Here’s what you’ll need to make this delightful snack:
- 10 cups popped popcorn (about 1/2 cup kernels)
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup light corn syrup
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon cotton candy flavoring (LorAnn or similar)
- Gel food coloring (pink, blue, or both – optional)
- Sprinkles (optional)
Directions
- Step 1: Start by popping your popcorn! Once it’s popped, toss it into a large mixing bowl and set it aside. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to catch all that sweetness.
- Step 2: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and mix in the sugar, corn syrup, water, and salt. Keep stirring until everything’s combined and the butter is melted.
- Step 3: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil—do not stir now! Allow it to bubble away until it reaches 235°F (the soft-ball stage) on a candy thermometer, usually around 4-5 minutes of cooking time.
- Step 4: Once it reaches the magical temperature, remove it from the heat and quickly stir in the vanilla extract and cotton candy flavoring. If you want to add color, do so now with your gel food coloring!
- Step 5: Carefully pour the gooey mixture over the popcorn. With a gentle hand, stir it all together to ensure every popcorn piece gets a good coating.
- Step 6: Spread the sticky popcorn onto your prepared baking sheet. If you want to make it extra special, sprinkle some colorful sprinkles on top while it’s still warm.
- Step 7: Let it cool completely for about 30 minutes. This is the hardest part! Once set and cool, break it apart and enjoy your candy-coated creation!
FAQs
What type of popcorn is best for this recipe?
Freshly popped popcorn is ideal. Air-popped or stovetop popcorn will provide the best texture and flavor. Avoid microwave popcorn as it can contain unwanted seasonings that may not work well with the sweet coating.
Can I use different flavorings?
Absolutely! While cotton candy flavoring is traditional, you can experiment with other flavors like bubblegum, vanilla, or even fruity options to suit your preference.
What if I don’t have a candy thermometer?
If you don’t have a candy thermometer, you can test the syrup’s consistency by dropping a small amount into cold water. If it forms a soft ball that can be easily shaped, it’s ready!
How should leftover popcorn be stored?
Store any leftover cotton candy popcorn in an airtight container at room temperature to keep it fresh and crunchy. It should last for about a week.
Can I make this ahead of time for a party?
Yes! You can make this cotton candy popcorn a few days in advance. Just be sure to store it properly in an airtight container to maintain its freshness.
Conclusion
Creating your own Cotton Candy Popcorn is not only a fun activity but also yields a deliciously sweet snack that will bring a smile to everyone’s face. Whether for a birthday party, a fun movie night, or just a special treat, you can’t go wrong with this whimsical popcorn. Try this recipe today and enjoy a nostalgic journey filled with the sweetness of cotton candy!
