If you love a little kick with your sweet treats, you’re going to adore this Spicy Cinnamon Candy Popcorn Recipe. It’s got the perfect balance of fiery cinnamon heat and sweet, crunchy goodness that makes snack time truly exciting.

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 Spicy Cinnamon Candy Popcorn Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Spicy Cinnamon Candy Popcorn Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Spicy Cinnamon Candy Popcorn Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I can’t get enough of this popcorn! Every bite bursts with spicy warmth from the cinnamon candies, while the white chocolate drizzle adds a creamy finish that’s just irresistible. It’s fun to make and even better to share.

Fiery Sweet Flavor: The combination of Red Hots candies and sweet glaze gives a unique spicy-sweet taste you won’t find in everyday popcorn.
Perfect Party Snack: Its vibrant colors and bold flavor make it a showstopper for gatherings and holiday treats.
Crunchy Texture: Baking the coated popcorn ensures a crisp finish that holds up well even after cooling.
Easy to Customize: You can easily dial down the heat or swap toppings to suit your taste or occasion.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Before diving in, let's talk about what you'll need and why each ingredient plays an important role. Using fresh, popped popcorn is key to getting that light, airy crunch, while the Red Hots candies provide the signature cinnamon heat that sets this snack apart.

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

Popcorn: Freshly popped popcorn has the best texture and absorbs the candy coating perfectly without excess oiliness.
Butter: Adds richness and helps create a smooth base for the cinnamon candy sauce.
Sugar: Sweetens the glaze and balances the spicy heat.
Light Corn Syrup: Gives the candy coating a glossy finish and chewy texture.
Red Hots candies: The star ingredient that brings that fiery cinnamon punch; dividing them ensures flavor throughout and as a topping.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors and keeps the sweet-spicy combo from becoming one-note.
Baking Soda: Quick addition that aerates the candy glaze, making it lighter and crispier on the popcorn.
White Chocolate Chips: Used both melted and sprinkled on top for a creamy contrast and festive look.
Red Sprinkles: Adds a fun, decorative touch to finish off the snack perfectly.

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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

This Spicy Cinnamon Candy Popcorn Recipe is already a showstopper, but feel free to customize it to suit your taste buds or occasion. Whether you want to dial down the heat or add a seasonal twist, a little personalization can turn it into your new favorite snack creation.

Less Heat, More Sweet: If you find the Red Hots a little too fiery, I recommend reducing the amount by a quarter cup. It still keeps that wonderful cinnamon flavor without overwhelming your palate.
Chocolate Variation: Instead of white chocolate, try drizzling melted dark or milk chocolate for a richer, deeper flavor. It’s a delicious contrast to the spicy candy coating!
Holiday Edition: For holiday celebrations, swap the red sprinkles for green ones or add crushed candy canes on top. The peppermint adds a fun, festive flair and pairs beautifully with cinnamon.
Nutty Crunch: If you’re a fan of extra crunch, toss in some toasted pecans or almonds before baking. This adds a lovely nuttiness and texture that pairs perfectly with the sweet and spicy popcorn.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Spicy Cinnamon 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: Prepare the Popcorn Base

Preheat your oven to 250 degrees Fahrenheit and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Spread 8 cups of freshly popped popcorn evenly in a single layer on the sheet. Using fresh popcorn (not microwave popcorn) will give you that perfect crisp texture, helping the cinnamon candy coating stick beautifully.

Step 2: Create the Cinnamon Candy Sauce

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt ½ cup butter. Stir in ¼ teaspoon salt, 1 cup of Red Hots candies, ½ cup sugar, and ¼ cup light corn syrup. Keep whisking frequently as you bring this mixture to a boil — this ensures the sugar dissolves completely and the candy melts evenly. Once it boils, remove from heat and immediately stir in ½ teaspoon baking soda. You’ll notice the mixture foam and lighten up — that’s exactly what you want for a fluffy, luscious coating.

Step 3: Coat the Popcorn

Working quickly while the candy sauce is still hot and fluid, pour it evenly over the popcorn on your baking sheet. Toss gently but thoroughly, making sure each popcorn piece gets that fiery, cinnamon glaze. The warmth helps the coating to spread and adhere perfectly.

Step 4: Bake and Toss

Pop your candy-coated popcorn into the preheated 250°F oven for 30 minutes. This slow baking process helps the glaze set and crisp up. Halfway through, remove the sheet and give the popcorn a good toss to redistribute the coating and ensure all pieces are evenly flavored. After baking, set it aside and allow it to cool completely before moving on.

Step 5: Melt and Drizzle White Chocolate

Melt ½ cup of white chocolate chips in the microwave according to package instructions, heating until smooth and creamy. A gentle microwave cycle with 20-second bursts and stirring between each burst prevents burning. Then, using a spoon, drizzle the melted white chocolate artfully over the cooled popcorn. This adds a gorgeous creamy contrast that’s sure to wow.

Step 6: Add Your Festive Finishing Touches

Right after drizzling, sprinkle on the remaining ⅓ cup Red Hots candies, ¼ cup white chocolate chips, and a generous handful of red sprinkles. This not only amps up the heat but also adds a colorful, festive look that shines—especially at holiday parties! Allow the popcorn to set until the chocolate hardens, then enjoy your irresistible Spicy Cinnamon Candy Popcorn.

Top Tip

Making this Spicy Cinnamon Candy Popcorn Recipe is as fun as it is delicious. These tips came straight from my own kitchen experiments, so they'll help you get perfect results every time!

Popcorn Texture: Always use freshly popped popcorn and avoid microwave versions. The extra oil in microwaved popcorn can cause the candy coating to slide off rather than stick, making your treat soggy instead of crisp.
Mixing the Candy Coating: Stir in the baking soda right after removing the pan from the heat. I learned that doing this quickly helps the mixture foam up nicely, giving the popcorn a lighter, airier glaze instead of a heavy, sticky coating.
Even Coating: Toss the popcorn once halfway through baking. This small step makes a big difference by ensuring every kernel gets that beautiful spicy cinnamon shine without clumping.
Quick Drizzle Decorating: When drizzling the melted white chocolate and adding your final toppings, work quickly before the popcorn cools completely. This way, the candies and sprinkles stick perfectly and create that festive look we all love.

How to Serve Spicy Cinnamon 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 stands out with its fiery red candies and white chocolate drizzle, but you can amp it up even more! Try adding a sprinkle of crushed candy canes for a hint of minty freshness, or dust lightly with cinnamon powder to boost the warm spice notes. Fresh cranberries scattered on the side can add a nice tart contrast, especially during the holidays.

Side Dishes

Pair your Spicy Cinnamon Candy Popcorn with comforting drinks like hot apple cider or a rich cup of cocoa to balance the heat. For a party, set it alongside salty snacks such as roasted nuts or cheese platters to create a delightful sweet-and-spicy flavor combo that will keep guests coming back for more.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your Spicy Cinnamon Candy Popcorn fresh and crunchy, store it in an airtight container at room temperature. It stays delicious for up to 3 days. Avoid refrigeration because it can introduce moisture and soften the popcorn.

Freezing

You can freeze the popcorn if you want to keep it longer. Place it in a sealed freezer-safe bag, removing as much air as possible, and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature before serving — just give it a gentle toss to refresh the coating’s crispness.

Reheating

If the popcorn loses a bit of its crunch, pop it in a 250°F oven for about 5-7 minutes. Keep an eye on it so the white chocolate drizzle doesn’t melt too much again. This simple step revives the texture beautifully.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I adjust the spiciness level of this popcorn?

Absolutely! If you prefer a milder heat, simply reduce the amount of Red Hots candies slightly. You can still enjoy the cinnamon flavor without it being too fiery.

What type of popcorn works best for this recipe?

Freshly popped plain popcorn is best. Avoid microwave popcorn varieties since they often contain oils and flavorings that interfere with the candy coating’s ability to stick and harden properly.

Can I use something other than white chocolate chips?

Yes! Candy melts or any white confectionery coating work well too. Just melt them according to their package directions for that smooth drizzle finish.

How long does this popcorn stay fresh?

Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, it stays fresh and crisp for up to 3 days, making it perfect for parties and snacking over several days.

Final Thoughts

This Spicy Cinnamon Candy Popcorn Recipe is one of my favorite treats to whip up when I want something with a little kick and a lot of fun. The combination of spicy cinnamon candy with creamy white chocolate makes for a snack that’s both nostalgic and exciting. Whether you’re hosting a party, looking for a holiday gift idea, or just craving something unique, this popcorn is sure to impress. Enjoy the crunch, share the heat, and savor every sweet, spicy bite!