Gluten-Free Cinnamon Sugar Popcorn
By the Gluten Free Recipes team ·
This warmly spiced, sweet, and crunchy gluten-free popcorn, perfect for movie nights or a satisfying snack. The irresistible aroma of cinnamon and sugar coats each fluffy kernel, creating a delightful treat that's both comforting and addictive.
At a glance: This easy snacks recipe yields 4 servings in about 30 minutes (10 min prep, 20 min cook). It uses 5 ingredients — including popcorn kernels, coconut oil or unsalted butter, granulated sugar — and walks through 5 steps. Updated . Browse more snacks recipes or return to all gluten-free recipes.
Cross-Contamination Warning for Gluten-Free Cinnamon Sugar Popcorn: When preparing this snacks recipe, exercise caution with popcorn kernels and any pre-mixed spice blends. Ensure these items are certified gluten-free and have not come into contact with gluten-containing ingredients during processing or packaging to prevent cross-contamination In a shared kitchen, avoid porous materials — wooden spoons, wooden cutting boards, and scratched non-stick pans can harbor gluten proteins even after washing. Prefer glass, metal, or silicone tools.
Gluten-Free Notes for Gluten-Free Cinnamon Sugar Popcorn: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, relying on popcorn kernels and simple pantry spices. Always ensure your popcorn kernels are processed in a facility free from gluten-containing grains if you have severe sensitivities.
Ingredients
- 0.5 cup popcorn kernels
- 2 tbsp coconut oil or unsalted butter, melted
- 3 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1.5 tsp ground cinnamon
- 0.25 tsp salt
Instructions
- 1
Combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a small bowl, stirring until thoroughly mixed. Set this cinnamon-sugar mixture aside. In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, melt the coconut oil or unsalted butter over medium-high heat. Add the popcorn kernels to the pot and cover with a tight-fitting lid.
- 2
Once the kernels begin to pop, shake the pot gently every 10-15 seconds to prevent burning and ensure even popping. Continue this process for about 5-7 minutes, or until the popping slows to one pop every 2-3 seconds. Remove the pot from the heat immediately to avoid scorching the popped kernels.
- 3
Carefully remove the lid, ensuring no steam escapes towards you. Pour the popped popcorn into a very large bowl. Sprinkle the salt evenly over the hot popcorn and toss gently to distribute. This initial seasoning helps the cinnamon-sugar adhere better.
- 4
Gradually sprinkle the prepared cinnamon-sugar mixture over the popcorn, tossing continuously with a large spoon or spatula. Continue tossing for about 3-5 minutes, ensuring each piece of popcorn is coated with the sweet and spicy blend. The residual heat will help the sugar adhere and create a slightly glossy finish.
- 5
Serve the cinnamon sugar popcorn immediately while it's warm and fragrant for the best texture and flavor. If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, though it's best enjoyed fresh.
Nutrition (per serving)
Tips & Notes
- Softened butter should hold a fingerprint but not be greasy — if it melts on touch, it's too warm for creaming.
- Toast desiccated coconut in a dry pan over medium heat for 2–3 minutes, stirring, for a deeper flavor.
- Ceylon cinnamon is milder and sweeter; Cassia (the common kind) is more pungent — both work here.
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