Description
Cotton Candy Popcorn is a fun and whimsical treat that combines the light, airy texture of popcorn with the sweet, nostalgic flavor of cotton candy. This easy recipe uses a homemade sugar syrup flavored and colored to mimic cotton candy, perfectly coating the popcorn for a delightful snack that’s perfect for parties, movie nights, or any occasion that calls for a bit of magic.
Ingredients
Scale
Popcorn
- 8 cups popped popcorn (plain, air-popped or lightly salted)
Syrup
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp light corn syrup
- 2 tbsp water
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/8 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp cotton candy flavoring (or to taste)
- Gel food coloring (pink, blue, or your choice)
Instructions
- Prepare Popcorn: Place the popped popcorn into a large mixing bowl. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside for cooling the coated popcorn later.
- Make Sugar Syrup: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the sugar, light corn syrup, water, butter, and salt. Stir the mixture gently until it begins to boil.
- Boil to Soft-Ball Stage: Stop stirring and let the mixture boil undisturbed for 3–4 minutes, or until it reaches about 235°F (soft-ball stage) on a candy thermometer. This ensures the syrup will set properly on the popcorn.
- Add Flavor and Color: Remove the saucepan from heat. Quickly stir in the cotton candy flavoring and a few drops of gel food coloring of your choice to create the signature cotton candy appearance and taste.
- Coat Popcorn: Immediately pour the hot syrup over the popcorn. Toss gently using a spatula to coat the popcorn evenly before the syrup sets.
- Cool and Set: Spread the coated popcorn on the prepared baking sheet in an even layer. Let it cool completely so the coating hardens and the clusters form.
- Serve: Once cooled, break the popcorn into clusters and serve as a delightful sweet treat.
Notes
- Use a candy thermometer to ensure the syrup reaches the correct temperature for the ideal texture.
- If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the amount of sugar slightly, but the cotton candy flavor may be less pronounced.
- Gel food coloring is recommended to avoid thinning the syrup mixture.
- Store coated popcorn in an airtight container to keep it crisp.
