Who doesn’t love popcorn? It’s the perfect snack, whether you’re watching a movie, hosting a party, or just craving something crunchy and salty. But what if I told you that you could take your popcorn game to the next level with a little bit of sparkle? Enter Glitter Popcorn—a sweet and savory snack that’s as fun to make as it is to eat! This isn’t just any popcorn; it’s coated in a buttery, sugary glaze and dusted with edible glitter to give it that dazzling, festive touch. Whether you’re gearing up for a party, holiday gathering, or just want to add a little sparkle to your day, this glitter popcorn is sure to steal the show. Trust me, it’s as fun as it sounds and even more delicious!
Why You’ll Love Glitter Popcorn
A Pop of Fun
Not only does glitter make everything more exciting, but it turns ordinary popcorn into something extraordinary. It’s a great way to bring a little fun and whimsy to your snacking routine.
Perfect for Parties
These sparkly popcorn kernels are the ultimate party snack! Whether you’re serving them at a birthday bash, holiday party, or movie night, they add a festive touch to any occasion. Plus, they’re easy to make in big batches to share with a crowd.
Sweet and Salty Delight
The combination of buttery popcorn with a sugary glaze hits that perfect balance of sweet and salty. And the glitter on top? It’s just the cherry on top, adding some fun and flair to each bite!
Quick and Easy
No fancy equipment or hard-to-find ingredients here! You can have this colorful treat ready in under 30 minutes, which means more time for you to relax and enjoy the sparkle.
Ingredients in Glitter Popcorn
Here’s what you’ll need to make your popcorn pop (literally) with sparkle:
For the Popcorn:
- Popcorn Kernels: You can either pop your own kernels on the stove or use microwave popcorn—whichever you prefer!
- Butter: Because what’s popcorn without a little butter? It’s the perfect base for the sugary glaze.
- Granulated Sugar: For that sweet coating that will make this popcorn irresistible.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds a hint of flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweetness.
- Salt: A little bit of salt will balance out the sweetness and give that classic popcorn flavor.
For the Glitter Coating:
- Edible Glitter: This is the star of the show. Choose whatever color you like—gold, silver, or even rainbow for an extra festive vibe!
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Ready to make your popcorn sparkle? Here’s how to make this glittery treat:
1. Pop the Popcorn
Start by popping your popcorn. If you’re using microwave popcorn, just follow the package instructions. If you’re popping it on the stove, heat up a pot with a bit of oil and add the kernels until they pop. Make sure to leave some space for the kernels to pop freely, so they don’t burn. Once popped, place the popcorn in a large mixing bowl, making sure it’s fully cooled down.
2. Prepare the Glaze
In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the granulated sugar and vanilla extract, stirring constantly until the sugar dissolves and the mixture becomes smooth and bubbly. Keep stirring until it thickens a little, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
3. Coat the Popcorn
Pour the warm butter glaze over the popcorn, tossing gently to coat every kernel evenly. Be sure to work quickly so the glaze doesn’t harden before it’s fully mixed in.
4. Add the Glitter
Once the popcorn is coated, it’s time to add the sparkle! Lightly sprinkle the edible glitter over the popcorn. You can sprinkle it all over for an even coat or just add a light dusting for a subtle shimmer.
5. Let the Popcorn Set
Allow the popcorn to cool for about 10-15 minutes, giving the glaze and glitter time to set. This helps the glitter stay put while you snack away.
6. Serve and Enjoy
Once the popcorn has cooled and the glitter has set, it’s time to serve! This glitter popcorn is perfect for parties, snacking, or even gift-giving if you want to make it extra special. Just grab a bowl and enjoy the sparkle!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 8
Calories per serving: 150
Total Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 15mg
Sodium: 90mg
Total Carbohydrates: 22g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 16g
Protein: 2g
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
How to Serve Glitter Popcorn
At Your Next Party
Serve this glitter popcorn in a festive bowl or bag for a fun party favor! You can also create individual servings in cute little boxes or jars for a personalized touch.
With Movie Night
This is the perfect snack for movie night with friends or family. The sparkle makes it feel like a special occasion, even if you’re just watching your favorite film on the couch.
As a Sweet Treat
Feel free to package this glittery popcorn up in gift bags or boxes for a homemade treat that’s perfect for sharing with friends or as a fun little gift for someone special.
Additional Tips
Use Different Glitter Colors
Don’t be afraid to mix and match different colors of edible glitter. You could even use a rainbow of colors for a truly festive treat or stick to gold and silver for a more elegant look.
Get Creative with Flavors
Feel free to experiment with the popcorn flavor! Try adding cinnamon, cocoa powder, or even a touch of food coloring to the glaze for an extra flavor boost and a pop of color.
Store Properly
Store your glitter popcorn in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. If you want to keep it fresh for longer, store it in the fridge.
Make It Gluten-Free
This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but always check the ingredients of your popcorn to make sure they’re certified gluten-free if you’re preparing this for someone with dietary restrictions.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use microwave popcorn?
A1: Yes, microwave popcorn works perfectly for this recipe! Just pop your favorite flavor and proceed with the glaze.
Q2: Can I use any type of glitter?
A2: Only edible glitter is safe to eat! Regular craft glitter is not for consumption, so make sure you’re using food-safe glitter.
Q3: Can I make this ahead of time?
A3: You can make the popcorn ahead of time, but it’s best to serve it within a day or two for the best freshness and sparkle.
Q4: How do I store leftover popcorn?
A4: Store leftover glitter popcorn in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. If you want it to last longer, keep it in the fridge.
Q5: What type of edible glitter should I use?
A5: You can use any edible glitter you like, but make sure it’s designed for food use, not craft glitter. You can find edible glitter in various colors at most specialty stores or online.
Q6: Can I use colored sugar instead of glitter?
A6: Yes! Colored sugar can add a similar sparkle and is a great alternative if you can’t find edible glitter.
Q7: Can I make the glaze ahead of time?
A7: The glaze is best made fresh because it can harden as it cools. But you can prepare the glaze and reheat it when you’re ready to coat the popcorn.
Q8: Is this a good snack for kids’ parties?
A8: Yes! Glitter popcorn is a great snack for kids, especially for birthday parties or celebrations. Just be mindful of the glitter to make sure it’s safe and age-appropriate.
Q9: Can I add other toppings to the popcorn?
A9: Absolutely! You can add sprinkles, mini marshmallows, or even drizzle on some melted chocolate for extra flavor and texture.
Q10: How do I make it more festive for the holidays?
A10: You can use holiday-themed edible glitter or add holiday spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to the glaze for a cozy, seasonal touch.
Conclusion
There you have it—Glitter Popcorn, the sparkly, sweet, and salty treat that’s sure to dazzle at your next celebration! It’s a fun and easy way to elevate your popcorn and make any occasion a little brighter. Whether it’s for a party, movie night, or a gift, this glittery snack is bound to be a crowd-pleaser.
PrintGlitter Popcorn
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: About 10 cups of Glitter Popcorn 1x
Description
This Glitter Popcorn is a fun and sparkly twist on your favorite snack! Coated with a sweet and buttery glaze and topped with edible glitter, it’s the perfect treat for celebrations, holidays, or whenever you want to add a little extra sparkle to your snack.
Ingredients
- 10 cups popped popcorn (about 1/2 cup unpopped kernels)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup light corn syrup
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
- Edible glitter (for decoration, in any color you like)
- Optional: colored sugar or sprinkles for extra flair
Instructions
- Pop the Popcorn:
- Pop the popcorn using a popcorn maker or stovetop method. Make sure to remove any unpopped kernels. You’ll need about 10 cups of popped popcorn. Set aside in a large bowl.
- Make the Sweet Glaze:
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Once melted, add the sugar, corn syrup, and salt. Stir until the sugar dissolves and the mixture begins to bubble.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil and allow it to cook for 3-4 minutes without stirring, until it thickens slightly.
- Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Be cautious as it may bubble up when the vanilla is added.
- Coat the Popcorn:
- Immediately pour the sweet glaze over the popped popcorn. Gently stir with a spatula or wooden spoon to evenly coat the popcorn. Work quickly before the glaze starts to set.
- Add the Glitter:
- Once the popcorn is coated with the glaze, sprinkle edible glitter or shimmer powder evenly over the popcorn. You can add as much or as little as you like, depending on how sparkly you want it!
- Optionally, you can also add colored sugar or sprinkles for extra color and sparkle.
- Let the Popcorn Cool:
- Spread the coated popcorn out on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet to cool and harden. The glaze will firm up as it cools.
- Serve:
- Once the popcorn has cooled completely, it’s ready to serve! Enjoy your sparkly Glitter Popcorn as a fun snack for parties, movie nights, or special occasions.
Notes
- Make sure to use edible glitter that is labeled as food-safe. You can find edible glitter at specialty baking stores or online.
- For an extra festive touch, you can mix different colors of glitter, sugar, or sprinkles to match your theme or celebration.
- If you want a more caramelized flavor, you can cook the glaze for an additional 1-2 minutes until it thickens more and becomes golden in color.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg