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Peppermint Bark Popcorn

Peppermint Bark Popcorn

Peppermint Bark Popcorn is a festive holiday treat that combines crunchy popcorn with creamy white and dark chocolate, infused with crushed peppermint candies for a perfect sweet-and-salty, minty snack. Ready in under 30 minutes, this easy-to-make recipe is ideal for parties, cozy nights, or gifting during the holidays.

Ingredients

Scale

Popcorn Base

  • 8 cups popped popcorn (from about 1/2 cup popcorn kernels or pre-popped plain popcorn)
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or melted butter (optional, to keep popcorn fresh and add richness)

Chocolate Coating

  • 1 cup white chocolate chips or melting wafers
  • 1 cup dark or milk chocolate chips

Peppermint Topping

  • 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies or candy canes

Optional

  • Sea salt, to taste (about 1/4 teaspoon)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Popcorn: Pop popcorn kernels using an air popper or stovetop method until fully popped. Spread the popcorn evenly on a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper to cool. Optionally, drizzle with vegetable oil or melted butter and toss gently to coat, which helps maintain freshness and adds slight richness.
  2. Melt the Chocolates: In two separate microwave-safe bowls, melt the white chocolate chips and dark or milk chocolate chips in 20-second intervals, stirring well between each until smooth and creamy.
  3. Mix Popcorn with Dark Chocolate: Drizzle the melted dark chocolate evenly over the cooled popcorn. Use a silicone spatula to gently toss and coat the popcorn pieces thoroughly without crushing them, building a rich chocolate flavor base.
  4. Add the White Chocolate and Peppermint: Drizzle the melted white chocolate in thin lines over the dark-chocolate-coated popcorn for a layered effect. Immediately sprinkle the crushed peppermint candies generously over the warm chocolate coating so they stick well.
  5. Let It Set: Allow the Peppermint Bark Popcorn to cool completely at room temperature or place in the refrigerator until the chocolate hardens and holds the mixture together beautifully.

Notes

  • Use a silicone spatula for gentle, even coating of chocolate without breaking popcorn.
  • Crush peppermint candies finely for better adhesion and consistent minty flavor.
  • Drizzle and sprinkle toppings quickly as chocolate hardens fast.
  • Line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
  • Store popcorn in an airtight container at room temperature to keep it fresh and crunchy for up to a week.

Nutrition

Keywords: peppermint bark popcorn, holiday snack, peppermint chocolate popcorn, festive treat, sweet and salty popcorn