Gluten-Free Cinnamon Sugar Popcorn

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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 min Total: 30 min Serves: 4

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 October 24, 2026. Browse more snacks recipes or return to all gluten-free recipes.

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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 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.

Scale Recipe:

servings

Ingredient amounts update automatically

Ingredients

Shop links on this page are for coconut oil or unsalted butter, melted, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon. Buy the package that says gluten-free. A shared production line is the usual risk with these pantry items. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you. Confirm the product is labeled gluten-free before you buy.

0.5 cup popcorn kernels
2 tbsp coconut oil or unsalted butter, melted Shop
3 tbsp granulated sugar Shop
1.5 tsp ground cinnamon Shop
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)

190

Calories

Protein

26g

Carbs

16g

Fat

Fiber

160mg

Sodium

Tips & Notes

Heat the coconut oil or butter with 3 kernels in the covered pot. When all 3 pop, the fat is hot enough; add the rest of the kernels so they pop quickly and evenly.
The cinnamon sugar clings best to hot popcorn with a light coat of fat. If it slides to the bottom of the bowl, drizzle another teaspoon of melted coconut oil or butter and toss again.
Shake the bowl so unpopped kernels sink to the bottom, then lift the popcorn out before you season it. Fewer hard kernels end up hidden in the cinnamon sugar.

Common questions

What cross-contamination risk is specific to Gluten-Free Cinnamon Sugar Popcorn?

Check popcorn kernels, coconut oil or unsalted butter, melted, granulated sugar before they go into Gluten-Free Cinnamon Sugar Popcorn. Exercise caution with popcorn kernels and any pre-mixed spice blends. Ensure these items are 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.

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