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Home / Recipes
20 minutes
5 from 2 votes
0 Comments

Candy Cane Popcorn

Jump to RecipePrint Recipe
  • 134
by: Joanna Cismaru
12.21.21

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pin for candy cane popcorn.

Using a mere 3 ingredients, this is the most festive Candy Cane Popcorn, that’s both delicious and so unbelievably easy to make. The absolute perfect Holiday snack!

candy cane popcorn in a popcorn container.

Eye-Catching Candy Cane Popcorn

For the person who has everything, including a sweet tooth, I love giving beautiful gift bags of this Candy Cane Popcorn. However, once you start doing this, all your friends and family will want these delightful treats.

This gourmet and better than movie popcorn is addictive, and once you start munching, you may not have any left over for gifting. This popcorn is chocolatey with tons of peppermint flavor, and a slightly crunchy sweet candy coating.

Candy Cane Popcorn Highlights

THE PERFECT GIFT. This recipe really does make the perfect gift. Use clear cellophane festive bags tied with a Holiday ribbon and a homemade gift tag and the recipient will be jumping for candy cane joy.

FEW INGREDIENTS. How many recipes only have 3 ingredients? That’s why this popcorn is such a great treat.

QUICK AND EASY. This is definitely way up there for how quick and easy this is. You really only need to pop some popcorn, melt chocolate, crush candy canes and put it all together. That’s it! Perfect to make with your kids!

Ingredients You’ll Need

overhead shot of ingredients needed to make candy cane popcorn.
  • Popcorn – You’ll need to make unflavored popcorn kernels but buying kernels and popping them yourself.
  • White Chocolate – I used white chocolate chips. They are small and will melt quick. You could use any chocolate chips you like, milk, dark, semi-sweet, they’ll all go great with the candy canes.
  • Candy Canes – Crushed peppermint candy canes are incorporated in the melted white chocolate for lots of that great peppermint flavor.

How To Make Candy Cane Popcorn

detailed process shots showing how to make candy cane popcorn.

Prepare the baking sheets. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper or one large baking sheet (15×21-inches). This also makes for a really easy clean up with no mess.

Melt the chocolate. Add the white chocolate chips to a bowl and melt in the microwave for 1 minute stirring after 30 seconds. Stir until smooth. If the chips are not melted completely, microwave in 15 second increments or less until smooth. As an alternative, using a double boiler to melt the chocolate will also work.

Mix and coat the popcorn. Place the popcorn on the prepared baking sheet(s). Stir about ½ cup of the crushed candy cane mixture into the melted chocolate, then you want to pour it over the popcorn. Toss the popcorn until thoroughly coated in the chocolate. Sprinkle the remaining crushed candy canes over the popcorn.

Cool and finish. Allow the popcorn to cool on the baking sheet(s). Break them into bite-size pieces and place in small dishes for snacking before you package some up for gifts. That is if there’s any left!

candy cane popcorn in a popcorn container.

How Long Does Popped Popcorn Stay Fresh?

Regular uncoated plain popped popcorn will be good for around 1-2 weeks. Here’s the unfortunate part; because this recipe calls for coating the popcorn, the longer the coating is on the popcorn, the soggier it becomes. Therefore, it is best eaten within 2-3 days for best texture and freshness.

What Else Can I Sprinkle On My Popcorn?

If you have any extra popped popcorn left over, sprinkling some dry spices on your popcorn. It instantly gives it a flavor boost, and there’s a wide variety of combinations to use. Of course, you can always drizzle the tried and true melted butter with some sprinkles of salt.

candy cane popcorn in a popcorn container.

Expert Tips

  1. For cooking the popcorn kernels, follow the package directions for best results.
  2. To crush the candy canes, lightly pulse in a food processor ensuring you don’t get dust-sized candy. A rolling pin will also work by placing the pieces in a plastic bag. Just make sure you don’t have any big chunks.
  3. For an added flair, crush a few peanuts or pretzels to add in the mixture.

Leftovers

This coated popcorn is best served fresh within 2-3 days. If left for longer, the texture will get the popcorn a little soggy but it is still safe to eat.

candy cane popcorn in a popcorn container.

More Great Recipes To Try

  • Christmas Candy Cane Bark
  • Popcorn Turkey
  • Chipotle Popcorn Chicken
  • Candied Walnuts
  • Gingerbread Loaf
  • Halloween Candy Brownies

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candy cane popcorn in a popcorn container.

Candy Cane Popcorn

5 from 2 votes
Prep: 10 mins
Cook: 10 mins
Total: 20 mins
Author: Joanna Cismaru
Serves: 6
Print Pin Rate
Using a mere 3 ingredients, this is the most festive Candy Cane Popcorn, that's both delicious and so unbelievably easy to make. The absolute perfect Holiday snack!

Ingredients

  • 11 cups popped popcorn
  • 11 ounces white chocolate chips
  • 6 candy canes crushed
US Customary – Metric

Instructions

  • Prepare baking sheets: Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper or a large 15×21-inch sheet.
  • Melt the chocolate: Add the white chocolate chips to a bowl and melt in the microwave for 1 minute stirring after 30 seconds. Stir until smooth and if not melted completely microwave in 15 second increments until smooth.
  • Mix popcorn and coating: Place the popped popcorn on the prepared baking sheet(s). Stir about ½ cup of the crushed candy cane into the melted chocolate and pour over the popcorn. Toss the popcorn until thoroughly coated in the chocolate. Sprinkle remaining crushed candy canes over the popcorn.
  • Cool and finish: Allow the popcorn to cool at room temperature. Break into pieces and serve or package up for gifts.

Recipe Notes

  1. For cooking the popcorn kernels, follow the package directions for best results.
  2. To crush the candy canes, lightly pulse in a food processor ensuring you don’t get dust-sized candy. A rolling pin will also work by placing the pieces in a plastic bag. Just make sure you don’t have any big chunks.
  3. For an added flair, crush a few peanuts or pretzels to add in the mixture.
  4. This coated popcorn is best served fresh within 2-3 days. If left for longer, the texture will get the popcorn a little soggy but it is still safe to eat.

Nutrition Information:

Serving: 1servingCalories: 412kcal (21%)Carbohydrates: 60g (20%)Protein: 6g (12%)Fat: 18g (28%)Saturated Fat: 10g (63%)Polyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 11mg (4%)Sodium: 48mg (2%)Potassium: 215mg (6%)Fiber: 3g (13%)Sugar: 41g (46%)Vitamin A: 55IU (1%)Vitamin C: 1mg (1%)Calcium: 105mg (11%)Iron: 1mg (6%)
Course:Snack
Cuisine:American
Keyword:candy cane popcorn, popcorn
Tried this recipe? Rate it belowtag @jocooks on instagram and hashtag it #jocooks!
  • 134

Meet Joanna Cismaru

I’m Joanna (Jo for short) and this is my blog where I share with you my culinary adventures. Here you will find a variety of recipes using simple everyday ingredients and creating wonderful, delicious and comforting meals, including some decadent desserts.

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Joanna Cismaru

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I'm Joanna (Jo for short) and this is my blog where I share with you my culinary adventures. Here you will find a variety of recipes using simple everyday ingredients and creating wonderful, delicious and comforting meals, including some decadent desserts.

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