Brown Butter Cinnamon Sugar Popcorn
Every time I make Brown Butter Cinnamon Sugar Popcorn, I’m transported back to cozy fall evenings, snuggled under a blanket with a good movie. The aroma of warm, nutty butter wafting through the air is simply irresistible. This delightful treat has a crunch that reminds me of childhood movie nights, where popcorn was the star of the show. As the leaves turn golden and the air gets crisp, I crave the comforting combination of buttery popcorn and a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar. It’s my go-to snack for gatherings, and I can’t help but share the joy it brings. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make, so you can whip it up any time you need a sweet treat. Just picture yourself in your kitchen, the popcorn popping away, and the scent of brown butter filling the room. You’ll want to make this decadent snack for every occasion!
Recipe Snapshot
10 mins
5 mins
5 mins
Easy
170 kcal
2 g
Gluten-Free, Low FODMAP
8 g
Skillet, Wooden Spoon, Frying Pan, Mixing Bowl
What Makes This Brown Butter Cinnamon Sugar Popcorn Special
Perfect Sweet and Savory Balance
One of the things I absolutely love about Brown Butter Cinnamon Sugar Popcorn is the perfect balance between sweet and savory. The nutty flavor of the browned butter complements the sweetness of the sugar and spice, creating a delightful contrast that keeps you coming back for more.
Easy to Make
You don’t need a culinary degree to whip up this crowd-pleaser. With just a few ingredients, you can impress your friends and family with a treat that tastes gourmet but is incredibly simple to prepare.
Versatile Snack
This popcorn isn’t just for movie nights! It makes a great snack for parties, game nights, or even a cozy evening at home. You can serve it in a big bowl for everyone to share or package it up as a sweet gift for friends.
Perfect for Fall
As the leaves change color and the air gets a little chillier, this popcorn is the ultimate treat for the season. The warmth from the browned butter and the comforting flavor of cinnamon make it an ideal snack to enjoy while curling up on the couch.
Impressive Presentation
It’s not just about taste; it’s also about presentation! This popcorn looks fantastic in a glass jar or a decorative bowl, making it a lovely centerpiece for your snack table.
Great for Kids and Adults
Everyone loves popcorn, and this sweet twist on a classic is sure to win over kids and adults alike. It’s a fun treat that brings smiles, no matter the age!
Brown Butter Cinnamon Sugar Popcorn Ingredients
The ingredients for Brown Butter Cinnamon Sugar Popcorn are simple yet so effective. Each component plays a crucial role in creating this delicious snack. The key players are the popcorn kernels, which provide that satisfying crunch, and the unsalted butter, which is transformed into a rich brown color, enhancing the flavor profile. Together with granulated sugar and ground cinnamon, these ingredients combine to create a sweet, nutty, and aromatic treat that’s perfect for any occasion.
- 1/2 cup popcorn kernels: The foundation of your snack! These little gems pop into fluffy bites that are perfect for coating with flavor.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter: Essential for giving your popcorn that rich, buttery taste and for creating the delicious brown butter.
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar: Adds the perfect amount of sweetness to the mix, balancing out the savory notes of the butter.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon: This warm spice brings a comforting flavor that’s synonymous with fall and makes each bite special.
Recipe Steps for Brown Butter Cinnamon Sugar Popcorn
Making Brown Butter Cinnamon Sugar Popcorn is a fun and rewarding experience. You’ll love the transformation of simple ingredients into a delightful snack. Let’s dive into the steps!
Start by popping the popcorn kernels. If you have an air popper, that’s perfect! Just follow the manufacturer’s instructions and pop away. Once done, set the freshly popped popcorn aside in a large bowl. If you don’t have an air popper, don’t worry! You can easily pop the kernels on the stove with some oil. Just make sure to keep the lid on and shake the pot occasionally for even popping.
Next, take your unsalted butter and melt it in a small saucepan over medium heat. Keep a close eye on it! As the butter melts, it will start to foam. This is a crucial moment because you want to swirl the butter gently as it cooks. After about one to two minutes, the butter will turn a lovely amber color and will develop a nutty aroma – that’s when you know it’s perfectly browned. Remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly.
While the butter cools, prepare the cinnamon sugar mixture. In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Stir until well combined and set this aside for later use. The blend of these two transforms your popcorn into something extraordinary!
Now it’s time to bring everything together! Drizzle the brown butter over the popped popcorn, making sure to coat it evenly. This step is so satisfying! You’ll want to toss the popcorn gently as you drizzle, ensuring that every piece gets that delicious buttery flavor.
Once the popcorn is coated in the brown butter, sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture over the top. Toss the popcorn again, making sure that every bite is sprinkled with that sweet, spicy goodness. It’s important to be gentle so you don’t crush the popcorn!
Finally, serve your Brown Butter Cinnamon Sugar Popcorn in a big bowl or portion it into smaller bags for sharing. It’s the perfect snack for movie nights or cozy gatherings. Enjoy the delightful crunch and the warm flavors!
Things Worth Knowing
- Watch the color of the butter: When browning butter, the color can change quickly. Don’t walk away during this step, as it can go from perfectly brown to burnt in seconds.
- Use fresh kernels: For the best popping experience, make sure your popcorn kernels are fresh. Old kernels can result in many unpopped kernels.
- Customize your spices: Feel free to experiment with different spices like nutmeg or pumpkin spice instead of cinnamon for a seasonal twist.
- Store properly: To keep your popcorn fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature. This will help maintain its crunch.
Customization Ideas
If you’re looking to add your personal touch to Brown Butter Cinnamon Sugar Popcorn, here are some great ideas to consider:
- Storage: Keep your popcorn in an airtight container to maintain its freshness and crunch. It’s best enjoyed within a few days.
- Freezing: While popcorn can be frozen, it’s best enjoyed fresh. If you must freeze, place it in an airtight bag, but expect a change in texture when thawed.
- Pairing: This popcorn pairs wonderfully with hot cocoa or apple cider for a cozy treat during fall. It also complements a variety of movies!
- Flavor Variations: Try adding a pinch of sea salt to enhance the flavor. You can also experiment with flavored popcorn seasonings for a unique twist.
- Serving Size: This recipe makes about 10 cups of popcorn, perfect for sharing at gatherings!
- Gift Ideas: Package the popcorn in decorative bags for a sweet homemade gift during the holidays!
Great Combinations for Brown Butter Cinnamon Sugar Popcorn
If you’re wondering how to serve and enjoy your Brown Butter Cinnamon Sugar Popcorn, there are plenty of creative ideas to explore. Here are several ways to make the most of this treat:
- Movie Nights: Serve this popcorn during family movie nights for an elevated experience. It’s a crowd-pleaser that everyone will love!
- Game Day Snacks: Make a big bowl for your friends during game time. It’s a great alternative to chips and dip!
- Fall Gatherings: With its warm flavors, this popcorn is perfect for autumn gatherings and bonfires. It fits right in with the seasonal theme.
- As Party Favors: Place individual servings in cute bags and give them away as party favors at birthdays or holidays.
- Breakfast Treat: Why not enjoy it as a sweet morning snack with your coffee? It’s a delightful way to satisfy your sweet tooth early in the day!
- Holiday Parties: This popcorn is a fantastic addition to your holiday snack table. It adds a festive touch that guests will appreciate.
FAQ
Conclusion
Brown Butter Cinnamon Sugar Popcorn is truly a special treat that brings back fond memories of cozy nights in. The combination of nutty, buttery goodness and sweet cinnamon is irresistible. I encourage you to try making this delightful snack at home and enjoy the wonderful flavors that fill your kitchen. It’s perfect for sharing with friends and family, or simply indulging by yourself on a quiet evening. So, grab those ingredients and start popping!
Brown Butter Cinnamon Sugar Popcorn
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Use an air popper to pop the popcorn kernels. Set the popcorn aside.
- In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. When butter starts to foam, swirl the skillet until butter turns golden brown and develops an amber color and gives off a nutty aroma, about 1-2 minutes. Set aside.
- In a small bowl, combine the sugar and cinnamon. Stir until combined.
- Drizzle brown butter over the popcorn and season with cinnamon sugar mixture, tossing occasionally, until all of the popcorn is coated. Serve.
- Note: if you don't have an air popper you can pop the popcorn on the stove with oil.
Notes
- Tip 1: Store your popcorn in an airtight container to keep it fresh.
- Tip 2: While freezing is possible, it’s best enjoyed fresh.
- Tip 3: Pair with hot cocoa for a cozy treat!
- Tip 4: You can experiment with different spices!
- Tip 5: This recipe makes about 10 cups of popcorn!
