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There are several ways to enjoy popcorn. Some prefer plain old buttery popcorn, while others love the sweet taste of caramelized corn.
Popcorn is a snack food that has become very popular over time. The basic idea behind popcorn is simple: take a kernel of corn and pop it in hot oil until it turns into a fluffy ball.

While each type of popcorn has its own unique flavor and texture, you can also add other flavors such as cinnamon, sugar, salt, cheese, chocolate chips, nuts, etc. to bring out extra depth.
If you want something new, try making popcorn with a minty flavor. Not only is it sweet, but it is also fresh. In this article we take a look at how to make a peppermint topping for popcorn.
So, let’s get to it!
How To Make Peppermint Popcorn
In this recipe, we have assumed that you already have the plain popcorn ready to eat. So, let’s take a look at what you need for the peppermint topping.
Ingredients
- Around half a cup of jumbo popcorn with no added salt or sugar
- 2 tablespoons of finely chopped candy canes
- Half a teaspoon of peppermint extract
- Half a cup of white chocolate melts
- (Optional) a drizzle of dark chocolate
Step 1: Melt The Mixture
Using a microwave, place the white chocolate and peppermint extract into a heatproof bowl. Melt the mixture for around 30 seconds at a time and keep stirring it until the mixture has fully melted.
Make sure not to overdo it as it could burn and turn sticky. Once this happens, there is no going back and you will have to restart the process.
Step 2: Add To The Popcorn
Now that the chocolate has melted, you can pour it over the popcorn. It is best to drizzle it on, rather than pour the whole thing over it quickly.
In fact, take your time. If you don’t, you risk the popcorn becoming soggy. It is better to stir the popcorn as you do this process. It also helps to evenly coat each one, too.
Also, before you do this, make sure to remove any unpopped kernels. Who wants to waste a delicious topping on unpopped kernels? Not us!
Step 3: Sprinkle The Rest
Now that the chocolate has been added, place the popcorn onto a baking sheet which has been lined. Make sure you spread it out evenly by using a spoon to do so.
Once you are satisfied with how you have placed the popcorn, sprinkle it with the crushed candy canes. You can also add any festive sprinkles if it’s around that time of year for extra fun.
The odd pinch of sea salt would be fine to add here too.
Step 4: (Optional) Add Some Dark Chocolate
Dark chocolate goes very well with peppermint. If you plan to do this, all you need to do is melt some chopped chunks of dark chocolate in the microwave and drizzle it on.
It not only looks good, but it tastes super great too!
Step 5: Finishing Touches
Now that the toppings have been added to the popcorn, it is ready to cool down. You can do this by placing the popcorn in the refrigerator for around 20 minutes before serving, or leaving it for longer in a cold room.
Once it is ready to eat, remove from the refrigerator and break the popcorn up. You can eat it right away, or package it up to give away as gifts to loved ones.
How Do I Crush Candy Canes?
Candy canes are delicious and very nostalgic. To crush them, you can use two methods: a Ziploc bag or a food processor.
To use a Ziploc bag, all you need to do is place them inside, seal the bag, and then crush them into tiny pieces by using a rolling pan.
A food processor is better for those who don’t want to put the arm work in. All you need to do is place them inside the food processor and switch it on. Pulse it a number of times to get roughly chopped candy canes.
These methods produce different results, but both work great for making a peppermint topping.
Extra Fun Peppermint Topping Ideas
Whilst you can stick with the above, there are ways to make it a little more fun. For example, due to using white chocolate, you can use food coloring to make it fun colors.
For a Grinch theme, you can add green. You can also make it red or even pink. If somebody you know has a particular favorite color, then you can change the color of the topping to suit them.
You can also use different colors of candy canes, even rainbow!. They will still give a peppermint flavor, but will change the overall look.
Lastly, you can crush peppermint cookies. A good option is peppermint Oreos to add even extra peppermint flavor.
Final Thoughts
Popcorn is one of those foods that everyone loves. Whether you make it yourself or buy it at the store, it’s always fun to eat.
However, plain popcorn can become boring, no matter how super healthy it is. Or, perhaps you just want to make some fun and interesting toppings for the holiday season?
It is also a great way to give a friend or family member a homemade treat too, no matter the season or occasion.
Whilst making the popcorn – whether on the stove top or bought from the store – may not be the fun part for many, adding the topping is where the excitement starts. Not only because you can go wild with the ingredients, but the kitchen smells good too.
Whilst peppermint isn’t a common choice, it is a delicious and simple way to enjoy popcorn. You can add different colors and make it as sweet as you would like.