Cinnamon Roll Popcorn is an absolutely irresistible treat, expertly combining the cozy, sweet, and spiced flavors of a classic cinnamon roll with the satisfying crunch of popcorn. Each fluffy kernel is lovingly coated in a rich, buttery caramel, then artfully drizzled with creamy white chocolate, and finally dusted with a sweet, aromatic cinnamon sugar blend. This creates an explosion of flavor and texture that is truly addictive and utterly delightful.

Craving more delightful popcorn creations? Explore other fan favorites like our decadent Chocolate Popcorn or the charming and festive Valentine’s Popcorn for your next snack adventure.

Irresistible Cinnamon Roll Popcorn: Your New Favorite Sweet and Crunchy Snack

Prepare to become the most popular person at any gathering with this incredible Cinnamon Roll Popcorn! I recently brought a batch to a quick weekend family reunion, and it vanished in mere seconds. The reactions were unanimous: “Wow, this is amazing!” and “Can I please get the recipe?!” This sweet, salty, and spiced confection is more than just a snack; it’s a delightful experience that captivates taste buds of all ages. Whether you’re hosting a lively party, looking for the perfect movie night treat, or simply craving something extraordinary, this easy-to-make recipe is guaranteed to be a spectacular hit.

Beyond being a fantastic party snack, Cinnamon Roll Popcorn also makes an exquisite edible holiday gift. Imagine presenting a beautifully packaged bag or jar of this homemade goodness – it’s a thoughtful, personal, and utterly delicious present that anyone would be absolutely thrilled to receive! Its unique flavor profile and charming presentation make it a standout gift for friends, family, teachers, or colleagues during any festive season, from Christmas to birthdays or simply as a token of appreciation.

Why You’ll Adore This Decadent Cinnamon Roll Popcorn Recipe

This isn’t just another popcorn recipe; it’s a gourmet experience designed to delight. Here’s why you’ll want to make this Cinnamon Roll Popcorn again and again:

• Unforgettable Flavor Fusion: Experience the iconic taste of warm, gooey cinnamon rolls expertly blended with the crispy delight of popcorn. The sweet cinnamon sugar, buttery caramel, and smooth white chocolate create a symphony of flavors that dance on your palate with every single bite. It’s a truly unique taste sensation that balances sweetness with a hint of spice.
• Addictively Crunchy Texture: Unlike soft, chewy cinnamon rolls, this popcorn offers a satisfying, irresistible crunch that makes it incredibly addictive. The precise baking process ensures the caramel sets perfectly, creating a delightful texture that keeps you reaching for more without becoming overly sticky.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: From casual movie nights and game days to elaborate holiday parties, potlucks, and even picnics, this popcorn is a versatile crowd-pleaser. It’s remarkably easy to transport, making it a convenient and always welcome addition to any social gathering or family event.
• Thoughtful Homemade Gift: Impress your loved ones with a handmade gift that truly speaks from the heart. Package this gourmet popcorn in charming clear bags, decorative jars, or festive tins for a unique, personal, and cherished present that everyone will appreciate.
• Surprisingly Simple to Make: Despite its gourmet taste and sophisticated appearance, this recipe is surprisingly straightforward. With clear, step-by-step instructions and a few essential kitchen tools, even novice bakers can achieve spectacular, professional-level results.
• Customizable Delight: While absolutely perfect as is, this recipe also offers wonderful room for personalization. Feel free to add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt to enhance the sweet-salty balance, or experiment with other warm spices like a touch of nutmeg or cardamom for a unique twist that suits your preference.

Essential Tools for Crafting Perfect Cinnamon Roll Popcorn

Having the right equipment on hand will make the process of creating this delicious snack much smoother, more efficient, and ultimately more enjoyable. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the key tools you’ll need and why each plays an important role:

• A Medium-Sized Nonstick Pot: This pot is specifically for preparing the rich, buttery caramel sauce. It’s absolutely crucial to use a nonstick pot to prevent the caramel from sticking, scorching, and burning, which can easily happen with sugary mixtures. You might be tempted to use a smaller pan, but I highly recommend opting for one that’s larger than you might initially anticipate needing. The caramel mixture tends to expand and “grow” significantly when the baking soda is added, creating a foamy texture that requires ample space to prevent any messy overflows.
• A Very Large Mixing Bowl (or two smaller ones): After the caramel is cooked and slightly cooled, you’ll be tossing a substantial amount of popcorn with this delicious, sticky mixture. To ensure every piece of popcorn is evenly coated with the luscious caramel without any messy spills or struggle, the largest bowl you own is highly recommended. A spacious bowl allows for thorough mixing, aeration, and prevents the popcorn from becoming a tangled, clumpy mess. If a single extra-large bowl isn’t readily available, a practical and effective alternative is to divide the popcorn and caramel into two smaller, more manageable bowls for tossing.
• One Extra-Large Sheet Pan (approximately 15×21 inches) or Two Standard-Sized Ones: This recipe yields a generous amount of gourmet popcorn, and for proper baking and crisping, it needs to be spread out in a single, even layer. If the popcorn is piled up too thickly on the pan, it won’t bake uniformly, resulting in some pieces being soft or chewy rather than perfectly crunchy and caramelized. An extra-large sheet pan is ideal for maximum coverage, but using two standard-sized pans will work just as well to achieve that crucial even layer.
• Silpat® Liner or Parchment Paper: This is a non-negotiable step to prevent your (very) sticky Cinnamon Roll Popcorn from adhering irrevocably to your baking sheets. A high-quality Silpat® silicone baking mat or durable parchment paper will ensure even baking, effortless removal of the finished popcorn, and a significantly easier cleanup process. Do not, under any circumstances, skip lining your pans!
• Sturdy Spatula or Wooden Spoon: For stirring the caramel to prevent scorching and for gently yet thoroughly tossing the popcorn with the warm caramel. A heat-resistant silicone spatula is excellent for caramel, while a large wooden spoon is perfect for mixing popcorn.
• Microwave-Safe Bowls: These are absolutely essential for safely and effectively melting the white chocolate. Glass or ceramic bowls are strongly preferred over plastic, as plastic can retain heat unevenly, potentially scorch the chocolate, and may even leach undesirable chemicals into your food.

Choosing the Best Popcorn for Your Cinnamon Roll Creation

The foundation of an exceptional Cinnamon Roll Popcorn recipe is, naturally, the popcorn itself. Selecting the right type and preparing it correctly is paramount to achieving that perfect crunchy texture and allowing the rich caramel and warm cinnamon flavors to truly shine. Here’s what you need to know:

• The Convenient Store-Bought Popcorn Shortcut: For ultimate convenience and to significantly speed up the preparation time of this recipe, pre-popped popcorn is an excellent and widely available choice. Brands like SkinnyPop Original Popcorn are often plain, lightly salted, and specifically designed to be ready to use straight out of the bag. While this option might be slightly more expensive than popping your own kernels, the valuable time saved can be well worth the investment, especially when you’re preparing for a party or assembling quick edible gifts.
• Popping Your Own for Ultimate Freshness: If you prefer to pop your own kernels, you’ll undoubtedly have the freshest popcorn possible, which can contribute to an even better texture. For microwave popping, we often use varieties like Orville Redenbacher’s Naturals Simply Salted Microwave Popcorn. If using an air popper or stovetop method, simply use plain, unflavored kernels. Just remember a crucial step: allow your freshly popped corn to cool completely to room temperature before incorporating it into the caramel mixture. Warm popcorn can melt the caramel too quickly and negatively affect the final texture and crispness.
• Insist on PLAIN Popcorn – Flavor is Key!: This is a critical point for maintaining the integrity and deliciousness of the intended cinnamon roll flavor profile. Regardless of whether you buy it pre-popped or make it yourself, always meticulously check the ingredient list. The only additions to your popcorn should ideally be basic oil and a touch of salt. Absolutely avoid any flavored, heavily buttered, cheesy, or otherwise seasoned varieties. These strong, competing flavors will clash intensely with the delicate and sweet cinnamon roll profile, resulting in an “off” taste that significantly detracts from the intended deliciousness of this gourmet snack.
• Thoroughly Remove Unpopped Kernels (The “Old Maids”): Before tossing your popcorn with the rich sugar-caramel mixture, take the necessary time to carefully pick out any unpopped kernels or “old maids.” There’s genuinely nothing worse or more unwelcome than biting into a hard, unpopped kernel when you’re anticipating a soft, sweet, and crunchy treat. Your teeth, and those of your guests, will certainly appreciate this small but significant extra step, saving everyone from a potential dental mishap!

Expert Tips for Melting White Chocolate to Perfection

The creamy white chocolate drizzle is a visually appealing and utterly delicious component that brings the “roll” to our Cinnamon Roll Popcorn. Melting chocolate properly ensures a smooth, luscious coating that enhances both the flavor and the overall appearance of your gourmet snack. Here’s how to master this delicate process for the best results:

• Melt the Chocolate Slowly and Stir Often: Patience is more than just a virtue when melting chocolate; it’s a necessity. Rushing the melting process, especially in the microwave, is the quickest way to end up with scorched or seized chocolate. To avoid this, heat the white chocolate chips in short, controlled bursts (e.g., 30-second intervals). After each burst, remove the bowl from the microwave and stir thoroughly for at least 15-20 seconds. Remember that chocolate continues to melt from its residual heat even after it’s taken out of the microwave, so keep stirring until it’s completely smooth and free of any lumps. This slow and steady approach is your best defense against overheating.
• Opt for High-Quality White Chocolate for Superior Results: The quality of your white chocolate directly impacts both its melting consistency and the final, delectable flavor of your popcorn. Cheaper brands often contain a higher proportion of waxes and less cocoa butter, which can lead to a waxy, unappetizing texture, a less pleasant taste, and a significantly higher chance of the chocolate seizing. For the best possible flavor and a beautifully smooth, flowing melt, I highly recommend using premium white chocolate chips such as Ghirardelli® or Guittard®. This small investment in quality ingredients makes a significant and noticeable difference in the deliciousness of your Cinnamon Roll Popcorn!
• Keep ALL Liquids Away from Melting Chocolate – Absolutely Crucial!: This is perhaps the most critical rule for melting chocolate, and it cannot be overstated. Even a single, tiny drop of water or any other liquid can cause chocolate to “seize,” instantly transforming it from a smooth, pourable liquid into a clumpy, grainy, and hard, unusable mass. Water causes the cocoa solids in the chocolate to clump together, making it impossible to work with. Understanding the fascinating science behind why chocolate seizes can help you meticulously avoid this common and frustrating pitfall. Always ensure your melting bowl, spatula, and your entire working environment are completely dry before you begin.
• Microwave the chocolate chips in sturdy, heat-safe bowls: Always, without exception, use glass or ceramic bowls when melting chocolate in the microwave. Plastic bowls are not ideal because they can absorb and retain heat unevenly, which increases the risk of scorching the chocolate. Furthermore, some plastic materials may leach undesirable chemicals into your food when heated, affecting both the taste and safety. Melamine, while generally heat-safe, might not be as ideal as glass for achieving the most even and controlled melt.
• Embrace the Generous Coating – Don’t Be Shy!: When you’re drizzling the white chocolate over the popcorn, it might initially seem like you’re using an excessive amount. Do not second-guess yourself! A generous coating is precisely what we want and need for this recipe. It ensures that every single piece of popcorn is enveloped in that creamy, sweet layer, contributing significantly to the rich and satisfying cinnamon roll experience. This isn’t a time to be frugal with the chocolate!
• Act Quickly with the Cinnamon-Sugar Mixture: Once the white chocolate is meticulously drizzled over the popcorn, you need to work with remarkable speed. The white chocolate will begin to set relatively quickly, especially if the popcorn itself has already cooled down. Therefore, it’s imperative to sprinkle the prepared cinnamon-sugar mixture immediately and evenly over the wet chocolate before it has a chance to harden. This ensures that the delicate sugar adheres properly to the chocolate, creating that signature, delicious, and visually appealing cinnamon roll finish.

Storing Your Cinnamon Roll Popcorn & Creative Serving Suggestions

Creative and Delightful Serving Ideas

While this Cinnamon Roll Popcorn is undeniably delicious straight from the bowl, here are a few creative ideas to make your serving experience even more special and memorable:

• The Ultimate Party Mix Staple: Serve it in a large, elegant decorative bowl at parties, alongside an assortment of other sweet and savory snacks. It’s absolutely guaranteed to be a conversation starter and a highlight of your snack table!
• Gourmet Movie Night Upgrade: Ditch the plain, everyday butter popcorn and significantly elevate your next movie night experience with this luxurious, gourmet treat. It transforms a simple evening into an indulgent event.
• Delectable Dessert Topping: Get creative! Lightly crush some Cinnamon Roll Popcorn and sprinkle it generously over ice cream, creamy yogurt parfaits, a simple vanilla pudding, or even a fruit crisp for an incredible extra layer of flavor, texture, and visual appeal.
• Charming Edible Gift Jars: This popcorn is perfect for gifting! Fill clear glass jars or festive cellophane bags with the cooled popcorn, tie them with a beautiful ribbon, and attach a small, personalized tag. It makes for a truly beautiful, thoughtful, and much-appreciated homemade gift for almost any occasion.
• Cozy Hot Chocolate Companion: Enjoy a generous handful alongside a warm, steaming mug of rich hot chocolate or a perfectly brewed coffee for an exceptionally cozy and indulgent experience, especially on a chilly evening.

More Irresistible Sweet Snack Recipes to Try

If you’ve fallen head over heels for the delightful combination of sweet, crunchy, and homemade goodness, you’re in luck! Here are some other fantastic snack recipes from our kitchen that are sure to satisfy your cravings and impress your friends and family with their unique flavors and textures:

• Sugar Cookie Snack Mix: A festive and sweet blend featuring delicious sugar cookie candies and a delightful sweet glaze, making it absolutely perfect for holiday gatherings or any celebration.
• S’mores Energy Bites: Enjoy all the classic, beloved flavors of s’mores – toasted marshmallows, crushed graham crackers, and miniature chocolate chips – conveniently packed into easy-to-make, no-bake energy bites.
• Chewy Granola Bars: Wholesome, satisfying, and completely customizable homemade granola bars loaded with hearty oats and vibrant, colorful mini M&M’s for a fun and delicious twist.
• Sweet Chex Mix Recipe: A crunchy, perfectly sweet, and incredibly addictive mix featuring the irresistible addition of sweetened coconut, ideal for snacking anytime, anywhere.
• Oreo Balls: Decadent, rich, and ridiculously easy no-bake treats made from crushed Oreo cookies and cream cheese, generously coated in luxurious chocolate – a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any occasion!

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5 from 1 vote

Cinnamon Roll Popcorn

By
Chelsea Lords

This Cinnamon Roll Popcorn starts with caramel-coated popcorn that gets drizzled in white chocolate and coated in cinnamon sugar. It’s an explosion of cinnamon roll flavor with a totally addictive, crunchy texture!

Prep Time:
25 minutes

Cook Time:
1 hour

Setting Time:
1 hour

Total Time:
2 hours 25 minutes

Servings:
6 servings

Equipment

• Large Pot (non-stick recommended)
• Very Large Mixing Bowl
• Large Sheet Pan (15″ x 21″) (or 2 standard-sized sheet pans)
• Parchment Paper or Silicone Baking Mat(s)
• Heat-Resistant Spatula or Wooden Spoon
• Microwave-Safe Bowls (glass or ceramic)

Ingredients

• 6 cups plain popped popcorn (or lightly salted, see note 1)
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (1/4 cup)
• 2 tablespoons light corn syrup
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar (firmly packed)
• 1/8 teaspoon fine sea salt (see note 2)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/8 teaspoon cream of tartar (optional, helps prevent caramel crystallization)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1-1/4 cups white chocolate chips
• 1 teaspoon vegetable oil

For the Cinnamon-Sugar Topping

• 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

1. 1. Prepare Your Workspace: Begin by gathering and meticulously measuring all your ingredients – this “mise en place” approach is vital for a smooth process! Line an extra-large (15×21-inch) sheet pan, or two standard-sized sheet pans, with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat; set these aside. Carefully inspect your popped popcorn and remove any unpopped kernels to ensure a pleasant eating experience. Pour the prepared popcorn into a very large mixing bowl – ensure it’s spacious enough to allow for thorough tossing without any messy spillage. Finally, preheat your oven to 200°F (93°C).
2. 2. Craft the Caramel Sauce: In a large, heavy-bottomed nonstick pot set over medium heat, combine the unsalted butter, light corn syrup, firmly packed light brown sugar, fine sea salt, and cream of tartar (if using – it helps significantly prevent the caramel from crystallizing). Stir this mixture constantly with a heat-resistant spatula until the butter is completely melted and the sugar fully dissolves. Once melted, bring the mixture to a rolling boil. Allow it to boil for exactly 5 minutes without stirring. This simmering period is crucial for achieving the right caramel consistency and flavor. Promptly remove the pot from the heat. Carefully stir in the baking soda and vanilla extract. Be aware: the vanilla may cause the mixture to sputter slightly, and the baking soda will make the caramel foam up and lighten in color. Immediately pour this hot, foamy caramel mixture over the popcorn in your large bowl, trying to avoid direct contact with the edges of the bowl where it can harden too quickly. Working as swiftly as possible, use a sturdy wooden spoon or spatula to gently toss and fold the popcorn, ensuring every kernel is evenly coated with the warm, buttery caramel syrup.
3. 3. Bake to Crispy Perfection: Spread the caramel-coated popcorn onto your prepared sheet pan(s) in a single, even layer. It’s absolutely essential not to overcrowd the pan, as this prevents proper crisping and promotes even baking. Transfer the pan(s) to the preheated 200°F (93°C) oven and bake for 1 hour. During the baking time, make sure to stir the popcorn gently with a spatula every 20 minutes, then spread it back into an even layer to ensure consistent baking and to prevent clumping. Once baked and perfectly golden, remove the popcorn from the oven and allow it to cool completely on the sheet pan(s). It will crisp up further as it cools.
4. 4. Prepare the Cinnamon-Sugar Topping: While the caramel popcorn cools, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a small, separate bowl. Stir them together very well to mix thoroughly, then set aside. This sweet and spicy blend is the signature finishing touch that brings the “cinnamon roll” flavor to life!
5. 5. Drizzle and Dust: In a microwave-safe bowl (preferably glass or ceramic), combine the white chocolate chips and vegetable oil. Microwave in short bursts of 30 seconds, stirring vigorously for 15 seconds after each burst. Continue this process until the white chocolate is completely melted and beautifully smooth, taking care not to overheat it. Transfer the melted white chocolate into a plastic piping bag or a sturdy zip-top bag. Snip off a tiny corner of the bag to create a small opening. Drizzle the melted white chocolate generously and evenly over the cooled caramel popcorn. It might seem like a lot of chocolate, but we want every piece to be thoroughly coated for maximum flavor and visual appeal! As soon as the white chocolate drizzle is complete and while it is still wet, immediately sprinkle the prepared cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over all the popcorn. Work quickly before the chocolate begins to set.
6. 6. Set and Enjoy: Allow the popcorn to harden at room temperature for approximately one hour, or until the white chocolate and cinnamon-sugar coating is completely set and firm to the touch. Once set, gently break up any larger clumps into individual pieces and transfer the finished Cinnamon Roll Popcorn into a large serving bowl or your desired storage containers. Now it’s perfectly ready to be devoured and enjoyed!

Recipe Notes

Note 1 (Popcorn Selection): For convenience and speed, consider purchasing already popped popcorn, which can make this recipe come together faster, though it might be a bit pricier. If you’d rather pop your own, we often use this type. The most important rule is to use plain popcorn; carefully check the ingredients to ensure only oil and salt are listed. Flavored or buttered popcorn will significantly alter the intended cinnamon roll flavor. Always remove any unpopped kernels before measuring your popcorn to prevent any hard bites.

Note 2 (Adjusting Salt): Not all salts have the same strength or crystal size. If you’re using common table salt instead of fine sea salt, you’ll want significantly less (a small pinch or even less) due to its finer grain and higher salinity. Additionally, if the popcorn you’re starting with is already salted, you may wish to slightly reduce the amount of salt added to the caramel mixture to avoid over-salting the final product. Taste your popcorn first!

Storage: Store your cooled Cinnamon Roll Popcorn in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for up to a week. For optimal crispness and flavor, it tastes best when consumed fresh within the first few days. This recipe is not suitable for freezing, as the delicate caramel coating and popcorn texture will be compromised upon thawing, leading to a soft, sticky result.

Nutrition Facts (Approximate)

Serving: 1serving |
Calories: 1500kcal |
Carbohydrates: 164g |
Protein: 21g |
Fat: 85g |
Saturated Fat: 44g |
Polyunsaturated Fat: 9g |
Monounsaturated Fat: 26g |
Trans Fat: 1g |
Cholesterol: 22mg |
Sodium: 1853mg |
Potassium: 1079mg |
Fiber: 24g |
Sugar: 36g |
Vitamin A: 657IU |
Vitamin C: 1mg |
Calcium: 97mg |
Iron: 5mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should only be used as an approximation. Actual values may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.

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