There’s just something magical about cozying up for a movie night with a big bowl of popcorn—but not just any popcorn. I’m talking about my Honey Cinnamon Butter Popcorn—a sweet, warm, fragrant snack that transforms simple kernels into a comforting treat that’s as nostalgic as it is delicious. This recipe came to life during one chilly evening when I wanted something a little more indulgent than regular buttered popcorn. With a touch of honey, a sprinkle of cinnamon, and a generous drizzle of melted butter, this easy recipe quickly became a staple for all our family movie marathons and game nights.
What I truly love about this popcorn is how it blends the natural sweetness of honey with the cozy spice of cinnamon. It’s a flavor pairing that feels both familiar and exciting. The butter adds that rich, crave-worthy finish that keeps you reaching for just one more handful. If you’re someone who always struggles to decide between salty and sweet snacks, this popcorn gives you the best of both worlds with a satisfying crunch in every bite.
You’ll love this recipe because it’s so versatile. While it’s a dream companion for movie nights, it also makes a fun party snack, a lovely addition to holiday gift baskets, or even a special lunchbox treat. You can make a large batch in under 15 minutes, and it always disappears fast—so I recommend doubling up if you’re entertaining!
This recipe is also wonderfully affordable. You don’t need to buy fancy ingredients or specialized equipment. Everything you need is likely already in your pantry: popcorn kernels, honey, cinnamon, butter, and a pinch of salt. A stovetop or air popper will get you perfect, fluffy popcorn, and the honey-cinnamon-butter mixture comes together in moments.
Let’s talk ingredients. For this recipe, I use freshly popped popcorn—about 10 cups—to make sure every kernel gets beautifully coated. You’ll need 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter, 3 tablespoons of honey, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt to bring everything together. It’s a short, simple list, but don’t underestimate the flavor explosion it creates.
Whether you’re planning a romantic night in, a sleepover with the kids, or a casual gathering with friends, this Honey Cinnamon Butter Popcorn adds a special touch that feels thoughtful and homemade. And the aroma that fills the kitchen while it’s being prepared? Utterly irresistible.
HOW TO PREPARE THIS RECIPE
Making Honey Cinnamon Butter Popcorn is one of those joyful kitchen moments that feels rewarding without being complicated. It’s quick, straightforward, and the result is a snack that’s warm, sweet, and entirely irresistible. Here’s how I prepare it from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Preparation
Step 1: Pop the popcorn
Start by popping about ½ cup of popcorn kernels, which should yield around 10 cups of popcorn. You can do this in an air popper, on the stovetop using a pot with a lid, or with a popcorn maker if you have one. I personally like using a large heavy-bottomed pot with a touch of oil for even cooking. Heat the oil, add the kernels, cover the pot, and gently shake it until the popping slows to a stop. Once it’s done, transfer the popcorn to a large mixing bowl and discard any unpopped kernels.
Step 2: Make the honey cinnamon butter mixture
In a small saucepan over low heat, combine 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter and 3 tablespoons of honey. Stir until the butter has melted and the mixture is fully combined. Once smooth, remove from heat and stir in 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon and a pinch of salt. The warmth of the butter helps the cinnamon bloom, releasing its rich, comforting aroma.
Step 3: Coat the popcorn
Pour the honey cinnamon butter mixture evenly over the freshly popped popcorn. As you drizzle, use a spatula or large spoon to gently toss the popcorn, making sure every kernel is coated. Be gentle—overmixing can break the popcorn apart. If you want a more even coating, pour in stages and toss between additions.
Step 4: Bake for extra crunch (optional)
This step is totally optional but recommended if you like your popcorn a little crispier. Spread the coated popcorn in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake it in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes. Stir halfway through baking to prevent burning. This helps set the coating and gives the popcorn a light crunch that’s especially satisfying.
Step 5: Cool and serve
Allow the popcorn to cool completely before serving. As it cools, the honey-cinnamon glaze sets and becomes delightfully crisp. Once cooled, transfer it to a serving bowl or individual snack bags if you’re prepping ahead for a party or trip.
Quick and Easy
One of the things I love most about this recipe is how quickly it comes together. From popping the kernels to coating them in that sweet buttery glaze, everything is done in about 15 minutes. It’s a great last-minute snack when you’re craving something fun but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.
Customizable
This recipe is also very easy to customize. Want to add some flair? Try mixing in chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or even mini chocolate chips after the popcorn cools. If you’re feeling adventurous, a dash of cayenne pepper or nutmeg can give it a spicy-sweet twist. You can also adjust the sweetness by adding a little more or less honey, or replace it with maple syrup or agave for a different flavor profile.
Popular with Many People
This popcorn has become one of my go-to snacks not just for me, but for family, friends, and even neighbors. It’s always the first thing to disappear at casual get-togethers, and people constantly ask for the recipe. Kids love it for the sweetness and crunch, while adults appreciate the warm, nostalgic flavor of cinnamon and butter. It’s a crowd-pleaser through and through.
Whether you’re hosting a movie night, packing snacks for a road trip, or just enjoying a quiet evening at home, Honey Cinnamon Butter Popcorn checks all the boxes—it’s fast, fun, budget-friendly, and loved by all.
PrintSweeten Movie Nights with Honey Cinnamon Butter Popcorn
This Honey Cinnamon Butter Popcorn is a cozy, sweet twist on the classic snack. With a golden honey glaze, a touch of cinnamon spice, and the richness of melted butter, it’s perfect for movie nights, casual gatherings, or gifting during the holidays. Quick to make and full of warm, nostalgic flavors, this recipe is sure to become a go-to treat in your kitchen.
- Prep Time: 5
- Cook Time: 10
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Ingredients
- ½ cup popcorn kernels (yields approx. 10 cups popped popcorn)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons honey (or maple/agave syrup, as a substitute)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 pinch of salt
- 1 tablespoon neutral oil (for stovetop popping, if needed)
Instructions
- Pop the popcorn:
In a large heavy-bottomed pot, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add ½ cup of popcorn kernels. Cover with a lid and shake the pot gently as the kernels pop. Once the popping slows down, remove from heat. Transfer the popcorn to a large bowl, and discard any unpopped kernels. - Prepare the honey cinnamon butter glaze:
In a small saucepan over low heat, combine 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter and 3 tablespoons of honey. Stir frequently until fully melted and smooth. Remove from heat, then stir in 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon and a pinch of salt. - Coat the popcorn:
Slowly pour the honey cinnamon butter mixture over the warm popcorn. Use a spatula or large spoon to gently toss the popcorn, ensuring all kernels are evenly coated. Pour in stages if needed to avoid soggy clumps and achieve even distribution. - Optional – Bake for added crunch:
Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Spread the coated popcorn onto a parchment-lined baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for 10 minutes, stirring once halfway through. Remove from oven and allow it to cool completely. This step gives the popcorn a crisp texture and sets the glaze. - Cool and serve:
Let the popcorn sit at room temperature for at least 10 minutes. Once fully cooled, transfer to a serving bowl or store in airtight containers.
Notes
For a dairy-free version, use plant-based butter.
Add-ins such as chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or a dash of nutmeg can enhance the flavor.
Always sift out unpopped kernels before serving, especially for children.
If using pre-popped or microwave popcorn, make sure it is plain and unsalted for best results.
FAQs
Can I use microwave popcorn instead of popping my own kernels?
Yes, you can—but choose plain, unflavored microwave popcorn with no added butter or salt. This ensures the honey cinnamon butter coating stands out without being overpowered. Avoid varieties that are already seasoned, as the flavors may clash.
Can I make this popcorn ahead of time?
Absolutely! Once the popcorn is coated and cooled, store it in an airtight container for up to 2–3 days. For best texture, keep it in a cool, dry place. If you opt to bake the coated popcorn, it will stay crisp even longer.
What can I use instead of honey?
If you prefer an alternative to honey, maple syrup or agave syrup are great options. Both have similar textures and will coat the popcorn beautifully while offering their own unique flavor profiles.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as all the ingredients used (especially the butter and flavorings) are certified gluten-free. Always double-check labels to be certain.
Can I reduce the sugar content?
Yes, you can reduce the honey slightly if you want a less sweet version. Using 2 tablespoons instead of 3 still gives a light glaze while cutting back on sweetness. You can also sprinkle a bit of cinnamon on the popcorn before baking for flavor without extra sugar.
Is this popcorn suitable for kids?
Definitely! Kids love the sweet, buttery flavor. Just be sure they eat it under supervision, especially little ones, to avoid any choking hazards from unpopped kernels. Always sift through the popcorn to remove any hard pieces before serving.