Description
Cotton Candy Popcorn is a colorful, sweet, and whimsical treat that combines fluffy popcorn with a candy coating that mimics the nostalgic flavor of cotton candy. Perfect for parties, movie nights, or themed events, this vibrant snack is sure to delight both kids and adults.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 cups plain popped popcorn (about 1/3 cup kernels)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup light corn syrup
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp cotton candy flavoring or extract
- Food coloring (pink and blue recommended)
- 1 tbsp butter (optional, for shine and richness)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 250°F (120°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spread popped popcorn evenly over it.
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine sugar, corn syrup, water, and salt. Stir until sugar dissolves, then stop stirring and bring to a boil.
- Continue boiling the syrup mixture until it reaches 235–240°F (soft ball stage) on a candy thermometer, about 4–5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and quickly stir in cotton candy flavoring, food coloring, and butter if using. Mix well.
- Pour the hot syrup evenly over the popcorn and quickly toss with a spatula to coat before it cools.
- Transfer the coated popcorn back to the baking sheet and bake for 20–30 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even coating and crispness.
- Allow to cool completely before breaking into pieces and serving.
Notes
- Use separate batches with different food colors for a more vibrant mix.
- Store in an airtight container to maintain crispness.
- Add sprinkles for a festive touch.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 2g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: cotton candy popcorn, candy popcorn, colored popcorn, party snack, sweet popcorn