This is a variation of our microwave popcorn base recipe. Popcorn can be a delicious and healthy snack when you make your own. By making popcorn at home, you avoid unnecessary ingredients, unhealthy oils, and excessive salt found in ready-to-pop bags. All it takes is a brown bag or a large microwaveable bowl with a lid! Craving a sweet variety? Then this cinnamon sugar popcorn should hit the spot!
Must Know Cooking Skills
For recipe success, learn how to:
Culinary Tips for How to Make Cinnamon Sugar Popcorn
Wondering how to make popcorn in the microwave with a bag? Use a brown lunch sack, and be sure to fold over the top twice so you don’t have a popcorn explosion in your microwave!
But what about how to make popcorn in the microwave without a bag? You just need a large bowl with a lid. There are some great collapsible silicone versions.
Regardless of bag or bowl, do not burn the popcorn! It can happen in an instant and ruin the whole batch. Use your ears, and stop the microwave when it sounds like there is longer than 2-3 seconds per between pops, stop the microwave. It’s better to pull the bag early than too late.
Let the bag or bowl rest for a few minutes before opening. There can be some delayed pops from kernels, and it will be super hot!
When mixing the cinnamon sugar mixture into the popcorn, you will need to gently press the popcorn into the bottom of the bowl while tossing to make sure all that great flavor sticks!
Involve your kids in this recipe. It’s super easy, fast, and fun!
Ingredient Substitutions
- Popcorn Kernels: use any variety. Didn’t know there was more than one kind? Try this fun variety pack.
- Canola Oil: substitute avocado oil. Extra virgin olive oil can work too, but it has a strong flavor that might overpower the sweet flavors. If you can’t live without butter on your popcorn, that will also work.
- Granulated Sugar: substitute brown or coconut sugar.
- Cinnamon: substitute pumpkin or apple pie spice. They both contain cinnamon!
- Sea Salt: use any variety. Sea salt is a good choice because of its texture. Its small granules coat the popcorn better than kosher, but kosher or iodized salt still work!
Recipe Variations
Add a dash of cloves, nutmeg, cardamom, or another sweet spice! Check out our favorite spices at the Spice House!
Want some popcorn inspiration?
Use our base recipe as a guide, or check out our Parmesan popcorn with Italian seasoning variation!
Equipment Recommendations
Use these kitchen tools for recipe success:
- Brown lunch bag or large microwaveable bowl with a lid
- Whisk
Check out our essential equipment guide to stock your kitchen with ALL the tools you need to prepare anything!
Is this Sweet Popcorn Recipe Healthy?
You bet! Popcorn is a whole grain, and when you make it from scratch, you control the ingredients! No palm oil, artificial flavors, or excess salt or sugar here. The featured ingredients in this cinnamon sugar popcorn recipe are popcorn, canola oil, and cinnamon.
Popcorn
Popcorn is a whole grain, which means it provides our bodies with vitamins, minerals, fiber, phytonutrients, and healthy fats. Fiber is important for digestion, satiety, stable blood sugar, good cholesterol, and healthy gut bacteria. Phytonutrients work as antioxidants to help fight off diseases and keep us healthy.
Canola Oil
Canola oil contains heart-healthy monounsaturated fatty acids. It also has a high smoke point, making it ideal for high-heat cooking methods like roasting.
Cinnamon
Using spices decreases the need for salt, which may help reduce hypertension risk, and therefore promote heart health. Cinnamon has compounds that contain anti-diabetic and glucose-lowering effects. These effects may promote steady blood sugar levels after a meal.
Learn more about the health benefits of different foods and ingredients in our book, To Your Taste!
Serving Suggestions
This homemade microwave popcorn is a great snack on its own, but you can also pair it with trail mix or nuts for additional fat and protein to help keep you satisfied until your next meal.
Cinnamon Sugar Popcorn Storage Tips
Popcorn is best eaten fresh from the microwave, but you can make it in advance. To ensure freshness, store it in an airtight bag or container for no more than 2 days.
Want more healthy snack recipes?
Try out these delicious base recipes!
Baked Oatmeal Cups Base Recipe
Cinnamon Sugar Popcorn
Ingredients
- ¼ cup popcorn kernels
- 2 Tablespoons avocado or canola oil
- 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
Instructions
- Add popcorn kernels to a brown paper lunch bag. Fold the top of the bag over twice to close shut. Alternatively, use a silicone popcorn bowl. Place in the microwave and cook for 1-2 minutes, or use the popcorn button and set the weight to 2 ounces. Microwave until there are about 2-3 seconds between pops.
- In a large bowl, whisk to combine the oil, sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add popped popcorn, and stir with your hands or a spatula, scraping the bottom of the bowl, until evenly coated. Enjoy!
Nutrition
FAQ Questions:
How do I keep cinnamon sugar from falling off popcorn?
Toss the popcorn while it is still warm and lightly coated with oil or butter. Many popcorn enthusiasts also recommend using finer sugar or powdered sugar because it sticks better to the popcorn surface.
Can I use brown sugar instead of white sugar?
Absolutely! Brown sugar adds a deeper caramel-like flavor to the popcorn. Coconut sugar can also be used as an alternative sweetener.
How should I store cinnamon sugar popcorn?
Store leftover popcorn in an airtight container or resealable bag at room temperature for up to 2 days to help maintain freshness and crunch.
Can I make this popcorn vegan?
Yes, this recipe can easily be made vegan by using avocado oil, canola oil, or plant-based butter instead of regular butter.
