Dark Chocolate Peppermint Popcorn

This Dark Chocolate Peppermint Popcorn is a quick and easy holiday treat that combines festive sweets with a light salt contrast!

Got a sweet tooth and looking for a holiday snack? Here’s a chocolate mint popcorn recipe that’s quick to make and sure to please. If you’re looking for a fun treat or even an edible gift, this Christmas popcorn would be a fantastic option!

This one is easy to make a couple of hours before cocktail hour as you will want this to cool before serving.

Why You’ll Love this Peppermint Bark Popcorn

You can vary this recipe up in so many combinations and I’ve got some listed below, but maybe you’ll come up with your own special twist!

And since you can change things up so easily, you’ll be able to make this at any time of the year; just add more seasonal ingredients.

This recipe only needs 3 ingredients and about 10 minutes to make. It’s the perfect snack for the holiday season and combines the best of salty and rich, sweet flavors. You’ll love the nostalgic flavor combination and the light, delicate crunch of popcorn.

If you’re looking for a beverage to serve alongside this snack, I’ve found it pairs nicely with our Whiskey Champagne Cocktail.

And if you can’t get enough of fun twists on popcorn, here’s our Pumpkin Pie Spice Popcorn – perfect for a cool afternoon!

Or, how about some easy homemade Salt and Vinegar popcorn?

Dark Chocolate Peppermint Popcorn Recipe Ingredients

• 1 package microwave popcorn, popped – use your favorite popcorn for this holiday treat; anything with a lightly salty flavor or even a sweet kettle corn will work perfectly.
• 2 oz Ghirardelli chocolate, melted – I love using this brand specifically for its high quality at an affordable price point! But any brand of chocolate will work, even dark chocolate chips, so feel free to opt for your personal favorite.
• 2/3 cup crushed peppermint candies – any kind of hard peppermint candy will work here, including peppermint candy canes.

Instructions

1. Pop popcorn and place on parchment paper lined cookie sheet. You can also used waxed paper.
2. Melt chocolate in a microwave safe bowl with a small amount of coconut oil, then stir until melted and smooth. This Ghirardelli melting chocolate is fantastic to use in this recipe.
3. You can use chocolate chips instead if you don’t have baking chocolate pieces. Then drizzle the warm chocolate over the popped popcorn.
   

   Drizzle the melted chocolate over the popcorn.

4. Immediately sprinkle the crushed peppermint over chocolate. Do it right away so the peppermint pieces will stick to the chocolate. You can also melt candy slowly in the microwave and then drizzle onto the popcorn.
   

   Sprinkle crushed peppermints all over the popcorn.

5. Let chocolate set then break into pieces. Serve at room temperature and enjoy this decadent snack! Store extra in an airtight container but try to eat it in a day or two! Pair with a Pinecone Cheese Ball with Almonds for a nice balance of savory and sweet.

FAQs

Can I use white chocolate instead of dark chocolate?

Yes, you can absolutely make white chocolate peppermint popcorn instead of dark chocolate! And it will taste fabulous, just like this does. You could even use almond bark.

Where to buy peppermint popcorn?

As much as I would LOVE you to try this quick appie, maybe you just want to skip the work and open a bag. OK, here you go – premade Peppermint Popcorn.

How to store peppermint popcorn?

Keep the popcorn in an airtight container somewhere at room temperature. If you live somewhere warm, be sure to store it somewhere cool and dry so the chocolate doesn’t get too melty.

You can also store it in a festive metal tin, especially if you plan to give this holiday popcorn away as a homemade gift!

How long will peppermint popcorn last?

Stored properly, your popcorn should last for a week or so. But it’s best enjoyed within a couple of days of preparing it!

Popular Variations and Substitutions

• Add Christmas sprinkles for an even prettier bowl of popcorn. You can even use other colors of sprinkles to customize this popcorn for any occasion. You may want to omit the peppermint candies if you’re making your popcorn treat for a holiday or event outside the winter season.
• To be extra fancy, you can also stove-pop your own popcorn for a super authentic and old fashioned feeling.
• If you love caramel, replace the chocolate with melted caramel. Or use both for extra sweetness!
• Add salt if you want your popcorn to be both salty and sweet!
• Add some walnut or pecan pieces for some extra crunchy goodness. To drive home the sweetness, cook them in some white and/or brown sugar in a pan to candy them!
• Use crushed candy canes instead of (or in addition to) the peppermints.
• Add half a teaspoon of vanilla to the melted chocolate.
• Melt and drizzle a small amount of coconut oil along with the chocolate to stabilize it and ensure it won’t seize up while melting.
• For color and flavor variation, use white chocolate too. Create a striped effect by melting the white chocolate in the same way as the dark and drizzle it over top.

Peppermint Bark Popcorn Recipe

originally published Dec 2021; latest update Nov 2024