Go Back
- 1/2 cup unpopped popcorn kernels - 1 cup white chocolate chips - 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract - 1/2 cup crushed candy canes - 1/4 teaspoon sea salt - Optional: 1 tablespoon vegetable oil for popping To make peppermint white chocolate popcorn, you need a few simple ingredients. The main star is the popcorn itself. You start with half a cup of unpopped kernels. This will give you a fluffy base for all the tasty toppings. Next, you’ll need one cup of white chocolate chips. These will melt into a sweet coating. The peppermint extract adds a refreshing flavor. Just half a teaspoon will do the trick. Crushed candy canes are a must! You need half a cup to sprinkle on top. They add a fun crunch and a festive touch. A pinch of sea salt, just a quarter teaspoon, balances the sweetness perfectly. If you want to pop your kernels, you can use one tablespoon of vegetable oil. This is optional. You can also use an air popper for a lighter option. Feel free to experiment! You can add different toppings or even swap in other flavors. Each change can create a new twist on this treat. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, you need to pop the popcorn. You can use a pot with oil or an air popper. If you choose the pot method, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium heat. Add 1/2 cup of unpopped popcorn kernels. Cover the pot and shake it gently. Listen for the popping sound. When the pops slow down to about two seconds apart, remove the pot from heat. If you want a healthier option, use an air popper. Just add the kernels and turn it on. You’ll have fluffy popcorn without oil in no time! Next, let’s melt the white chocolate. Grab a microwave-safe bowl and add 1 cup of white chocolate chips. Pour in 1/2 teaspoon of peppermint extract for that festive flavor. Microwave the bowl in 30-second intervals. Stir the chocolate after each interval until it’s smooth and melted. This step is key for a nice, even texture. Now it’s time to mix everything. In a large mixing bowl, add the popped popcorn. Carefully pour the melted white chocolate over the popcorn. Use a spatula to gently toss the popcorn. Make sure every piece is coated well. This helps to avoid clumping, so you get tasty, crunchy bites. To finish, sprinkle 1/2 cup of crushed candy canes and 1/4 teaspoon of sea salt over the popcorn. Give it another gentle toss. This adds a lovely crunch and a hint of saltiness. Spread the popcorn mixture out in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Let it cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This helps the chocolate set properly. Once it’s cool, break the popcorn into clusters. Enjoy your delicious peppermint white chocolate popcorn! For crunchy popcorn, make sure to pop your kernels correctly. Use fresh kernels for the best results. If you use oil, heat it before adding the kernels. This step helps them pop better. After popping, spread the popcorn on a baking sheet to cool. This cooling time keeps it crisp. To avoid sogginess, let the melted chocolate cool slightly before using it. Hot chocolate can make popcorn wet. Also, don’t skip the cooling step after mixing. Allow the popcorn to set fully. This step ensures it stays crunchy. You can add more fun flavors to your popcorn. Try drizzling caramel or dark chocolate on top. Nuts like almonds or pecans can add a nice crunch. You can also sprinkle cinnamon or nutmeg for warmth. Experiment with other extracts too! Almond or vanilla extracts can give different tastes. Just remember to use them in small amounts. A little goes a long way! When serving peppermint popcorn, use festive bowls or clear bags. This way, everyone sees the fun colors! You can also stack it in jars for an eye-catching display. For gifts, package the popcorn in decorative bags. Add a ribbon or a tag for a personal touch. It makes a lovely treat for friends and family during the holidays! Pro Tips Choose Quality Chocolate: Opt for high-quality white chocolate chips for a smoother melt and better flavor. Crush Candy Canes Easily: Place candy canes in a zip-top bag and crush them with a rolling pin for even pieces. Popcorn Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container to keep the popcorn crunchy longer. Customize Flavors: Experiment with different extracts, such as vanilla or almond, for unique flavor variations. {{image_2}} You can change up the flavor of your popcorn in fun ways. Try adding dark or milk chocolate drizzles for a richer taste. Simply melt your choice of chocolate like you did with the white chocolate. Drizzle it over the popcorn after coating it with white chocolate. This adds a nice contrast and extra sweetness. You can also explore different flavored popcorn. Think about adding caramel or cheese popcorn for a unique twist. Each flavor brings its own joy and surprises your taste buds. This peppermint white chocolate popcorn is perfect for the holidays. You can add festive sprinkles or colored sugar for more cheer. Red and green sprinkles look great and taste yummy. You can even swap the candy canes for seasonal candies like chocolate-covered pretzels. For year-round enjoyment, change the extract. Use vanilla or almond instead of peppermint. This way, you can enjoy this treat anytime, not just during the holidays. If you want a vegan version, swap the white chocolate with dairy-free chocolate chips. Make sure to check that your popcorn is gluten-free, as some brands may not be. To replace white chocolate, use melted coconut butter mixed with a bit of maple syrup. This will give you a creamy texture while keeping it dairy-free. These adjustments make this treat suitable for many diets while still being delicious! To keep your peppermint white chocolate popcorn fresh, use an airtight container. Glass jars or plastic bins work well. Avoid containers that let in air or moisture. Store the popcorn in a cool, dry place away from light. Keeping it sealed helps it stay crisp and tasty. You can enjoy this treat for up to two weeks. After that, it may lose its crunch. Signs of spoilage include a stale smell or a soft texture. If you notice these changes, it’s best to toss it out. You can freeze peppermint white chocolate popcorn. Use a freezer-safe bag or container. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. When you want to eat it, set it in the fridge overnight to thaw. This method keeps the flavor and texture intact. Yes, you can use regular chocolate. Dark or milk chocolate adds a rich taste. It will change the look and flavor. White chocolate is sweet and creamy, while regular chocolate has a deeper flavor. If you want a fun twist, try mixing both types. This gives a unique taste to your peppermint white chocolate popcorn. You can make popcorn without oil using an air popper. Just put the popcorn kernels in the air popper. Turn it on, and wait for the popcorn to pop. It will take a few minutes. If you don’t have an air popper, you can put the kernels in a microwave-safe bowl. Cover it with a lid and microwave for about 3-5 minutes. This way, you get a healthier snack with less fat. If your popcorn is soggy, you can fix it. First, spread it out on a baking sheet. Then, bake it at a low temperature, like 200 degrees Fahrenheit, for about 10 minutes. This helps dry it out. To prevent sogginess in the future, make sure the popcorn cools completely before adding chocolate. Avoid using too much chocolate as well. This blog post covered how to make sweet, crunchy peppermint popcorn. We went through the key ingredients, steps for popping and coating, and finishing touches. I shared tips for perfect texture and creative ways to present your popcorn. You learned about variations and how to store it well. Now, you are ready to impress your friends and family with your popcorn skills. Enjoy every bite of your tasty treat and let your creativity shine!

Peppermint White Chocolate Popcorn

A festive treat combining popcorn, white chocolate, and crushed candy canes, perfect for the holiday season.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1/2 cup unpopped popcorn kernels
  • 1 cup white chocolate chips
  • 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
  • 1/2 cup crushed candy canes
  • 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (optional for popping)

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the popcorn kernels, cover the pot, and shake gently until you hear the popping slow down to about 2 seconds between pops. Remove from heat. (Alternatively, use an air popper for a healthier version.)
  • In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the white chocolate chips and peppermint extract. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval until completely melted and smooth.
  • In a large mixing bowl, add the popped popcorn. Pour the melted white chocolate over the popcorn, and gently toss until all the popcorn is evenly coated.
  • Sprinkle the crushed candy canes and sea salt over the chocolate-coated popcorn and give it a gentle toss to ensure even distribution.
  • Spread the popcorn mixture out in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Allow it to cool completely at room temperature for about 30 minutes to set the chocolate.
  • Once the popcorn is set, break it into clusters and serve in festive bowls or gift bags for a delightful treat!

Notes

For a healthier version, use an air popper instead of oil.
Keyword holiday, popcorn, snack, treat