Chocolate Popcorn is a sweet and salty blend of freshly popped popcorn and a rich chocolate coating. It is the perfect movie night snack or party food. Each chocolate covered popcorn handful is so tasty and decadent.
Popcorn is a favorite around here and I’m always looking for new ways to serve it. The possibilities are endless and today we are making the most delicious chocolate covered popcorn.
This recipe is simple enough to make for your family any day of the week. However, we think its special enough for birthday parties, holidays and more.
It never disappoints and tastes like a dream for anyone that loves chocolate. It’s great with Chocolate Milkshake Recipe and Easy Chocolate Cake. You can also make 69 Popcorn Recipes.
Table of contents
Why We Love This Recipe
If you love the combination of sweet and salty, this recipe will definitely be a hit. It is so easy to prepare, and the recipe is very frugal. The entire batch of popcorn can be made without much time or expense.
I also like to make Candy Popcorn, Homemade Caramel Popcorn Recipe and Butter Toffee Popcorn. Honey Butter Popcorn Recipe is another tasty recipe. For something simple but delicious, try Kettle Corn Popcorn, Cracker Jacks Recipe and Cotton Candy Popcorn.
Ingredients
- Popped Popcorn. Remove any kernels that didn’t pop.
- Unsalted Butter. I like to use unsalted butter.
- Cocoa Powder. Use unsweetened cocoa powder.
- Baking Soda. Best Baking Soda Substitutes
You can view the entire ingredients at the bottom of the page in the recipe card.
Variations
- Chocolate Chips. Instead of making the mixture with cocoa powder, you can melt chocolate chips and drizzle on the popcorn. We also love chocolate drizzled popcorn.
Try using milk chocolate, white chocolate or dark chocolate. It would also be pretty and delicious to combine several flavors. You can use coconut oil to thin it.
Melt using a microwave safe bowl in increments of 30 seconds stirring in between each one. You can also use a double boiler if you prefer. - Popcorn. We used plain microwave popcorn but you can use store bought if you prefer. Just use whatever is easiest for you or you have in the pantry.
- Candy melts. You can melt candy melts in different colors to coat the popcorn with. This is an easy way to make it work for birthday themes, holidays and special occasions.
- Vegan chocolate. You can use vegan chocolate chips if you have dietary restrictions.
- Extra Chocolate. Fans of chocolate will like this idea. Coat in the chocolate mixture as normal and then drizzle more chocolate on top. It will be a flavor burst of chocolate.
- Nuts. Toss in chopped nuts in the popcorn before the chocolate dries. We love pecans, walnuts and peanuts.
- Candy. We think candy makes a great add in to the mixture. Some favorites include mini M&M candy, Reece’s Pieces, crushed heath bar and anything you love.
How to Make Chocolate Popcorn
- Step 1. First, preheat the oven and get your sheet pan ready. Preheat the oven to 250 degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil. You may need 2 baking sheets based on the size that you are using.
Step 2. Combine the butter and sugar. In a large saucepan, heat the butter until melted. Then stir in the sugar, corn syrup, salt and cocoa powder. Bring to a boil for 5 minutes.
Step 3. Remove the mixture from heat and stir in the baking soda. Pour this mixture over the popcorn in a large bowl and gently toss the popcorn to coat it with the mixture. Spread on the baking sheet.
Step 4. Finally, bake the popcorn for 30 minutes. Make sure to stir every 10 minutes.
Step 5. Allow to cool and break into pieces. Place in a bowl and enjoy.
Storage
Store in an airtight container or bag at room temperature for up to 1 week. I doubt it lasts that long though. We eat ours within days!
Recipe Tips
- Kernels. Pick out any unpopped popcorn kernels out of the popcorn before coating in chocolate. This will prevent anyone from hurting their teeth.
- Wax paper. Place a layer of wax paper on the baking sheet to make clean up easy. The chocolate can be messy so you will be glad you didn’t skip this step.
- Party Favors. If you need an inexpensive but amazing party favor, make this popcorn. Place in cellophane bags and tie with a pretty ribbon to hand out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Chocolate coated popcorn can be frozen up to 3 months. Place inside an airtight container or bag.
Cover the popcorn with plastic wrap or place inside an airtight container. This will keep it fresh and prevent it from getting soggy. Keep the popcorn away from heat and humidity.
You can use stove top popcorn, microwave popcorn or store bought to make this recipe.
More Flavored Popcorn Recipes
- Red Hot Cinnamon Popcorn
- White Chocolate Popcorn
- Cookie Butter Popcorn
- Hot Chocolate Popcorn
- S’mores popcorn
- Snickers Popcorn Recipe
Try Chocolate Popcorn for an easy and frugal snack. Don’t forget to come back and leave a comment.
Chocolate Popcorn
Ingredients
- 10 cups Popped Popcorn
- 1 cup Granulated Sugar
- 3/4 cup Unsalted Butter
- 1/2 cup Light Corn Syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 cup Cocoa Powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Baking Soda
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 250 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil. You may need 2 baking sheets based on the size that you are using.
- In a large saucepan, heat the butter until melted. Then stir in the sugar, corn syrup, salt and cocoa powder.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring frequently. Then boil for approximately 5 minutes without stirring. Remove from heat and stir in the baking soda. The mixture will foam up when the baking soda is added.
- Place the popped popcorn on the baking sheets and remove any of the unpopped kernels. Pour this mixture over the popcorn and gently toss the popcorn to coat it with the mixture.
- Bake the popcorn for 30 minutes, stirring the popcorn every 10 minutes.
- Remove the popcorn from the oven and let the popcorn cool.
- Break the popcorn into pieces. Serve and enjoy!
