I apologize if this is too Christmas-y for you, but I just found out about it today. My mom had tried it over the holidays and asked if I’d ever had “Red Hot Cinnamon Popcorn”. I hadn’t, but was determined to find a recipe and make her a new batch. Not being a fan of Red Hots, I was surprised at how good they were melted on popcorn. And while my favorite flavor is still caramel, My mom liked this a lot.
Thanks to Amy at Amy’s Finer Things for the recipe. Since I wasn’t sure whether we’d like it at first, I made a half batch using 1 bag of microwave popcorn (about 6 cups), half the amount of candy coating ingredients and a small saucepan. I also used a candy thermometer and made sure to take it off right at hard ball stage. We discussed cinnamon oil. Amy’s recipe calls for it, but I didn’t have any and left it out. The popcorn was great without it, but it would be fun to try it with even more of a cinnamon punch.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter plus extra for pan
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons light corn syrup
- 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons Red Hots
- 1/8 teaspoon baking soda
- 6 to 8 cups (I used 6) popped microwave popcorn
- Preheat oven to 250 degrees F. Butter a large roasting pan.
- In a small saucepan, I used a non-stick type, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sugar, corn syrup and red hots and continue stirring until the red hots are melted. Once they’re fully melted, insert a candy thermometer and continue heating for 3 minutes or until the candy reaches hard ball stage. Remove from heat and immediately add baking soda. Pour over the popcorn, then empty into the roasting pan.
- Bake at 250 for 1 hour, stirring every 15 to 20 minutes. Cool completely. Break into pieces.
{ 12 comments… read them below or add one }
Thanks! I’ve always loved red cinnamon popcorn.
I have a friend who would love this!
Umm… Cinnamon popcorn with redhots! I don’t know if I would like that one either. I am pretty much a traditional popcorn guy. Lots of butter and salt. Sounds like something good for the grandkids though. I Might give it a try the next time they come over. Actually, this weekend sounds good!!
Bill
I’ve never even heard of it. But I kind of like red hots and I have a big container of them. I want to get really ambitious and make those red hot macarons someone made on Top Chef Just Desserts on the first season.
love this stuff! Have had it in Kansas but never seen it anywhere else…
Maybe you’re gearing up for Valentine’s Day.
I agree with Louise. This would be perfect foe Valentine’s Day,
As a kid, I remember we got one of those multi-flavored popcorn tins you see around Christmas and it had cinnamon popcorn in it. I loved it, but haven’t seen it since! I’ll have to try this!!
awww, I was also thinking it sounded like a great valentines treat
Red hots were my favorite candy growing up. I’ll have to try this!
Loved it!
I am from Kansas City and have moved away and I miss my Cinnamon popcorn it is the best ever!!!!