How do you get cinnamon to stick to popcorn?

The key is warm, melted butter. It helps bind the cinnamon and sugar evenly to the popcorn’s surface. Toss the popcorn while it's still hot, and the butter mixture will cling beautifully without making it soggy. Air-popped popcorn works great too—just be sure to coat it quickly.

Can you make cinnamon sugar popcorn without butter?

Absolutely. If you're dairy-free or just out of butter, you can substitute coconut oil or vegan butter. Just make sure the fat is warm enough to dissolve the cinnamon and sugar so you still get that even coating. For more ideas, check out buttered popcorn alternatives for inspiration.

Can I use microwave popcorn for this recipe?

Yes—but go with plain or lightly salted microwave popcorn. Avoid buttery or flavored versions as they can clash with the cinnamon sugar coating. Once popped, transfer it to a bowl and toss with the cinnamon sugar mixture like you would with stovetop popcorn.

How do you store leftover cinnamon sugar popcorn?

Store it in an airtight container at room temperature. It’ll stay fresh and crisp for up to 3 days. If it softens, you can re-crisp it in a 250°F oven for about 5 minutes. It also makes a fun gift when packed in clear treat bags—especially around the holidays or birthdays

Cinnamon Sugar Popcorn Recipe – Easy & Delicious Snack

Name: Cinnamon Sugar Popcorn Recipe: A Sweet & Easy Treat for Snack Lovers
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ½ cup popcorn kernels; 3 tbsp unsalted butter; ¼ cup granulated sugar; 1½ tsp ground cinnamon; ¼ tsp salt (optional)

Description

Sweet, crunchy, and cozy, this Cinnamon Sugar Popcorn is perfect for movie nights or festive snack boards. Quick to make and addictively good.

Ingredients

Scale

½ cup popcorn kernels

3 tbsp unsalted butter

¼ cup granulated sugar

1½ tsp ground cinnamon

¼ tsp salt (optional)

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Instructions

1. Pop the popcorn using your method of choice and place it in a large bowl.

2. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat.

3. Stir in the sugar and cinnamon while the butter is still warm.

4. Immediately pour the mixture over the popcorn.

5. Gently toss to coat all the popcorn evenly.

6. Let sit for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Use coconut oil or vegan butter for a dairy-free version.

Air-popped popcorn works great—just make sure to coat while hot.

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Category: Snack
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 145
Sugar: 8g
Sodium: 60mg
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 15g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 1g
Cholesterol: 15mg