A whimsical, sweet-as-a-dream treat with a candy coating that tastes like a carnival in every bite!
📋 Recipe Card
Servings: About 10 cups
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Cooling Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Dietary Tags: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
🛒 Ingredients Checklist
Popped popcorn (about 10 cups)
Unsalted butter
Granulated sugar
Light corn syrup
Water
Salt
Vanilla extract
Cotton candy flavoring (LorAnn or similar)
Gel food coloring (pink, blue, or both – optional)
Sprinkles – optional, for a fun finish
🔪 Instructions
Prep Your Popcorn:
Pop your popcorn and place it in a large mixing bowl. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
Make the Candy Coating:
In a medium saucepan, combine butter, sugar, corn syrup, water, and salt over medium heat. Stir constantly until the butter is melted and mixture is fully combined.
Boil Without Stirring:
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil and let it bubble (without stirring) until it reaches 235°F (soft-ball stage) on a candy thermometer, about 4–5 minutes.
Add Flavor & Color:
Remove from heat. Stir in the vanilla extract and cotton candy flavoring. Add gel food coloring if using.
Coat the Popcorn:
Immediately pour the hot syrup over the popcorn. Stir gently but thoroughly to coat every kernel evenly.
Spread and Sprinkle:
Spread the coated popcorn onto your prepared baking sheet. While still warm, top with sprinkles if desired.
Cool and Serve:
Let the popcorn cool completely for 30 minutes. Once set, break apart and enjoy!
📝 Additional Notes
Use fresh-popped popcorn with no butter or salt for the best candy coating.
Cotton candy flavoring is strong – measure carefully!
Let cool completely before storing in an airtight container.
✨ Introduction
This Cotton Candy Popcorn is the perfect marriage of nostalgic fun and sweet indulgence. Inspired by the smell of carnival stands and neon-colored treats, it’s buttery, crispy, and kissed with cotton candy flavor. Make a batch for party favors, movie nights, or edible gifts — or just because your inner child said yes please.
📸 Step-by-Step Guide
1. Pop & Prep
Pop your kernels and set them in a big bowl. Line a baking sheet with parchment for easy cleanup.
Tip: Air-popped or stovetop popcorn without salt or oil works best.
2. Make the Candy Mixture
In a saucepan, stir together butter, sugar, corn syrup, water, and salt. Stir until butter melts and sugar dissolves.
Tip: Use a heavy-bottomed pan to avoid scorching.
3. Boil to the Soft-Ball Stage
Let the mixture boil undisturbed until it hits 235°F, the soft-ball stage. This ensures the perfect sticky-but-crisp texture.
Tip: Don’t walk away – use a candy thermometer for accuracy!
4. Flavor & Color It
Once off heat, stir in vanilla and cotton candy flavoring. Add a drop or two of gel food coloring for that carnival pop.
Tip: Start with a tiny bit of coloring — it’s potent!
5. Coat the Popcorn
Quickly pour the hot syrup over your popcorn and stir gently but quickly to coat everything.
Tip: Use a silicone spatula or greased spoon to prevent sticking.
6. Add Sprinkles & Cool
Spread onto a lined sheet pan. Sprinkle with edible decorations while warm. Cool fully before breaking apart.
Tip: Resist the urge to nibble while it’s hot — it’s sticky and dangerous!
🧂 Ingredient Details & Substitutions
Popcorn: About ½ cup kernels = 10 cups popped. Use plain, unbuttered popcorn.
Corn Syrup: Light corn syrup helps prevent crystallization; don’t substitute with honey or maple syrup.
Cotton Candy Flavoring: LorAnn Oils or similar brands are best — available online or in baking stores.
Gel Food Coloring: Gel gives bright color with minimal liquid — a drop or two goes a long way.
🔁 Substitution Options
Ingredient Substitute Option
Light corn syrup Golden syrup (in small amounts)
Cotton candy flavoring Raspberry + vanilla extract (blended) – not exact, but sweet and fruity
Gel food coloring Omit for natural look
🍰 Variations & Serving Ideas
🎨 Flavor & Color Twists
Pink + Blue Mix: Divide your syrup and dye half pink, half blue for a fun two-tone look.
Rainbow Party: Use various food colors and flavors (e.g., bubblegum, blueberry).
Birthday Confetti: Mix in mini marshmallows and pastel sprinkles.
🌱 Dietary Notes
Gluten-Free: Naturally gluten-free (verify with popcorn and flavoring brands).
Dairy-Free: Use vegan butter and check flavoring for dairy content.
🍽 Presentation Tips
Serve in treat bags, mason jars, or little popcorn cups for parties or gifting. Add a ribbon and tag for party favors!
🧊 Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
Storage: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Humidity Tip: Keep in a cool, dry place — moisture softens the coating.
Make Ahead: Can be made the night before your event. Wait to bag until fully cooled.
🔍 Nutrition Facts (Per 1 Cup – Estimate)
Calories: 140 kcal | Carbs: 22g | Fat: 6g | Sugar: 18g
Allergens: Contains dairy (from butter)
Diet Tags: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
❓ FAQs
Q: Do I need a candy thermometer?
A: It’s strongly recommended for accuracy. Reaching the soft-ball stage (235°F) is key to the texture.
Q: Can I use microwave popcorn?
A: Avoid flavored or buttered microwave popcorn. Plain, air-popped is best.
Q: How long does it stay crispy?
A: Up to 5 days in an airtight container — humidity is its enemy!
Q: Is this safe for kids to help make?
A: They can help with layering or decorating, but the hot syrup step should be done by adults only.
💬 Optional Personal Note
I made this for a friend’s baby shower once — half pink, half blue — and it completely stole the show. It’s one of those simple recipes that looks like magic and tastes like a memory. Every batch I make brings back the fun of carnival snacks and sticky fingers under cotton-candy skies.
📣 Call to Action
Tried this Cotton Candy Popcorn?
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Rate the recipe, leave a comment, or tell me how you flavored your batch. Did it remind you of childhood too?