If there’s one thing I can’t resist, it’s a fun, colorful treat that combines two of my favorite things: cotton candy and popcorn. The sweet, fluffy taste of cotton candy paired with the light crunch of popcorn? Yes, please! Today, I’m excited to share a cotton candy popcorn recipe that’s not only easy to make but also perfect for satisfying those sugar cravings. Whether you’re making it for a party, a movie night, or just a little snack-time indulgence, this recipe is sure to impress.
Why I Love Cotton Candy Popcorn
I’ve always been a little obsessed with “cotton candy everything.” I’m not usually one to eat cotton candy straight out of the bag, but mix it with something else—like lemonade, fudge, or popcorn—and I’m hooked! There’s just something about the sweet, nostalgic flavor of cotton candy that takes any treat to the next level. This cotton candy popcorn recipe is no exception, and it’s so easy to make right at home.
What You’ll Need
To make this delicious treat, you’ll need a few simple ingredients:
- 8 cups of popped popcorn (unsalted and unbuttered)
- Marshmallow coating (perfect for adding that sweet, sticky texture)
- Real cotton candy pieces (torn into small bits for mixing in)
- Pink and blue candy melts (optional for added color)
- Sprinkles (optional, but they make it even more fun!)
Pro tip: If you have some cotton candy left over from another recipe, like cotton candy lemonade or cupcakes, it’s a perfect way to use it up!
Step-by-Step Cotton Candy Popcorn Recipe
Let’s get into the fun part—making this treat! I’ve even found a way to make cotton candy popcorn in the microwave for those who want to save time.
Step 1: Pop the Popcorn
Start by popping 8 cups of popcorn. If you’re using microwave popcorn, make sure it’s unsalted and unbuttered. Once popped, spread the popcorn out on a baking sheet or a large mixing bowl.
Step 2: Prepare the Marshmallow Coating
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt some marshmallows (about 1 cup should do the trick) with a little butter. Heat in the microwave in 15-second intervals, stirring until smooth. This will create a gooey coating that helps the cotton candy pieces stick to the popcorn.
Step 3: Mix in the Cotton Candy
Now for the magic! Tear up your cotton candy into small pieces and add them to the popcorn. Pour the marshmallow coating over everything, and gently stir to combine. Be careful not to over-mix, or you’ll lose some of that wonderful cotton candy texture. I like to add a small handful of pink and blue candy melts for extra color, but that’s totally optional.
Step 4: Add Sprinkles (Optional)
If you want a little extra sparkle, sprinkle about ¼ cup of colorful sprinkles over the popcorn mixture. It adds a fun crunch and makes the treat even more festive!
Step 5: Let it Set & Enjoy!
Allow the cotton candy popcorn to cool and set for a few minutes before diving in. If you’re making this for a gathering, you might want to portion it into little bags or cups to make it easy to share. Otherwise, just grab a bowl and dig in!
Tips for Making Perfect Cotton Candy Popcorn
- Don’t Over-Stir: When adding the marshmallow coating and cotton candy, stir gently to keep the cotton candy flavor intact.
- Keep the Popcorn White: I like to keep most of the popcorn white and only add small pops of color with candy melts or sprinkles. It makes for a beautiful contrast!
- Experiment with Colors: While pink and blue are classic cotton candy colors, feel free to use any colors you like to match a theme or just have fun with it!
Why You Need to Try This
Recipes like this cotton candy popcorn have a special place in my heart. They’re sweet, colorful, and just plain fun to eat. Plus, they’re perfect for those moments when you need a little treat to brighten your day. Whether you’re a fan of cotton candy, popcorn, or just looking for something new, this recipe is worth a try. It’s a little indulgence that brings out the kid in all of us, and, honestly, it’s hard to stop eating it once you start.
Tomorrow, I’ll go back to my usual snacks. But today? Today is for cotton candy popcorn. Come on and join me—let’s treat ourselves!
Must read Alkaline Transition Cookbook: Delicious Recipes for Every Meal.
