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
Scale
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.
