How to Make Chili Chocolate Popcorn

If you’re feeling adventurous and want to change up your usual movie night snack, give this chili chocolate popcorn a try. With our Choc-O-Pop Powder plus a pinch of cayenne pepper and smoked paprika, it’s a bold chocolatey treat that’s simple but seriously impressive. 

Just follow the steps below and let your Popper do its thing:

Chili Chocolate Popcorn Ingredients

• ½ cup popcorn kernels

• 2 tablespoons coconut oil

• 2-3 tablespoons Choc-O-Pop Powder

• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)

• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika

• ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt

• 1 tablespoon melted coconut oil (for finishing)

Chili Chocolate Popcorn Directions

Step 1: Preheat

Set your stove to medium heat and let your Popper preheat for 1-2 minutes.

Step 2: Add Oil and Kernels

Add the coconut oil, then pour in the kernels and cover the Popper.

Step 3: Add Choc-o-Pop Powder

Once popping begins, lift the lid just enough to pour in the chocolate powder, close it again, and start cranking clockwise.

Step 4: Pop

Continue cranking while the kernels pop. The Popper’s stirring mechanism keeps the sugar in the powder from settling on the bottom and burning, which gives the popcorn an even coat and prevents it from going to waste.

Step 5: Remove

When popping slows to 1-2 seconds between pops, remove the Popsmith from the burner and pour the chocolate popcorn into a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 6: Make the Chili Finish

Drizzle melted coconut oil over the popcorn and sprinkle the cayenne, smoked paprika, and sea salt. Then use a spatula to give the popcorn an even coat.

Step 7: Taste and Adjust

Give your chili chocolate popcorn a taste. Want more heat? Add an extra pinch of cayenne. If you want it smokier, a little paprika does the trick.

Step 8: Enjoy

Break the popcorn into clusters, transfer it to a bowl, and dig in!

More Chili Chocolate Popcorn Tips

• Start with ¼ teaspoon of cayenne and work your way up from there. The heat builds as you eat, so you want to control the heat before it gets too much.

• Smoked paprika adds depth without extra spice. Regular paprika works in a pinch, but smoked would be best.

• This is optional, but if you want to give the popcorn extra sweetness, add a pinch of brown sugar with the cayenne pepper.

• Don’t stop there. Roasted salted peanuts, dried cherries, crushed pretzels — or anything salty, crunchy, or tart — all work well with this flavor profile. 

• Have any leftover popcorn? Store it in an airtight container at room temperature and enjoy within 3 days. 

A Little Sweet and Spicy, A Whole Lot of Good

Rich cocoa, a hint of smokiness, and a slow-building heat that keeps you reaching for more — that's chili chocolate popcorn in a nutshell. From a game night with friends to a cozy date night at home to a solo movie marathon on Saturday afternoon, this popcorn doesn't care about the occasion. It just shows up.

Don't have a Popper yet? There's no better excuse to get one. Pick it up with our Choc-O-Pop Powder and start here. And if you’re looking for more ways to mix things up, our blog has plenty of inspiration.