This Peppermint Popcorn Is a Must-Try Festive Treat

The perfect holiday snack doesn't exi— wait, yes it does. 

Say hello to peppermint popcorn! This fun popcorn recipe combines white chocolate with cool peppermint for a treat that's perfect for your holiday movie marathons, gift-giving, or just to get yourself into the spirit of the festive season. And of course, it’s ridiculously easy to make with help from your Popper.

Check it out:

Peppermint Popcorn Ingredients

• ½ cup popcorn kernels
• 4 tablespoons coconut oil
• 2 cups white chocolate chips
• ½ teaspoon peppermint extract
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup broken candy canes (about 6 regular-sized canes)
• Sprinkles (optional)

Peppermint Popcorn Directions

Step 1: Heat

Set stove to medium heat and allow Popper to preheat for 1 to 2 minutes.

Step 2: Add Oil and Kernels

Pour two tablespoons of oil into the pot and drop 2 to 3 kernels. Add the remaining kernels once the first one pops, then cover your Popper.

Step 3: Turn

Crank the Popper clockwise as the kernels pop. This keeps them from burning.

GOOD TO KNOW: You don’t have to turn the crank the entire time — the Popper was built to do most of the work for you. Just crank it every couple of seconds.

Step 4: Remove

Remove the Popper from the burner once popping slows to 1-2 seconds between pops and take off the lid.

Step 5: Melt 

Melt white chocolate and the remaining coconut oil in 30-second microwave intervals, stirring between each. Then mix in the peppermint extract and salt. 

PRO TIP: If the coating is too thick, warm slightly and add coconut oil.

Step 6: Add Peppermint Popcorn Mixture

Drizzle the peppermint sauce over the popcorn, then cover the Popper and toss or crank it to coat the kernels evenly. Top the popcorn with broken candy canes (and sprinkles, if using), ideally while the chocolate is still wet.

PRO TIP: Break candy canes in a sealed bag using a rolling pin.

Step 7: Serve

Wait for the chocolate to set, then pour your peppermint popcorn into a bowl and enjoy!

More Peppermint Popcorn Tips

• Feel free to customize the popcorn any way you want — swap the white chocolate for dark chocolate, add mini marshmallows, or mix in crushed Oreos and nuts.

• Making this as a gift for a popcorn lover? Package the peppermint popcorn in a clear cellophane bag with a festive ribbon tied around it, or if you’re feeling fancy, use a cookie tin. Don’t forget to add a “best consumed within 5 days” note (and a silica packet to keep the popcorn fresh)!

• In the unlikely case of leftover popcorn, turn your peppermint popcorn into popcorn balls. You can use molasses, honey, or melted marshmallows as the binding agent. Yum!

Spread the Holiday Cheer

Crunchy? Check! Minty and chocolatey? Check! Festive? Check! 

Popcorn with peppermint and white chocolate ticks off all the boxes you want in a holiday snack. It’s great for gifting, sharing, or sneaking handfuls while wrapping presents (don’t worry, we won't tell!). 

The hardest part? Making enough peppermint popcorn to last through your holiday movie marathon — it has a way of disappearing faster than Santa down the chimney!

If you want more snacking inspiration, check out our other popcorn recipes. We have another holiday popcorn recipe you might want to try. And if you’re still looking for that special someone’s gift, we bet they’ll love their own Popper and popcorn kits!