If you love a little kick with your sweet treats, you’re going to adore this Spicy Cinnamon Candy Popcorn Recipe. Imagine crispy, buttery popcorn tossed in a zesty cinnamon candy coating and drizzled with smooth white chocolate — a perfect snack to spice up any gathering!
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
I first made this spicy cinnamon candy popcorn when I was craving something bold yet comforting — and it did not disappoint. The balance between sweet, spicy, and buttery is just addictive, and it’s become a go-to whenever friends or family are around!
- Sweet meets spicy: The Red Hots candies bring that fiery cinnamon punch you won’t get from regular popcorn.
- Crispy, buttery base: Perfectly popped popcorn that holds up wonderfully under the candy coating.
- White chocolate drizzle: Adds a creamy sweetness that cuts through the heat for a well-rounded flavor.
- Easy to make: Just a few ingredients, simple steps, and you’ve got a showstopper snack in about an hour.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Before you start mixing up this sweet and spicy snack, here’s a quick rundown of the ingredients. I always recommend using fresh, high-quality popcorn for the best crunch. Red Hots candies are the star here, delivering that iconic cinnamon heat that makes this recipe pop.

- Popped popcorn: Go for freshly popped, plain popcorn so the candy coating sticks nicely without extra oils or flavors.
- Butter: Adds richness and helps create that smooth candy coating.
- Sugar: Essential for the sweet base of the candy mixture.
- Light corn syrup: Keeps the candy coating from crystallizing and adds shine.
- Red Hots candies: The spicy cinnamon flavor that makes this popcorn unforgettable.
- Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
- Baking soda: Creates a light, airy texture in the candy coating with its bubbling reaction.
- White chocolate chips: Used for drizzling and decorating – their sweetness complements the spicy cinnamon perfectly.
- Red sprinkles: Adds festive color and a fun crunch on top.
Make It Your Way
One of the best things about this Spicy Cinnamon Candy Popcorn Recipe is how easy it is to make your own twist! Feel free to tweak the heat, sweetness, or toppings so it fits your taste perfectly.
- Variation: If you prefer a milder spice, try reducing the amount of Red Hots candies in the candy coating, or swap half for cinnamon sugar for a more subtle warmth. I once made a batch with crushed peppermint candies mixed in with the Red Hots for a festive, minty twist that was a crowd-pleaser during the holidays.
- Dairy-Free Option: Use a dairy-free butter substitute to keep this recipe friendly for dairy sensitivities without compromising the buttery flavor.
- Chocolate Swap: Instead of white chocolate chips, try drizzling melted almond bark or candy melts to switch up the look and taste while keeping that creamy sweetness.
- Extra Crunch: For added texture, sprinkle chopped roasted nuts like pecans or almonds along with the sprinkles after drizzling the white chocolate.
- Holiday Colors: Beyond red sprinkles, add green or gold sprinkles for a festive holiday popcorn mix that's as fun to look at as it is to eat.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Spicy Cinnamon Candy Popcorn Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Popcorn Bed
Start by preheating your oven to 250° F and lining a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Spread out 8 cups of freshly popped popcorn in a single, even layer on the sheet. This base is the canvas for our spicy cinnamon candy coating—having it well spread out helps every kernel get coated beautifully during baking.
Step 2: Create That Sweet and Spicy Candy Coating
Over medium heat, melt ½ cup butter in a saucepan. Once melted, 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 frequently to ensure it blends smoothly and the candy dissolves evenly. Once boiling, remove from heat and quickly stir in ½ teaspoon baking soda. You’ll notice it bubbles up—that’s exactly what makes the coating light and crispy!
Step 3: Coat the Popcorn with Hot Cinnamon Candy Mixture
Working quickly before the candy hardens, pour the hot cinnamon candy mixture evenly over the popcorn on your baking sheet. Use a large spoon or spatula to gently toss and mix so every kernel gets a delicious coating. This step is key for achieving that perfect, even crunch and spicy-sweet flavor.
Step 4: Bake for the Perfect Crunch
Pop the coated popcorn into your preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes. This low and slow bake helps the candy coating set up perfectly without burning. When time’s up, take it out and give it a good toss again to redistribute the coating. Then let it cool completely so it crisps up to perfection.
Step 5: Melt and Drizzle the White Chocolate
While the popcorn cools, melt ½ cup of white chocolate chips in the microwave according to the package instructions. Stir frequently until the chocolate is totally smooth and creamy—this smoothness is what lets you create those gorgeous, delicate drizzles over the popcorn.
Step 6: Final Touches with Chocolate and Sprinkles
Drizzle the melted white chocolate evenly all over the cooled popcorn using a spoon. Right after drizzling, sprinkle on the remaining ⅓ cup Red Hots candies, ¼ cup white chocolate chips, and a handful of red sprinkles for color and extra flair. These final touches add bursts of cinnamon heat and creamy sweetness in every bite, plus a festive look that's perfect for parties.
Top Tip
These tips will help you nail the perfect balance of sweet heat and crispy texture in your Spicy Cinnamon Candy Popcorn Recipe every time. Trust me, a few little tricks go a long way!
- Fresh Popcorn Matters: Using freshly popped popcorn makes a huge difference in crunch and flavor absorption – stale popcorn just won’t give you that satisfying snap.
- Work Quickly: When you pour the hot cinnamon candy mixture, do it fast but gently so every kernel gets coated evenly before it starts to harden.
- Even Tossing: Tossing the popcorn both before and after baking ensures the candy coating is spread nicely without clumps or bare spots.
- Temperature Check: Keeping your oven steady at 250° F is key for crisping the popcorn without burning the candy coating.
How to Serve Spicy Cinnamon Candy Popcorn Recipe

Garnishes
To dress up this spicy-sweet popcorn even more, consider sprinkling extra Red Hots candies or a pinch of cinnamon powder on top. A light dusting of powdered sugar can add a hint of delicate sweetness that beautifully contrasts the heat. For a festive touch, add edible gold flakes or mini candy canes during the white chocolate drizzle stage.
Side Dishes
This popcorn is fantastic on its own but pairs wonderfully with creamy, mellow snacks to balance the spice. Try serving it alongside a bowl of vanilla yogurt dip, a mild cheese platter, or rich hot chocolate. For parties, it complements savory mix-and-match nuts or soft pretzels, giving your snack table an exciting flavor contrast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your Spicy Cinnamon Candy Popcorn in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Keeping it sealed prevents moisture from making the candy coating sticky or soft, preserving that perfect crunch.
Freezing
You can freeze the popcorn in a sealed freezer bag or airtight container for up to 2 weeks. To avoid crushing, pack it gently with no heavy items on top. Thaw at room temperature before serving to bring back the crispiness.
Reheating
If the popcorn loses a bit of crunch, gently warm it in a 250° F oven for about 5-7 minutes. Keep an eye on it to prevent the candy coating from melting. This quick refresh helps restore that fresh, crispy texture and makes the white chocolate drizzle slightly melty again.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Absolutely! You can control the heat by adjusting the amount of Red Hots candies you use. Using fewer candies will mellow the spice, while adding more will up the fiery kick.
Yes, you can replace white chocolate chips with almond bark or candy melts, both of which melt smoothly and work well for drizzling and decorating.
Baking soda causes the hot candy mixture to bubble and aerate, which lightens the coating and helps create a crisp, slightly fluffy texture on the popcorn.
Yes! Make sure your popcorn is plain and gluten-free (most plain popcorn is), and use gluten-free certified ingredients especially for the candies and white chocolate. This recipe is naturally gluten-light otherwise.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so joyful about the crackle of spicy cinnamon candy paired with the creamy sweetness of white chocolate — it’s like a party in every bite! Making this Spicy Cinnamon Candy Popcorn Recipe has become one of my favorite ways to add a little warmth and whimsy to snack time. Whether you’re sharing it during the holidays or indulging on a cozy night in, I hope it brings a smile and just the right amount of zing to your day. Happy snacking!
Print
Spicy Cinnamon Candy Popcorn Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Red Hot Cinnamon Candy Popcorn recipe combines sweet and spicy flavors with a crispy, buttery popcorn base coated in a cinnamon candy mixture and drizzled with white chocolate. Perfect for a festive snack or party treat, it balances heat from Red Hots candies with the sweetness of butter and sugar for a unique and irresistible crunchy delight.
Ingredients
Popcorn Base
- 8 cups popped popcorn
Candy Coating
- ½ cup butter
- ½ cup sugar
- ¼ cup light corn syrup
- 1 ⅓ cups Red Hots candies, divided
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
Decoration
- ¾ cup white chocolate chips, divided
- Red sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Popcorn: Preheat oven to 250° F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Spread the popped popcorn in a single layer on the sheet and set aside.
- Melt and Mix Candy Coating: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the salt, 1 cup of Red Hots candies, sugar, and corn syrup. Bring the mixture to a boil while whisking frequently to combine evenly. Remove from heat and stir in the baking soda, which will cause bubbling.
- Coat Popcorn with Candy Mixture: Working quickly, pour the hot cinnamon candy mixture over the popcorn on the baking sheet. Lightly toss the popcorn to distribute the coating evenly.
- Bake the Coated Popcorn: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes. Remove from oven and toss the popcorn again to coat evenly. Allow it to cool completely.
- Melt White Chocolate: Melt ½ cup of white chocolate chips in the microwave according to package instructions, stirring until smooth and creamy.
- Drizzle White Chocolate and Decorate: Using a spoon, drizzle the melted white chocolate evenly over the cooled popcorn. Immediately sprinkle the remaining ⅓ cup Red Hots candies, ¼ cup white chocolate chips, and red sprinkles on top to decorate.
Notes
- Ensure the popcorn is as fresh as possible for optimal crunch.
- Using parchment paper prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
- Work quickly when pouring the hot candy mixture, as it cools and hardens fast.
- Adjust the amount of Red Hots candies to control spice level.
- White chocolate chips can be replaced with almond bark or candy melts for variation.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 85 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 26 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg


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