Name: Cinnamon Roll Caramel Corn Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3/4 cup unsalted butter; 1 1/4 cups brown sugar (packed); 1/2 cup light corn syrup; 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda; 8 cups popcorn; 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (melted)

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 78 reviews

There is something truly magical about the combination of sweet, buttery caramel with the warm, comforting spices of cinnamon paired with popcorn’s light crunch. This Cinnamon Roll Caramel Corn Recipe brings together all those cozy flavors in one irresistible snack. Perfect for movie nights, parties, or just when you need a little treat that feels special yet simple, this recipe will have your kitchen smelling like a cinnamon roll bakery and your taste buds dancing with joy. Get ready to fall in love with a caramel corn that’s bursting with cinnamon goodness and just the right hint of chocolate.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl filled with white popcorn that has a sticky-looking brown sauce drizzled unevenly on top, making the popcorn look shiny and slightly wet in places. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface, and the background is softly out of focus with cool tones. The texture of the popcorn is light and fluffy with some pieces showing small crunchy edges. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering your ingredients is the first step toward this delicious treat and you’ll see it’s a straightforward list packed with pantry staples. Each component plays a vital role—whether it’s the butter for richness, cinnamon for that signature flavor, or popcorn for that satisfying crunch, every ingredient matters.

3/4 cup unsalted butter: Provides a creamy, rich base for your caramel sauce, ensuring it’s perfectly smooth and decadent.
1 1/4 cups brown sugar (packed): Adds sweetness with a hint of molasses flavor that pairs beautifully with cinnamon.
1/2 cup light corn syrup: Helps create that glossy, chewy caramel texture without crystallizing.
1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon: The star spice that gives this caramel corn the warm, inviting aroma and delicious depth.
1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Adds a lovely fragrant note that rounds out the caramel sauce perfectly.
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda: Lightens the caramel by creating tiny air bubbles, making the coating lighter and crispier.
8 cups popcorn: The base of this tasty snack, fluffy and airy to soak up that luscious caramel.
1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (melted): A finishing drizzle that adds a hint of rich chocolate for extra indulgence.

How to Make Cinnamon Roll Caramel Corn Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet

Preheat your oven to 250°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This simple preparation ensures that when your caramel corn is baked, it spreads out evenly and doesn’t stick, helping each kernel get an even, crispy coating as it bakes.

Step 2: Make the Cinnamon Caramel Sauce

In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, melt the butter smoothly. Then stir in brown sugar, corn syrup, cinnamon, and salt. Just let it come to a boil without stirring – this is key to getting that classic caramel texture. Boil for exactly 4 minutes, then take it off the heat and mix in the vanilla extract and baking soda. You’ll notice the mixture fizz up slightly—that’s the baking soda doing its magic to lighten the texture.

Step 3: Coat the Popcorn

Pour the popcorn into a large bowl and immediately pour over your warm cinnamon caramel sauce. Stir gently and thoroughly to make sure every piece of popcorn is richly coated with that golden, spiced caramel goodness. This is where the flavors start to really come together.

Step 4: Bake for the Perfect Crunch

Spread the caramel-coated popcorn evenly onto your prepared baking sheet. Pop it into the oven and bake for 45 minutes, gently stirring every 15 minutes to keep everything from sticking and to help the caramel crisp up evenly. This slow bake creates that perfect crunch you love in caramel corn.

Step 5: Add the Chocolate Drizzle and Cool

Once your caramel corn is done baking, remove it from the oven and while it’s still warm, drizzle the melted semi-sweet chocolate over the top. The contrast of chocolate and cinnamon caramel is irresistible and adds a lovely touch of indulgence. Let the popcorn cool completely so the caramel hardens and the chocolate sets before digging in.

How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Caramel Corn Recipe

The image shows a clear glass jar filled with caramel popcorn drizzled with dark chocolate on top. The popcorn is golden brown and shiny, with the dark chocolate forming thin, irregular lines over the caramel layer. The jar is full, and the popcorn looks crunchy with some pieces sticking out slightly above the jar rim. The background has more scattered popcorn pieces on a white marbled surface, creating a warm and inviting look. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate your Cinnamon Roll Caramel Corn Recipe, consider sprinkling a little extra ground cinnamon or a pinch of sea salt on top after chocolate drizzle sets. This adds depth and a touch of refinement to every bite. A handful of chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts also pairs beautifully as garnishes, giving an extra crunch and richness.

Side Dishes

This caramel corn is such a versatile snack that it pairs wonderfully with a range of simple side dishes. Think a crisp apple cider or a creamy hot chocolate for cozy gatherings. It also brightens up a cheese board with its sweet contrast, especially alongside sharp cheddar or aged gouda.

Creative Ways to Present

Presentation matters when you want to impress. Serve your cinnamon roll caramel corn in a large mason jar tied with a ribbon for gifting, or in clear cellophane bags for parties. You can also pile it high in a festive bowl sprinkled with mini marshmallows or crushed candy canes during the holiday season for a seasonal twist that everyone will love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover Cinnamon Roll Caramel Corn Recipe (which is rare, but it happens!), store it in an airtight container at room temperature. This keeps it fresh and crunchy for up to a week. Avoid humidity as that can soften the caramel coating.

Freezing

Freezing caramel corn is generally not recommended because it can cause moisture to build up and make the popcorn soggy. It’s best enjoyed fresh or within the storage period at room temperature.

Reheating

If your caramel corn loses a bit of its crispness, you can refresh it in a preheated oven at 250°F for 5 to 10 minutes. Spread it on a baking sheet and keep an eye on it to avoid burning while it regains some crunch.

FAQs

Can I use microwave popcorn for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure it’s plain, unsalted popcorn without butter or extra flavoring to keep the balance perfect.

What if I don’t have light corn syrup?

You can substitute with honey or maple syrup, but keep in mind the flavor will be slightly different and the texture might not be as smooth.

How do I prevent the caramel from hardening too much?

Trust the exact baking time and temperature suggested. Overbaking can make the caramel overly hard. Also, the baking soda helps keep the texture lighter and crispier.

Can I add other spices besides cinnamon?

Of course! Feel free to experiment with nutmeg, ginger, or cardamom to create your own twist on the Cinnamon Roll Caramel Corn Recipe.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! All ingredients used are naturally gluten-free, making this a safe and delicious treat for those with gluten sensitivities.

Final Thoughts

There is nothing quite as satisfying as making your own Cinnamon Roll Caramel Corn Recipe from scratch. The way the sweet cinnamon caramel and popcorn come together is pure comfort and joy wrapped into one snack. Whether you are sharing it at a cozy night in or gifting it to friends, this treat brings warmth and smiles in every bite. Don’t wait to try this recipe—you’ll wonder how you ever enjoyed caramel corn any other way.