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For a tasty batch of peppermint bark popcorn, gather these simple ingredients: - 6 cups popped popcorn - 1 cup white chocolate chips - 1/4 cup crushed peppermint candies - 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract - 1/4 teaspoon sea salt - Optional: 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips These ingredients create a sweet and festive treat. The popcorn is light and airy, while the white chocolate adds creaminess. Crushed peppermint candies give a nice crunch and minty flavor. The sea salt balances the sweetness, making every bite delightful. If you really love chocolate, consider adding semi-sweet chocolate chips. They add depth to the flavor. You can drizzle them on top for a beautiful touch. This mix of flavors will surely impress friends and family. Enjoy making this fun snack for parties or cozy nights at home! {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, I love using air-popped popcorn, but you can use oil too. If you choose oil, heat a pot over medium heat and add one tablespoon of oil. Then, add about half a cup of kernels. Cover the pot and shake it gently. Keep shaking until the popping slows down. This should take about three to five minutes. Once done, transfer the popped popcorn to a large mixing bowl. You want to make sure all the popcorn is light and fluffy. Next, it's time to melt the white chocolate. Grab a microwave-safe bowl and add one cup of white chocolate chips. Then, pour in half a teaspoon of peppermint extract. Microwave this mix in 20-second bursts. Stir after each round. This will help you avoid burning the chocolate. It should take about one to two minutes to get a smooth and creamy texture. Now comes the fun part! Pour the melted white chocolate over the popped popcorn. Use a spatula or a wooden spoon to fold and stir the popcorn carefully. Make sure each piece gets a nice coat of chocolate. Once coated, sprinkle a quarter cup of crushed peppermint candies and a quarter teaspoon of sea salt over the mixture. Stir again to mix everything evenly. If you want to drizzle some semi-sweet chocolate, now's the time! Melt half a cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips using the same microwave method. Drizzle it over the popcorn for extra flavor and a pretty look. Spread the popcorn on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Let it cool at room temperature or chill it in the fridge for about 15 to 20 minutes. This will help the chocolate harden. Finally, break the cooled mixture into pieces, and it’s ready to serve! To make the best popcorn, start with high-quality kernels. I prefer using organic corn for great flavor. If you use a stovetop, add just enough oil to coat the bottom of the pot. Heat it on medium, and then quickly add the kernels. Cover and shake the pot gently. This helps prevent burning. When popping slows, remove it from heat. Air-popping is a healthier option. It gives you fluffy popcorn with no added oil. Just follow the machine's instructions. In both methods, make sure not to leave unpopped kernels in the bowl. They can ruin your snack experience. Melting chocolate can be tricky, but I have a simple method. Use a microwave-safe bowl for the white chocolate chips. Add the peppermint extract right away for extra flavor. Heat in short bursts of 20 seconds. Stir after each burst to ensure even melting. When it’s smooth, stop heating. Overheating can ruin the chocolate. If you want to drizzle semi-sweet chocolate, use the same technique. This way, your chocolate will look great and taste amazing. When storing peppermint bark popcorn, use an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and crunchy. If you want to gift it, use clear bags tied with festive ribbons. It makes a delightful treat for friends and family. Serve it in fun bowls or jars for parties. The colorful look will catch everyone’s eye. You can also enjoy it while watching a movie or during festive gatherings. This treat is perfect for sharing! Pro Tips Use Fresh Peppermint Candies: For the best flavor and crunch, use freshly crushed peppermint candies or candy canes. They add a lovely festive touch and a satisfying texture to the popcorn. Ensure Complete Coating: When pouring the melted white chocolate over the popcorn, make sure to stir gently but thoroughly. This ensures that every piece is evenly coated, enhancing the taste in every bite. Storage Tips: To keep your peppermint bark popcorn fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature. This will prevent the chocolate from becoming sticky or the popcorn from getting stale. Experiment with Toppings: Feel free to get creative with additional toppings! Consider adding crushed nuts, sprinkles, or a dash of cinnamon for a unique twist on this classic treat. {{image_2}} You can switch the white chocolate for milk or dark chocolate. These options add a rich flavor that pairs well with peppermint. If you choose dark chocolate, the taste becomes more complex. For milk chocolate lovers, it brings a creamy finish. Try mixing chocolates for a fun twist! You can add spices for warmth. A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg gives your popcorn a cozy feel. For more zing, try a dash of chili powder. You could even mix in some orange zest for a citrus touch. These flavors make your peppermint bark popcorn stand out! Add fun toppings for extra flair. Sprinkles in red and green make it festive. Try chopped nuts like almonds or pecans for crunch. Dried cranberries or festive M&Ms add color and sweetness. These toppings make your treat even more special for the holidays! To keep your peppermint bark popcorn fresh, store it in an airtight container. This will help prevent it from getting stale. You can use any container with a tight seal, like a jar or a plastic tub. Make sure the popcorn is cool before sealing it up. When stored properly, peppermint bark popcorn lasts about one week. After that, it may lose some crunch. If you want to enjoy it longer, consider freezing it. You can freeze peppermint bark popcorn for up to three months. To do this, place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Be sure to remove as much air as possible. When you're ready to eat it, just thaw it in the fridge. This keeps it fresh and tasty! Yes, you can make Peppermint Bark Popcorn ahead of time. In fact, it stores well. I recommend making it a day or two before you plan to serve it. Just keep it in an airtight container at room temperature. This way, the popcorn stays fresh and crunchy. Avoid refrigeration, as it can make the popcorn chewy. If you don't have white chocolate chips, you can use yogurt chips. They provide a similar taste and texture. You might also try almond bark or even a good quality dark chocolate if you want a richer flavor. Each option gives a unique twist while keeping the festive feel. To cut the sweetness, reduce the white chocolate chips to 3/4 cup. You can also add more sea salt. This contrast can balance the flavors nicely. Another option is to skip the semi-sweet chocolate drizzle. This way, you still get that peppermint taste without it being too sugary. This blog post shared a simple recipe for Peppermint Bark Popcorn. You learned the key ingredients, like popcorn, white chocolate, and crushed peppermint. I took you through step-by-step instructions for popping, melting, and coating. You now have tips for perfect popcorn and how to store it. Finally, we explored fun variations for a unique twist. Whether you're making this treat for a holiday or just a snack, have fun with it!

Peppermint Bark Popcorn

A festive treat combining popcorn, white chocolate, and crushed peppermint candies.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 6 cups popped popcorn
  • 1 cup white chocolate chips
  • 1/4 cup crushed peppermint candies
  • 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Instructions
 

  • Pop the Popcorn: Begin by air-popping your popcorn kernels. If using a stovetop method, heat a pot over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of oil. Place the kernels in the pot, cover, and shake until popping slows down. Transfer the popped popcorn to a large mixing bowl.
  • Prepare Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the white chocolate chips and peppermint extract. Microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring well in between, until melted and smooth. This should take about 1-2 minutes.
  • Coat the Popcorn: Pour the melted white chocolate over the popped popcorn. Gently fold and stir to coat the popcorn evenly with the chocolate.
  • Add Peppermint: Sprinkle the crushed peppermint candies and sea salt over the chocolate-coated popcorn. Stir again to distribute the peppermint evenly throughout.
  • Optional Chocolate Drizzle: If you want to add an extra layer of flavor, melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips in the microwave using the same method as before. Once melted, drizzle it over the popcorn mixture for a decorative and tasty touch.
  • Set the Bark: Spread the popcorn mixture out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Allow it to cool at room temperature or place it in the refrigerator for about 15-20 minutes until the chocolate hardens.
  • Break and Serve: Once set, break the peppermint bark popcorn into pieces. Serve in festive bowls or gift bags for a delicious treat.

Notes

For a richer flavor, consider adding more peppermint extract.
Keyword holiday treat, peppermint, popcorn