Introduction

If you’re looking for a festive and delicious snack to enjoy during the holiday season, this Loaded Holiday Popcorn with Dark Chocolate and Peppermint Crunch is a must-try! It’s the perfect combination of sweet, salty, and minty, making it a great treat for holiday movie nights, parties, or as a thoughtful homemade gift. With a delightful mix of dark chocolate, crushed peppermint candies, and fluffy popcorn, every bite is an explosion of flavors and textures. Best of all, this recipe is quick, simple, and customizable. Let’s get started on making this holiday-inspired popcorn!

Ingredients:

8 cups of freshly popped popcorn (about ½ cup unpopped kernels)
1 cup of dark chocolate chips or chunks
½ cup of white chocolate chips (optional, for drizzling)
½ cup of crushed peppermint candies or candy canes
¼ cup of mini marshmallows (optional, for extra sweetness)
¼ teaspoon of sea salt (optional, for a touch of saltiness)
1 tablespoon of coconut oil (for melting chocolate)
Sprinkles (optional, for extra holiday cheer)

Preparation:

Step 1: Pop the popcorn using your preferred method (air-popped, stovetop, or microwave). Make sure there are no unpopped kernels left in the bowl.

Step 2: Transfer the popcorn to a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Spread it out evenly to allow for easy coating.

Step 3: Melt the dark chocolate chips. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine dark chocolate chips and coconut oil. Microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring after each interval until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth.

Step 4: Drizzle the melted dark chocolate over the popcorn, ensuring even coverage. Use a spoon or fork to spread the chocolate if needed.

Step 5: Immediately sprinkle the crushed peppermint candies over the chocolate-drizzled popcorn while the chocolate is still wet. The crushed peppermint will adhere to the chocolate as it cools.

Step 6: If using, melt the white chocolate chips in the same way as the dark chocolate. Drizzle the white chocolate over the popcorn for an extra layer of sweetness.

Step 7: Add mini marshmallows and sprinkles on top for an extra festive touch. Lightly sprinkle sea salt if you prefer a sweet and salty combination.

Step 8: Allow the popcorn to set at room temperature for 20-30 minutes, or refrigerate for faster setting. Once the chocolate has hardened, break the popcorn into bite-sized clusters.

Cooking Notes:

For the best texture, use freshly popped popcorn. Avoid using buttered or pre-seasoned microwave popcorn, as it may alter the flavor.
You can customize this recipe by adding nuts, dried cranberries, or pretzels for additional crunch.
For a vegan version, use dairy-free dark chocolate and ensure your white chocolate is also vegan-friendly.

Serving Suggestions:

This Loaded Holiday Popcorn makes a perfect snack for:

Holiday movie marathons
Christmas parties or gatherings
Edible gifts—pack it in festive tins or treat bags with a ribbon
A sweet and crunchy addition to a holiday dessert table

Serve it in a big bowl for sharing or divide into individual cups for portioned treats.

Tips:

Use high-quality dark chocolate for the best flavor and smooth melting.
To crush peppermint candies or candy canes, place them in a zip-top bag and use a rolling pin to crush them into small pieces.
Store any leftover popcorn in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

Prep Time:

10 minutes

Cooking Time:

5 minutes (for melting chocolate)

Total Time:

15 minutes

Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approx. 1 cup):

Calories: 180
Protein: 2g
Fat: 8g
Carbohydrates: 25g
Sugar: 15g
Sodium: 50mg

Conclusion

This Loaded Holiday Popcorn with Dark Chocolate and Peppermint Crunch is a delightful and festive snack that combines the classic flavors of dark chocolate and peppermint. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make and perfect for holiday celebrations. With its eye-catching appearance and irresistible taste, it’s sure to be a hit with friends and family. Whip up a batch today and spread some holiday cheer!

Loaded Holiday Popcorn with Dark Chocolate and Peppermint Crunch

Author: Imili Johnson
Total Time: 15 minutes

Print Recipe

Ingredients

Scale

8 cups of freshly popped popcorn (about ½ cup unpopped kernels)
1 cup of dark chocolate chips or chunks
½ cup of white chocolate chips (optional, for drizzling)
½ cup of crushed peppermint candies or candy canes
¼ cup of mini marshmallows (optional, for extra sweetness)
¼ teaspoon of sea salt (optional, for a touch of saltiness)
1 tablespoon of coconut oil (for melting chocolate)
Sprinkles (optional, for extra holiday cheer)

Instructions