I’m absolutely obsessed with this chocolate peppermint popcorn mix, and I just had to share it with you!
It’s my go-to holiday treat when I want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.
The combination of sweet chocolate coating and cool peppermint crunch creates this irresistible flavor explosion that’ll have everyone asking for your recipe.
Once you set this out at your next gathering, it’ll disappear faster than you can say “Santa’s coming!”
Want to know a secret trick for getting that perfect chocolate-to-popcorn ratio?
Ingredients
- Kettle corn or Popcorn
- White chocolate peppermint candy or Dark chocolate chips
- Peppermint pieces or Candy cane pieces
- Canola oil
Recommended Tools
When preparing this festive Chocolate Peppermint Popcorn Mix, having the right kitchen tools on hand makes the process simple and enjoyable. These kitchen essentials will help you melt chocolate perfectly, spread your mixture evenly and create those delicious peppermint-chocolate clusters without any frustration.
- Large Mixing Bowl:
Essential for holding all that popcorn while you coat it evenly with melted chocolate.
- Microwave-Safe Bowl:
Perfect for melting your chocolate candy or chips without burning or scorching.
- Silicone Spatula:
Helps you scrape every bit of melted chocolate and stir everything together without anything sticking.
- Baking Sheet:
Provides a flat surface for spreading out your popcorn mixture on parchment paper.
- Parchment Paper:
Prevents your chocolate-covered popcorn from sticking to surfaces and makes cleanup super easy.
- Airtight Container:
Keeps your finished popcorn mix fresh and crunchy for those 2-3 days it’ll last (if it doesn’t get eaten first!).
Instructions for Chocolate Peppermint Popcorn Mix
Let’s whip up this delicious holiday treat! Start by grabbing your 1 bag of kettle corn (or 10 cups of popped popcorn) and placing it in a large bowl. This will be your canvas for all the chocolatey, minty goodness to come!
Next, it’s melting time! If you’re using 15 white chocolate peppermint candies, combine them with 1 teaspoon of canola oil in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat them for 30 seconds, give them a good stir, and then zap for another 30 seconds until silky smooth.
Going with 1 cup of dark chocolate chips instead? No problem! Just microwave them in 30-second bursts, stirring between each interval until they’re perfectly melted.
Now comes the fun part – pour that gloriously melted chocolate all over your popcorn and stir like crazy! Make sure every piece gets a chocolate hug.
Once your popcorn is thoroughly coated, spread it out on parchment paper (trust me, you’ll thank me later when cleanup is a breeze!).
While the chocolate is still warm and sticky, sprinkle ¼ cup of crushed peppermint pieces all over your creation. These little pops of minty flavor will really make this treat sing!
Now, show some patience (I know it’s hard!) and let the chocolate set completely. Once firm, break your masterpiece into clusters. Doesn’t it look amazing?
For an extra flavor boost, try adding a sprinkle of coarse salt or festive sprinkles!
Store your finished popcorn mix in an airtight container and enjoy within 2-3 days – though I doubt it’ll last that long once everyone gets a taste!
Pro Tips
To ensure a more even chocolate distribution when coating the popcorn, try working in batches by dividing the popcorn into two bowls and splitting the melted chocolate between them—this prevents ending up with chocolate-heavy pieces at the bottom and bare popcorn on top.
Substitutions & Variations
This festive popcorn mix can be customized with simple swaps to create new flavor profiles while maintaining its sweet and minty appeal.
- Dark Chocolate Drizzle: Replace white chocolate with dark chocolate chips for a richer taste that contrasts beautifully with the bright peppermint.
- Caramel Peppermint Twist: Use caramel corn instead of kettle corn and drizzle with white chocolate for a buttery sweet combination.
- Toffee Crunch Mix: Add ¼ cup of toffee bits along with the crushed peppermint for extra texture and a butterscotch note.
- Nutty Peppermint Bark: Mix in ½ cup of toasted chopped almonds or pecans before the chocolate sets for a protein boost and satisfying crunch.
- Cookies and Cream Version: Substitute the peppermint pieces with crushed chocolate sandwich cookies and use white chocolate for the drizzle.
- Spicy Chocolate Remix: Add ¼ teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the melted chocolate for a surprising heat that balances the sweetness.
Leftovers & Storage Tips
Though this chocolate peppermint popcorn mix rarely lasts long in my house, proper storage makes all the difference when you’re lucky enough to have leftovers.
Store your crunchy creation in an airtight container at room temperature—never in the fridge where moisture will make it soggy!
For maximum freshness, enjoy within 2-3 days. Trust me, nothing’s sadder than stale chocolate popcorn!
Perfect Holiday Party Treat
Chocolate Peppermint Popcorn Mix
A festive sweet treat combining popcorn, melted chocolate, and crushed peppermint for holiday snacking.
- 1 bag kettle corn or 10 cups popped popcorn
- 15 white chocolate peppermint candy (e.g., white chocolate candy cane kisses) or 1 cup dark chocolate chips
- ¼ cup crushed peppermint pieces or candy cane pieces
- 1 teaspoon canola oil (if using white chocolate candy kisses)
- Place popcorn in a large bowl.
- Melt white chocolate candy kisses with oil in microwave; stir and melt another 30 seconds.
- Or melt dark chocolate chips in 30-second intervals until smooth.
- Pour melted chocolate over popcorn; stir to coat.
- Spread popcorn on parchment paper.
- Sprinkle crushed peppermint pieces over popcorn.
- Let chocolate set completely, breaking popcorn into clusters once firm.
