Description
Cotton Candy Popcorn is a delightful and whimsical treat combining the light, fluffy texture of popcorn with the sweet, nostalgic flavors of cotton candy. This easy-to-make recipe pairs air-popped popcorn with a homemade sugar syrup flavored with cotton candy essence and colored with vibrant gel food coloring for a fun, carnival-inspired snack perfect for parties or a special movie night.
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 the popcorn: Place the 8 cups of popped popcorn into a large mixing bowl. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside for later use.
- Make the sugar syrup: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 2 tbsp light corn syrup, 2 tbsp water, 1 tbsp unsalted butter, and 1/8 tsp salt. Stir the mixture continuously until it starts to boil.
- Cook to soft-ball stage: Stop stirring and allow the syrup to boil for 3 to 4 minutes, or until the temperature reaches about 235°F (soft-ball stage) on a candy thermometer. This ensures the syrup is at the right consistency to coat the popcorn.
- Add flavor and color: Remove the saucepan from the heat and quickly stir in 1/2 tsp cotton candy flavoring and a few drops of your chosen gel food coloring. Mix well to blend the flavors and colors evenly.
- Coat the popcorn: Immediately pour the hot sugar mixture over the popcorn in the bowl. Toss gently with a spatula to evenly coat all the popcorn pieces. Work quickly before the syrup hardens.
- Cool the popcorn: Spread the coated popcorn in an even layer on the prepared parchment-lined baking sheet. Let it cool completely until the coating sets and hardens.
- Serve: Once cooled, break the popcorn into clusters and serve as a fun, sweet treat.
Notes
- Use a candy thermometer to ensure the syrup reaches the soft-ball stage for the perfect coating consistency.
- If cotton candy flavoring is unavailable, you can substitute with a similar sweet vanilla or berry flavor.
- Gel food coloring is preferred over liquid to avoid making the syrup too watery.
- For extra flair, serve immediately or store in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
