Description
Indulge in the sweet nostalgia of carnival treats with this Cotton Candy Popcorn recipe. Crunchy popcorn coated in a sugary cotton candy glaze, this colorful snack is perfect for parties or movie nights.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Cotton Candy Popcorn:
- 10 cups plain popped popcorn (about 1/2 cup unpopped kernels)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup light corn syrup
- 2 tablespoons water
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cotton candy flavoring
- Pink and blue gel food coloring (optional)
- Nonstick cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 250°F (120°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Lightly spray with nonstick cooking spray.
- Prepare the popcorn: Place the popped popcorn in a large mixing bowl, removing any unpopped kernels.
- Make the glaze: In a small saucepan, combine the sugar, corn syrup, water, butter, and salt. Boil, then simmer until slightly thickened. Remove from heat, add flavoring and coloring.
- Coat the popcorn: Pour the mixture over the popcorn, stir to coat evenly, then spread onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake for 20–25 minutes, stirring halfway through, until crisp. Let cool before breaking into pieces.
Notes
- You can divide the coating mixture and use different food colors for a fun swirl effect.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- For extra sweetness, drizzle with white chocolate once cooled.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 45mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
