If you’re looking for a festive treat that combines the cool freshness of peppermint with the creamy indulgence of cookies and cream, you’re going to absolutely love this Peppermint Cookies & Cream Popcorn Recipe. It’s crunchy, sweet, and satisfying with every bite, making it the perfect snack for holiday parties or cozy nights in. Imagine fluffy popcorn coated in smooth white chocolate infused with peppermint, then sprinkled generously with crunchy chocolate sandwich cookies and peppermint candy pieces. This absolutely delightful popcorn will quickly become your go-to for sharing or snacking anytime you want a little sweet magic.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t worry, the ingredients in this Peppermint Cookies & Cream Popcorn Recipe are refreshingly simple yet essential. Each brings a unique flavor or texture that perfectly balances sweetness, creaminess, and crunch to create a snack that’s both festive and irresistible.
- 8 cups popped popcorn: Use freshly popped popcorn for the best texture; removing unpopped kernels is important to avoid any surprises.
- 1½ cups white chocolate chips or melting wafers: These provide the creamy, sweet coating that holds everything together beautifully.
- ½ teaspoon peppermint extract: Just the right amount of minty flavor to brighten the whole treat without overpowering it.
- 10 chocolate sandwich cookies (like Oreos), crushed: Adds that signature cookies and cream crunch that makes this recipe stand out.
- ¼ cup crushed peppermint candies or candy canes (optional): Gives a festive pop of color and an extra layer of peppermint crunch.
- Pinch of salt: The subtle saltiness helps balance the sweetness and brings out the chocolate flavor even more.
How to Make Peppermint Cookies & Cream Popcorn Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Popcorn
Start by placing your 8 cups of freshly popped popcorn into a large mixing bowl. Take a moment to pick out any unpopped kernels — it’s a small step that ensures every bite is enjoyable and safe. The popcorn will serve as your crunchy canvas for all the delicious toppings.
Step 2: Melt the White Chocolate
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt your white chocolate chips or wafers in 30-second intervals. Stir well between each interval to keep the chocolate smooth and avoid burning. This gentle melting process is key to getting that luscious, velvety coating that binds the popcorn and flavorings together.
Step 3: Add Peppermint Extract
Once your white chocolate is silky and smooth, stir in the peppermint extract thoroughly. This is the secret that infuses every bite of popcorn with a refreshing holiday spirit, transforming ordinary white chocolate into something truly magical.
Step 4: Coat Popcorn with White Chocolate
Pour the peppermint-infused white chocolate over your bowl of popcorn. Use a gentle folding technique to toss and coat the popcorn evenly, ensuring every kernel is kissed with decadent white chocolate flavor without losing its crunch.
Step 5: Add Cookies and Peppermint Candy
Quickly sprinkle the crushed chocolate sandwich cookies and crushed peppermint candies over the coated popcorn. Toss gently once more to distribute these tasty bits evenly. This step not only adds contrasting textures but also layers of flavor that make this popcorn recipe uniquely delicious.
Step 6: Let It Set
Spread the coated popcorn mixture out on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Allow it to rest at room temperature for 20 to 30 minutes until the white chocolate has hardened. Once set, break into clusters, ready for sharing or storing.
How to Serve Peppermint Cookies & Cream Popcorn Recipe
Garnishes
For a finishing touch that wows, sprinkle a little extra crushed peppermint candy or even white chocolate drizzle on top before serving. Fresh mint leaves can also add a pop of green and reinforce that peppermint theme beautifully.
Side Dishes
This popcorn pairs wonderfully with a warm cup of cocoa or a creamy peppermint latte. For a festive gathering, set it alongside a charcuterie board or a selection of holiday cookies to complement its sweet flavor profile.
Creative Ways to Present
Package the popcorn in clear treat bags tied with festive ribbons for party favors or holiday gifts. Alternatively, serve it in decorative bowls sprinkled with extra crushed cookies and candy for an irresistible centerpiece snack.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover Peppermint Cookies & Cream Popcorn Recipe fresh by storing it in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay crunchy and delicious for up to a week, making it perfect for snacking over several days.
Freezing
To extend its shelf life, you can freeze the popcorn in a sealed container or freezer bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature for about an hour. The texture holds up surprisingly well with this method.
Reheating
If you prefer your popcorn slightly warmed, place it in the oven at a low temperature (around 250°F) for 5 minutes. This brings back a bit of that fresh popcorn warmth without melting the candy coating.
FAQs
Can I use regular dark or milk chocolate instead of white chocolate?
While white chocolate is key to achieving that classic cookies and cream look and creamy flavor, you can experiment with dark or milk chocolate for a different twist, though the peppermint flavor may play out differently.
Is it necessary to use peppermint extract or can I use vanilla?
Peppermint extract is essential here to give that refreshing minty punch, but if you prefer vanilla, the recipe will still taste delicious – just note it won’t be the same festive peppermint treat.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
To make this recipe vegan, choose vegan white chocolate and ensure your popcorn and cookies are vegan-friendly. This way, you can enjoy the Peppermint Cookies & Cream Popcorn Recipe while sticking to your dietary preferences.
How do I crush the cookies and peppermint candies easily?
Place the cookies and peppermint candies in a zip-top bag and gently crush them with a rolling pin or the back of a heavy skillet. This method helps create bite-sized pieces without turning everything into dust.
What’s the best way to avoid soggy popcorn?
Be sure to work quickly when tossing the popcorn with the melted white chocolate and add the crushed cookies and candies right away. Using a parchment-lined baking sheet to set allows air circulation, keeping the popcorn crisp.
Final Thoughts
This Peppermint Cookies & Cream Popcorn Recipe is such a joyful way to celebrate the flavors of the season or simply treat yourself to an indulgent snack. It’s quick to make, enchanting to eat, and endlessly shareable. I hope you give this recipe a try and find as much happiness in this crunchy, creamy, and minty delight as I do!
Print
Peppermint Cookies & Cream Popcorn Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes plus 20-30 minutes setting time
- Yield: 8 cups
- Category: Snack
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Peppermint Cookies & Cream Popcorn is a festive and delicious holiday snack combining crunchy popcorn with smooth white chocolate, refreshing peppermint, and crushed chocolate sandwich cookies. This no-bake treat is quick to prepare, perfect for gifting, or enjoying as a sweet seasonal indulgence.
Ingredients
Popcorn
- 8 cups popped popcorn (about â…“ cup unpopped kernels)
White Chocolate Coating
- 1½ cups white chocolate chips or melting wafers
- ½ teaspoon peppermint extract
Toppings
- 10 chocolate sandwich cookies (like Oreos), crushed
- ¼ cup crushed peppermint candies or candy canes, optional
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prepare Popcorn: Place the popped popcorn in a large mixing bowl, carefully removing any unpopped kernels to avoid biting into hard pieces.
- Melt White Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the white chocolate chips in 30-second intervals, stirring thoroughly between each to ensure smooth, even melting without burning.
- Add Peppermint Extract: Stir the peppermint extract into the melted white chocolate to infuse the coating with a refreshing minty flavor.
- Coat Popcorn: Pour the melted white chocolate over the popcorn and gently toss using a spatula or spoon to evenly coat all the popcorn pieces with the chocolate.
- Add Toppings: Quickly sprinkle the crushed chocolate sandwich cookies and crushed peppermint candies evenly over the coated popcorn, then toss gently again to combine all ingredients well.
- Set the Popcorn: Spread the coated popcorn mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet in an even layer. Allow it to sit at room temperature for about 20–30 minutes or until the white chocolate is fully set and firm.
- Serve or Store: Once set, break the popcorn into clusters for serving. Store any leftovers in an airtight container to maintain freshness and crunch.
Notes
- For extra crunch and flavor, try using peppermint bark pieces instead of crushed candy canes.
- This peppermint popcorn makes a wonderful holiday gift when packaged in decorative treat bags or tins.
- Using pre-popped plain popcorn can save time without compromising taste.
