If you're craving a snack with a kick, trust me, you’re going to love this Cinnamon Red Hot Candy Popcorn Recipe. It’s got that spicy-sweet punch, a crunchy candy coating, and a drizzle of creamy white chocolate that makes it totally addictive.

A close-up view of freshly popped white popcorn being covered with a thick, bright red sauce that is poured from a red ladle. The popcorn fills the bottom layer, with the red sauce flowing generously over it, creating a shiny and smooth texture contrast against the fluffy popcorn. The background features a white marbled texture that softly reflects light. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Cinnamon Red Hot Candy Popcorn Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Cinnamon Red Hot Candy Popcorn Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Cinnamon Red Hot Candy Popcorn Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I remember the first time I tried this cinnamon candy popcorn — the spicy Red Hots melted into a buttery syrup that perfectly coated every kernel. It’s the kind of treat you want to munch on during movie nights or bring along to parties where you want to impress.

Bold Flavor Combo: The blend of spicy cinnamon heat and sweet white chocolate is unforgettable.
Crunchy Texture: The candy coating creates a satisfying snap on every bite.
Festive Look: Red sprinkles and glossy drizzle make it party-ready.
Easy to Make: Just a few simple ingredients and an hour in the oven, and you’re set!

Ingredients & Why They Work

Gathering the right ingredients is half the fun—and the secret to how delicious this popcorn turns out. You’ll want fresh popped popcorn and quality candies to get that perfect balance of spice, sweetness, and texture.

Flat lay of popped popcorn kernels, a stick of fresh butter, a small white bowl of granulated sugar, a small white bowl of light golden corn syrup, a small white bowl filled with vibrant red cinnamon candies (Red Hots), a small white bowl with fine salt, a small white bowl of white baking soda powder, a small white bowl of glossy white chocolate chips, and a small white bowl of bright red sprinkles, all arranged symmetrically on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Popped Popcorn: Use freshly popped popcorn with no butter or salt to let the candy coating shine.
Butter: Adds richness and helps the candy mixture come together smoothly.
Sugar: Provides sweetness and crunch as it cooks into the coating.
Light Corn Syrup: Keeps the candy coating pliable and glossy.
Red Hots Candies: The star ingredient that gives this popcorn its spicy cinnamon kick.
Salt: Balances sweetness and heightens flavor.
Baking Soda: Creates a light, airy texture by causing the candy mixture to foam slightly.
White Chocolate Chips: Offers creamy sweetness and perfect contrast to the heat.
Red Sprinkles: Adds a festive pop of color and extra crunch.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the best things about this Cinnamon Red Hot Candy Popcorn Recipe is how easy it is to tailor it to your tastes. Whether you want to dial up the heat, add extra crunch, or make it more festive, the possibilities are endless!

Milder Spice: I once made a batch substituting half the Red Hots candies with cinnamon sugar for a less intense heat that my kids loved.
Extra Chocolate: If you’re a white chocolate fanatic like me, add a little more melted chocolate drizzle or sprinkle extra white chocolate chips on top for double the creamy goodness.
Seasonal Twist: Around the holidays, I swap the red sprinkles for a mix of red and green colored sugar for a festive look that’s perfect for gift-giving or party snacks.
Diet-Friendly Swap: For a lower sugar option, try using sugar-free Red Hots or cinnamon-flavored hard candies, but be mindful that the texture will differ slightly.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Cinnamon Red Hot Candy Popcorn Recipe

A bright red bowl filled with popcorn covered in red candy coating, white drizzled glaze, and topped with small red candy pieces and white candy chips scattered throughout. The popcorn pieces are glossy and clustered, showing various textures from smooth candy coating to crunchy popcorn. Some popcorn spills over around the bowl on a white marbled surface. The background includes a blurred box with red and orange colors. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Popcorn

Start by preheating the oven to 250 degrees Fahrenheit—this low heat helps set the cinnamon candy coating without burning it. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to keep things neat and prevent sticking. Spread your 8 cups of popped popcorn in an even single layer on the sheet. This base is the perfect canvas for the spicy-sweet magic to come!

Step 2: Whip Up the Cinnamon Candy Coating

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt ½ cup of butter to create a rich, buttery base. Stir in ¼ teaspoon salt, 1 cup of Red Hots candies, ½ cup sugar, and ¼ cup light corn syrup. Bring this mixture to a boil, whisking often to blend it all smoothly and prevent burning. The aroma of melting cinnamon candy will fill your kitchen—such a warm and spicy scent! Remove from the heat and quickly stir in ½ teaspoon baking soda; watch the mixture foam up—that’s how you know it’s ready to coat your popcorn.

Step 3: Coat and Bake the Popcorn

Pour the hot cinnamon candy mixture evenly over the popcorn on your baking sheet. Work quickly and gently toss or stir to coat every piece before the candy hardens—this step ensures a crunchy, even layer. Pop the baking sheet into your preheated oven and let it bake for 30 minutes. Halfway through or at the end, take it out and toss again to keep that coating balanced. The popcorn cools off with a satisfying crispness that’s hard to resist.

Step 4: Drizzle with White Chocolate and Add Final Touches

Melt ½ cup of white chocolate chips in the microwave using short bursts, stirring frequently for a silky-smooth finish. Drizzle this luscious chocolate evenly over the cooled popcorn. While the chocolate is still soft, sprinkle on the remaining ⅓ cup Red Hots candies, ¼ cup white chocolate chips, and a generous handful of red sprinkles. This final flourish adds pockets of sweetness, a beautiful pop of color, and an irresistible texture contrast.

Top Tip

Mastering the Cinnamon Red Hot Candy Popcorn Recipe is all about timing and technique to get that perfect balance of spicy, sweet, and crunchy. These tips will help you avoid common pitfalls and bring out the best flavor and texture.

Quick Tossing: From experience, tossing the popcorn immediately after pouring the hot candy mixture is key to getting an even coat before it hardens—don’t wait too long!
Temperature Control: I learned the hard way that baking at exactly 250°F for 30 minutes sets the candy just right without burning or making it too hard, so stick to that temperature.
Melting White Chocolate: Melting the white chocolate in short bursts with frequent stirring ensures it doesn’t scorch, keeping that smooth drizzle perfect for decoration.
Using Parchment Paper: Lining your baking sheet with parchment paper not only prevents sticking but makes cleanup a breeze, which I highly recommend you don’t skip!

How to Serve Cinnamon Red Hot Candy Popcorn Recipe

The left side shows a small silver pot filled with a bright, glossy red sauce with a soft, slightly bubbly texture, and a silver whisk inside it. The pot sits on a square brown cork mat on a white marbled surface, with a bit of liquid spilled next to it. On the top left corner, there is a white bowl partially visible, filled with plain white popcorn. The right side features a white baking tray filled with popcorn covered in a shiny, thick red coating, with a black spatula resting on top, smeared with the red sauce. The popcorn shows some white peeking through the red layer, and the baking tray sits on the same white marbled surface with the brown cork mat underneath. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

This popcorn is already festive with its red sprinkles and white chocolate drizzle, but you can add extra charm by sprinkling crushed candy canes or even a pinch of edible glitter for a little sparkle. Fresh cinnamon sticks serve as a charming accompaniment if you’re serving it at a gathering.

Side Dishes

Pair your Cinnamon Red Hot Candy Popcorn with warm drinks like hot cocoa or spiced apple cider to complement the popcorn’s spicy-sweet flavor. For a fun party spread, include other finger foods such as soft pretzels, cheese cubes, or caramel apples to keep the festive vibe going.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your Cinnamon Red Hot Candy Popcorn fresh and crunchy, store it in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay delicious for up to one week—just be sure it’s completely cooled before sealing.

Freezing

If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the popcorn in a tightly sealed freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. Thaw it at room temperature before serving; avoid microwaving as it can make the coating sticky.

Reheating

If the popcorn loses its crunch, refresh it by spreading it on a baking sheet and warming it in a 250°F oven for about 5-10 minutes. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t melt or burn the candy coating.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use another type of cinnamon candy instead of Red Hots?

Absolutely! If you prefer less heat, you can substitute Red Hots with milder cinnamon candies. This will still provide that spicy-sweet flavor but with a gentler kick.

Why do we add baking soda to the candy mixture?

Adding baking soda causes the candy mixture to foam slightly, which creates a lighter texture on the coating and helps it harden with a nice crunch.

What’s the best way to melt white chocolate for the drizzle?

Melt white chocolate chips in short microwave bursts of about 15-20 seconds, stirring in between until smooth. Alternatively, you can melt it gently over a double boiler to avoid burning.

How spicy is this popcorn?

The popcorn has a noticeable cinnamon heat from the Red Hots but balances it with sweetness. If you’re sensitive to spice, adjust the amount of Red Hots or use milder candies as mentioned.

Final Thoughts

Making the Cinnamon Red Hot Candy Popcorn Recipe is a fantastic way to add a little zing and sweetness to your snack game. It’s fun to make, visually festive, and deliciously addictive! Whether you’re sharing it at a party or enjoying a cozy night in, this popcorn brings warmth and spice in every crunchy bite. I hope these tips and ideas help you create a snack that everyone will love and come back for seconds. Happy munching!