Cinnamon Cocoa Popcorn Recipe – Easy Coconut Oil Snack

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Cinnamon Cocoa Popcorn Recipe – Easy Coconut Oil Snack

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, you’re always on the lookout for a quick, satisfying snack. And honestly? This Cinnamon Cocoa Popcorn is my go-to. It’s sweet, a little bit spicy, and seriously addictive. I first made this when I was craving something a little different than plain popcorn, and it’s been a family favorite ever since! It’s so easy, you won’t believe it. Let’s get popping!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t your average movie night popcorn. The combination of cinnamon and cocoa is just magical. Plus, using coconut oil adds a subtle sweetness and a lovely aroma. It’s ready in under 15 minutes, making it perfect for those sudden snack attacks. And honestly, who doesn’t love a little bit of chocolatey goodness with their popcorn?

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a batch of this deliciousness:

• ?? cup Popcorn kernels
• 3 tbsp Coconut oil
• 2 tbsp Cinnamon-cocoa powder
• 3 tbsp fine sugar
• ?? tbsp sea salt

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! A few little tips can make all the difference.

Coconut Oil: Benefits and Flavor Profile

Coconut oil isn’t just trendy – it actually adds a lovely flavor! I prefer using refined coconut oil for a more neutral taste, but unrefined will give you a stronger coconut flavor if you love that. About 3 tablespoons (45ml) is perfect for this recipe.

Cinnamon-Cocoa Powder: A Unique Spice Blend

This is where the magic happens! You can find pre-made cinnamon-cocoa powder blends, or easily make your own by mixing equal parts cinnamon and cocoa powder. I usually go for about 2 tablespoons (10g) total.

Popcorn Kernels: Choosing the Right Variety

Any type of popcorn kernel will work – butterfly/snowflake, mushroom, or even hulless varieties. I find butterfly kernels give the best coating for the cinnamon-cocoa mixture. About ½ cup (85g) is a good starting point.

Sea Salt: Enhancing the Sweetness

Don’t skip the salt! It really balances the sweetness and brings out all the flavors. I use about ½ – 1 tablespoon (3-6g) depending on my mood.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking!

1. First, pop ?? cup of popcorn kernels using 2 tbsp of coconut oil in a microwave or on the stovetop until they’re fully popped. Make sure no kernels are left unpopped!
2. While the popcorn is popping, in a bowl, whisk together the remaining 3 tbsp coconut oil, sea salt, 3 tbsp sugar, and 2 tbsp cinnamon-cocoa powder until everything is smooth and combined.
3. Pour the freshly popped popcorn into the bowl with the mixture. Now, gently toss everything until the popcorn is evenly coated. This is the fun part!
4. Serve immediately while warm for the best crunch and flavor. Trust me, you won’t want to wait!

Expert Tips

Here are a few things I’ve learned over the years:

• Don’t overcrowd the bowl when tossing – work in batches if needed to ensure even coating.
• For extra flavor, add a tiny pinch of cayenne pepper to the cinnamon-cocoa mixture.
• If you’re using a stovetop, keep a close eye on the popcorn to prevent burning.

Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are a few ideas:

Vegan Adaptation

This recipe is already pretty close to vegan! Just double-check your sugar source to ensure it’s vegan-friendly.

Spice Level Adjustment

My friend, Priya, loves a kick! She adds a ¼ teaspoon of chili powder to the mix. Feel free to experiment with different spices.

Sweetness Level Adjustment

If you prefer a less sweet snack, reduce the sugar to 2 tablespoons. Or, if you have a serious sweet tooth, go for 4!

Festival Adaptation (Makar Sankranti/Pongal Snack)

During Makar Sankranti or Pongal, add a sprinkle of sesame seeds and chopped peanuts to the popcorn for a traditional twist. My grandmother always made something similar!

Serving Suggestions

This popcorn is fantastic on its own, but it’s also great with:

• A cozy movie night
• A cup of chai
• As part of a snack board with fruits and nuts

Storage Instructions

Honestly, this popcorn is best enjoyed immediately. But if you have leftovers (which is unlikely!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a day. It might lose a little of its crunch, but it will still be delicious!

FAQs

Got questions? I’ve got answers!

Is this popcorn recipe healthy?

It’s a treat! Popcorn itself is a whole grain, but this recipe does include sugar and coconut oil. Enjoy it in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Can I use another oil instead of coconut oil?

You can, but the flavor won’t be quite the same. Vegetable oil or canola oil will work in a pinch.

How do I prevent my popcorn from burning?

Keep a close eye on it! If you’re using the stovetop, shake the pot frequently. If you’re using the microwave, listen carefully and stop when the popping slows down.

What if my cinnamon-cocoa powder is clumpy?

Just whisk it really well! You can also sift it to break up any clumps.

Can I make this ahead of time?

It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can pop the popcorn ahead of time and store it in an airtight container. Then, just toss it with the cinnamon-cocoa mixture right before serving.