazing helps the icing set, which actually seals the crunch rather than softening it. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container at room temperature after chilling for best texture.
Final Thoughts
This Cinnamon Bun Popcorn Recipe has become a sweet little secret in my snack arsenal. I’m always amazed how few ingredients create such comforting, nostalgic flavors without any fuss. Whether you’re sharing it with friends or hiding it away for yourself, I’m certain you’ll enjoy making and munching on this recipe as much as I do. Give it a try and see how easily it becomes your new favorite cozy snack!
Print
Cinnamon Bun Popcorn Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Snack
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A sweet and crunchy snack, Cinnamon Bun Popcorn combines buttery popcorn with a cinnamon-spiced glaze reminiscent of classic cinnamon rolls. This easy-to-make treat is perfect for a cozy movie night or sharing with friends and family.
Ingredients
Popcorn Mixture
- 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
Glaze
- 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons water, plus more as needed
Instructions
- Prepare the popcorn mixture: On a baking sheet, toss the freshly popped popcorn with melted unsalted butter until evenly coated. Sprinkle the light brown sugar and ground cinnamon over the popcorn and toss again thoroughly to distribute the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly. Spread the popcorn out in an even layer on the baking sheet to ensure consistent coating.
- Make the glaze: In a glass measuring cup, whisk together the confectioners’ sugar and 1 1/2 teaspoons of water. Gradually add more water, 1/2 teaspoon at a time, until the glaze reaches a consistency similar to that of icing on a cinnamon roll—smooth and pourable but not too thin.
- Glaze and chill: Drizzle the prepared glaze evenly over the coated popcorn on the baking sheet. Once glazed, place the popcorn in the refrigerator and let it chill for 20 to 25 minutes to allow the glaze to set and harden slightly before serving.
Notes
- For best results, use freshly popped popcorn to ensure maximum crispness.
- You can adjust the amount of cinnamon and brown sugar to suit your taste preference for sweetness and spice.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain crispness.
- This snack pairs well with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a comforting treat.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 cups
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 20mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
