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Christmas Popcorn

Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time5 minutes
Total Time20 minutes
Course: Snack
Cuisine: American
Servings: 7
Calories: 503kcal
Author: Cari

Ingredients

  • ½ cup Popcorn kernels
  • 3 tablespoons coconut oil
  • 10 oz Dark chocolate chips
  • ½ cup Christmas m&m's
  • 1 cup Mini pretzels
  • ¼ cup Christmas sprinkles
  • ⅓ cup Red candy melts
  • ⅓ cup Green candy melts
  • Sea Salt Flakes optional

Instructions

  • Line a large baking sheet (or two) with a layer of parchment paper.
  • In a large stockpot, add the oil and once the oil is hot add 1 kernel to test the oil.
  • Once the test kernel has popped, immediately add the ½ cup of popcorn kernels to the pan. Cover and remove from heat, gently swirling from side to side for 30 seconds. Return the pan to the heat, and the popcorn kernels will almost immediately begin popping.
  • Once the kernels are about halfway done popping, crack the lid to allow excess steam to escape. Do this when the stockpot is approximately halfway full with popcorn, or about 30 seconds to 1 minute after they've popped.
  • Gently shake the pan side to side to allow any remaining kernels to make it to the bottom of the pan to pop. Once the popping has slowed or just stopped, pour the popcorn onto the prepared baking sheet.
  • Over the popcorn, add your mini pretzels so they can also be coated in chocolate (if desired)
  • In a large microwave-safe bowl, add the chocolate chips and a 1 teaspoon of oil. Heat in 15-20 second increments, stirring between each time, until the chocolate is almost melted. Then, continue stirring and allow the residual heat to melt the remaining lumps.
  • Drizzle the chocolate across the popcorn mix until until evenly coated. Sprinkle with sea salt if desired
  • Place candy melts in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until fully melted. Be careful not to overheat, as this can cause the candy to burn.
  • Drizzle the candy melts over the chocolate popcorn
  • While the chocolate and candy melts are still hot, sprinkle the m&m's and Christmas sprinkles over the popcorn. Allow the chocolate and candy melts to set.
  • Store popcorn in an airtight container at room temperature in a cool area. It will last for up to 3-5 days.

Notes

Variations and substitutions for Christmas-themed chocolate popcorn:

Variations:

    • Use white chocolate or milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate for a different flavor profile.
    • Add flavored popcorn like caramel or kettle corn to mix up the taste.
    • Incorporate holiday spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, seasonal flavor.
    • Add crushed candy canes for a peppermint twist.

Substitutions:

    • Swap pretzels with salted nuts for extra taste and crunch.
    • Mini marshmallows for a soft, sweet bite.
    • Dried cranberries or raisins for a fruity contrast.
    • Crushed gingerbread or biscoff cookies for extra holiday spice.
    • Use microwavable kettle corn instead of popping your own popcorn on the stovetop.

Storage for Christmas moose munch

To store chocolate popcorn, follow these guidelines:
    • Room Temperature: Keep it in an airtight container for up to 1 week to preserve its crispness and freshness.
    • Cool, Dry Place: Store in a cool area to prevent the chocolate from melting.