My Dark Chocolate Peppermint Popcorn recipe is a crowd-pleasing and completely addictive holiday snack that's only 4 Ingredients! It's perfect for watching your favorite Christmas movie or for sharing as an edible gift. This healthy snack is the perfect combination of salty, sweet, and minty.
The Hubs and I have this ongoing argument discussion about the type of popcorn we keep in the house. I prefer healthier, low salt, and low butter kinds. I could even eat just plain air-popped and be fine! He, of course, likes the movie-theater butter, greasy and salted kind. I do the grocery shopping around here, so I buy the kind I like and that is better for us and he complains reminds me that it's not his choice.
He rarely goes to the store, but when he does he somehow always comes home with a box of what he calls "the good stuff." It's become a family joke at this point.
Peppermint Popcorn
SO when I made a holiday recipe that used my "healthy" popcorn I was a little concerned he would not like it. I mean there is nothing really bad for you in my Dark Chocolate Peppermint Popcorn recipe... but I decided to give it a try anyway.
I mean come on... he had to like it right????
Turns out my Peppermint Popcorn was a HIT and a recipe we'll make again and again.
Why You'll Love the Dark Chocolate Peppermint Popcorn...
This Peppermint Popcorn recipe is totally LOVEABLE because it's crazy simple to make and has just the right amount of salt and sweetness. The lovely dark chocolate gives you that peppermint mocha vibe... but in a healthier package.
If you are one who loves chocolate with popcorn this yummy healthy holiday dessert is for you.
How to Make Peppermint Popcorn...
The Dark Chocolate Peppermint Popcorn recipe is really simple. You start with your favorite healthy popcorn. You could even air pop some, but I like the one with light salt for this. It gives you that sweet and salty combination. Feel free to make your popcorn on the stovetop or microwave... whatever fits your cooking style and taste.
After popping the corn, put the popcorn on a cookie sheet in a single layer.
Next, you melt some dark chocolate chips in the microwave. You could do white chocolate or milk chocolate too but I love the taste and health benefits of dark chocolate. Microwave your chocolate in 30-second increments until it is liquid enough to drizzle.
Once it's melted you get to drizzle the chocolate. Before the chocolate firms, sprinkle some festive sprinkles and crushed peppermint on top.
Walk away and let the chocolate firm back up. Once it's firm break the popcorn back up into small bites. It's kind of like a Peppermint Bark Popcorn!
You can serve it in a bowl like this for movie night OR put it in pretty containers for a great edible Christmas gift.
Tips and Variations for Making the Peppermint Popcorn
- You can make the popcorn on the stovetop or microwave.
- Use either your favorite candy canes or peppermint candies to get the crushed peppermint. You'll want to break both up into small enough pieces to enjoy in one bite.
- You can skip the sprinkles, but I love how festive they make the popcorn. This is my favorite set of Christmas Sprinkles to keep around the house. <---Amazon Affiliate Link
- Make sure to crush your peppermint into small enough pieces where you can easily eat it. Too big of chunks will be hard to swallow.
- I like making mine with dark chocolate but you could easily use white or milk. White Chocolate Peppermint Popcorn is also popular and really tasty!
- Other fun toppings would be holiday M&M's, more green sprinkles to make it Grinch Popcorn, or even crushed Oreos!
How to Store Peppermint Popcorn?
Store my Dark Chocolate Peppermint Popcorn in an airtight container on the counter or at room temperature. If you want to make the popcorn into an edible gift either use a treat bag or a metal treat can. If you want to make the popcorn with the red striped cups order these!
How long does the popcorn last?
The popcorn will be good for up to a week but is best eaten within a few days.
Can You Freeze Peppermint Popcorn?
I would not recommend freezing my Dark Chocolate Peppermint Popcorn. The texture of the popcorn changes when you freeze it. It's too good to waste anyway!
The BEST Christmas Popcorn!
This Peppermint Popcorn really is the BEST Christmas Popcorn. Remember how I shared that the Hubs and I have drastically different popcorn tastes?
WELL... when I made this recipe we both loved it and nearly fought over those chocolaty sweet and salty bites. I turned around and he had swiped the entire bag for himself! 🙂
I'll say this festive, healthy treat was a big success. I hope you enjoy it as much as we did!
Other Healthy Peppermint Recipes to Love:
- Healthy Chocolate Peppermint Smoothie
- Dark Chocolate Peppermint Nice Cream
- Peppermint Fudge No Bake Energy Bites
- Nutella and Peppermint Freezer Fudge
- Skinny Peppermint White Hot Chocolate
Other Healthy Popcorn Recipes to Love:
If you make this recipe, I’d love to hear what you think! Leave a comment and a star rating ★ below. Make sure to follow me on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook too!
Dark Chocolate Peppermint Popcorn
Ingredients
- 10 cups popped popcorn, about 1 microwave bag
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips
- ¼ cup crushed peppermint pieces
- 2 teaspoons Christmas sprinkles
Instructions
- Line two cookie sheets with parchment paper or foil. Spread popcorn in a single layer.
- Put the chocolate chips in a microwave safe container and microwave for 30 seconds. Pull out and stir. Microwave for another 30 seconds. Pull out and stir again. The chocolate should be melted at this point. If it's not, microwave for another 10 seconds. Repeat until it's soft and drizzly.
- Using a large spoon, drizzle the chocolate over the popcorn using fast motions creating thin lines of chocolate.
- While the chocolate is still warm, sprinkle the peppermint and sprinkles over the top.
- Allow chocolate to re-harden before moving. You can pop the trays in the freezer to speed up the process.
Notes
Nutrition
Pin for later!
Jar of Lemons says
Chocolate drizzled popcorn is a HUGE weakness of mine! I'm just dying to try this with peppermint!
Candina says
OOO that looks delicious.
Deborah Brooks says
We all loved this popcorn! Can't wait to make it again
Erin says
Oh my goodness this is incredible! Love the sweet, salty & chocolatey combo. Perfection all around!
Kushigalu says
What a pretty and festive snack recipe to try for holidays. Would love to try this. Thanks for sharing.
Alexis says
Everyone loved this popcorn treat at a recent party I hosted. I loved that it was quick and easy to prepare. Thank you!
Gail Montero says
Dark chocolate and peppermint in a snack - count me in! My whole family will totally enjoy snacking on this yummy popcorn!
Leslie says
I absolutely LOVE dark chocolate on my popcorn! I'm drooling over your recipe with peppermint! So genius!!!
Lesli Schwartz says
I'm definitely giving up my Moose Munch for this awesome recipe! Love the addition of chocolate and peppermint in this popcorn snack!
Amy Liu Dong says
Truly a crowd-pleasing, this definitely looks so delicious and yummy. Everything in it is what I hope for in a great foodie, thanks for sharing this wonderful dish with us. I'll definitely make this at home.
Stine Mari says
I LOVE this idea! And the Christmas sprinkles make it look so festive and fun too!
Marta says
This will be a hit with my son! He's the only one in our home who likes mint + chocolate. Stocking stuffer for sure. Thank you!
Robin says
Oh my goodness, as a popcorn queen I think these as Christmas gifts are absolutely adorable!
Kimmythevegan says
Oh my freaking goodness!!! This looks SO GOOD Julie! I think I have mentioned before that I also love popcorn. I have my beloved air popper (I'm a coconut oil + salt kinda gal) and it's a great late night snack when I don't want to feel guilty. But it can be boring. I totally can't wait to make this! Not only would it be great for myself (obviously haha), but it would make a really great DIY holiday gift for people! Love it!
Thanks so much for sharing at Healthy Vegan Fridays! I'm pinning & sharing (and bookmarking for myself haha!). I hope you're having a wonderful week.
JulieWunder says
Hi Kimmy! I hope you enjoy it! So festive and fun!
Miz Helen says
Popcorn is one of my favorite snacks, great ideas for yummy toppping. Thanks so much for sharing with us at Full Plate Thursday and have a great week!
Miz Helen
Farrah says
How could anyone say no to this popcorn!?!? I'm definitely going to have to make this tonight! <3 It'll be the perfect holiday treat! :]!
JulieWunder says
Yay! Let me know how you like it!
Emily says
YAY!!! That's so wonderful you found a combo you both liked!
JulieWunder says
Thanks Emily!
Annmarie says
Yummmm. This is totally speaking to me right now! Looks amazing!
JulieWunder says
Thanks! It's soooo good!
Kristy from Southern In Law says
Jesse and I are off to the outdoor cinemas tomorrow and I was thinking about what treat I could take with us and I think this may have to be it! Yum!
Sarah- A Whisk and Two Wands says
This looks so good Julie and I just went a little crazy at the cake and candy store on sprinkles! Definately making this for watching a Christmas movie, maybe a Charlie Brown Christmas!!
JulieWunder says
Haha! Love some festive sprinkles!
Deborah @ Confessions of a mother runner says
oh my goodness! I love choc and popcorn together and add in the candy canes oh my yum
JulieWunder says
Thanks Deborah! It's so good!
Mary Ellen @ VNutrition says
So pretty and festive Julie! I can't wait to make this for my nephew!
JulieWunder says
Yay! Hope he enjoys it!
Beth Ann Chiles says
Oh my goodness. I never ever thought about making this but it is actually very easy, right? And a great gift! Thanks for a great gift idea today!
JulieWunder says
Thanks! Hope you enjoy it!
heather @Lunging Through Life says
Gahh can I have that now! Honestly I go through such phases with popcorn and lately I've been into it! I do like it salted, and not overly buttery. My dad always went for the total butter and my mom never would buy it. This looks delicious, and also reminds me of frozen yogurt which I am now craving... lol
JulieWunder says
You can never go wrong with froyo!
Susie @ SuzLyfe says
Alex and I are kettle corn (but the light kind, like Boom Chicka) and white cheddar or jalapeno cheddar fans. He only ever thinks about the butter kind if we are at the theater! Popcorn is in my top 10 favorite snacks, maybe even top 10 favorite foods. And then to go and chocify it... noms
Blane Sherer says
very festive especially with the containers
JulieWunder says
Thanks Blane! Lots of fun!