White Chocolate Peppermint Popcorn Recipe

This festive White Chocolate Peppermint Popcorn Recipe is an easy no-bake treat made with fluffy popcorn, melted white chocolate, and crushed peppermint candies. The result is an incredibly addictive snack that perfectly balances sweet, creamy white chocolate with a refreshing peppermint crunch and a hint of saltiness from the popcorn. It’s the ultimate holiday movie night snack. This recipe is perfect for holiday parties, bagging up as homemade gifts, or simply enjoying during the Christmas season, making a large batch that’s great for sharing. It’s a quintessential winter treat that comes together in minutes.

White Chocolate Peppermint Popcorn Recipe Ingredients

• 12 cups plain popped popcorn (from about 1/2 cup kernels)
• 12 ounces (about 2 cups) good-quality white chocolate chips or chopped white chocolate
• 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies or candy canes (about 10-12 mini candy canes)
• 1 tsp coconut oil or vegetable shortening (optional, helps smooth the chocolate)
• Festive red and white sprinkles (optional)

How To Make White Chocolate Peppermint Popcorn Recipe

1. Prepare your workspace: Line a large baking sheet (or two smaller ones) with parchment paper or wax paper. Spread the popped popcorn in an even layer across the sheet. Carefully pick out any unpopped kernels.
2. Crush the peppermint: Place the unwrapped peppermint candies or candy canes into a sturdy zip-top bag. Seal the bag, pressing out most of the air. Use a rolling pin, meat mallet, or heavy pan to gently crush the candies into a mix of small pieces and fine dust.
3. Melt the white chocolate: In a medium microwave-safe bowl, combine the white chocolate and the optional coconut oil. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring well after each one, until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth. Be careful not to overheat it.
4. Combine the ingredients: Drizzle about three-quarters of the melted white chocolate all over the popcorn on the baking sheet. Immediately sprinkle most of the crushed peppermint over the top.
5. Toss to coat: Using two spatulas or your clean hands, gently toss the popcorn, chocolate, and peppermint together until everything is lightly and evenly coated.
6. Add the final touches: Spread the popcorn back out into an even layer. Drizzle the remaining white chocolate over the top and sprinkle with the rest of the crushed peppermint and festive sprinkles, if you are using them.
7. Let it set: Allow the popcorn to sit at room temperature for at least 1 hour, or until the white chocolate is completely firm and hardened. You can place it in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes to speed this up. Once set, break it apart into clusters and enjoy.

Recipe Tips

• Remove Unpopped Kernels: Before you start coating the popcorn, take a minute to sift through it and remove any unpopped or partially popped kernels. Biting down on a hard kernel is unpleasant and can even damage a tooth.
• Use Good Quality White Chocolate: Since it’s a primary flavor, the quality of your white chocolate matters. Use a good brand of white chocolate bars or high-quality chips that you enjoy eating on their own for the best creamy, non-waxy flavor.
• Don’t Overheat the Chocolate: White chocolate is more sensitive to heat than dark chocolate. To prevent it from seizing and becoming grainy, melt it slowly in the microwave in short bursts, and stir it frequently.
• Spread it Thin to Set: For the chocolate to harden quickly and evenly, spread the coated popcorn in a thin layer on your baking sheet. A thick pile will trap heat and moisture, which can make the popcorn soggy and prevent the chocolate from setting properly.

What To Serve White Chocolate Peppermint Popcorn

This festive popcorn is a complete snack all by itself, perfect for filling up big bowls for a holiday party, movie marathon, or family game night. It’s best enjoyed on its own, but for an extra cozy experience, it pairs wonderfully with a mug of rich hot cocoa or a warm peppermint mocha.

How To Store White Chocolate Peppermint Popcorn Leftovers

Room Temperature: Store the finished popcorn in an airtight container or a sealed zip-top bag at room temperature. It will stay fresh and crunchy for up to a week. Keep it in a cool, dry place to prevent the white chocolate from softening. Freeze: Freezing is not recommended for this recipe. The popcorn can lose its signature crunch and become stale or chewy upon thawing.

White Chocolate Peppermint Popcorn Recipe Nutrition Facts

• Serving size: 1 cup
• Calories: 230 kcal
• Total Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Cholesterol: 5mg
• Sodium: 95mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 29g
• Dietary Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 20g
• Protein: 2g

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I use microwave popcorn? Yes, absolutely. For the best flavor, use a plain or lightly salted variety. Avoid extra-buttery popcorn, as the artificial butter flavor can clash with the sweet white chocolate and mint.
• Can I use different kinds of chocolate for this recipe? Of course! This recipe is also delicious with semi-sweet or dark chocolate. The combination of rich dark chocolate and cool peppermint is a classic for a reason and provides a less sweet alternative.
• My white chocolate seized and became grainy. What happened? Seizing happens when chocolate gets either too hot or comes into contact with even a tiny drop of water. To prevent this, always use a completely dry bowl and spatula, and melt the chocolate slowly and gently, stirring often.

Try More Recipes:

• White Chocolate Pistachio Truffles Recipe
• White Chocolate Pudding Recipe
• White Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake Recipe