Cotton Candy Popcorn (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Base Ingredients

01 - 12 cups popped popcorn (about 1/2 cup unpopped kernels)
02 - 16 ounce package marshmallow or vanilla candy melts
03 - 2 cups cotton candy, torn into small pieces

→ Colorful Additions

04 - 3 ounces blue candy melts
05 - 3 ounces pink candy melts
06 - 1/4 cup colorful sprinkles

# Instructions:

01 - Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. Make sure you have plenty of counter space to work with, as you'll be spreading the popcorn out to cool. Have all your ingredients measured and ready to go before starting, as the candy coating sets quickly.
02 - Place the marshmallow or vanilla candy melts in a large microwave-safe bowl. Follow the melting instructions on the package, typically microwaving in 30-second intervals at 50% power, stirring between each interval, until completely smooth and melted. Be careful not to overheat, as candy melts can seize if they get too hot.
03 - Place 8 cups of the popped popcorn in a large mixing bowl (keep the remaining 4 cups separate for later). Pour the melted white candy coating over the popcorn and immediately stir with a rubber spatula, gently folding to coat all the popcorn pieces evenly. Work quickly but carefully to prevent the coating from hardening before all pieces are covered.
04 - Once the popcorn is coated with the white candy mixture, gently fold in the torn cotton candy pieces. Try to distribute them evenly throughout the mixture without crushing them too much - the goal is to have visible pieces of cotton candy in the final treat.
05 - Spread the white candy-coated popcorn mixture onto one of the prepared baking sheets in an even layer. Immediately sprinkle with the colorful sprinkles while the coating is still soft so they'll stick to the popcorn. Allow this to cool and set for about 15 minutes.
06 - Divide the remaining 4 cups of popcorn equally between two medium-sized bowls (2 cups in each). In separate microwave-safe bowls, melt the blue candy melts in one and the pink candy melts in the other, following the same melting instructions as before.
07 - Pour the melted blue candy coating over one bowl of popcorn and the melted pink candy coating over the other bowl. Working quickly, stir each bowl separately until the popcorn is evenly coated with its respective color. Spread each colored batch onto the second prepared baking sheet, keeping the blue and pink popcorn somewhat separated so the colors stay distinct.
08 - Let all the popcorn cool completely until the candy coating has hardened, about 30-45 minutes. Once set, gently break apart any large clumps, then combine the white, blue, and pink popcorn in a large serving bowl or container, creating a colorful cotton candy-inspired mix.
09 - Serve immediately in a large bowl for sharing, or portion into individual bags for treats. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For best texture and freshness, keep away from humidity, which can make the popcorn and cotton candy become sticky.

# Notes:

01 - Work quickly when coating the popcorn, as candy melts begin to set fast - having all ingredients ready before you start is key to success.
02 - For a more intense cotton candy flavor, you can add a few drops of cotton candy flavoring oil to the melted white candy coating.
03 - Make sure you use fresh cotton candy - if it has started to crystallize or become hard, it won't incorporate well into the mixture.

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