BYWhy you should make this peppermint bark popcorn
- You can make one huge batch and have TONS to share and pack up. I hate slaving over beautiful cookies and only having enough for a couple plates.
- It’s super quick and easy to make and also inexpensive and requires minimal ingredients.
- It lasts for several days, so you can make it early and not be rushed to pass it out if you need some time.
- It packs well, so you can put it in bags or cups or a big bowl or any cute container for sharing.
- Everyone, and I mean EVERYONE goes crazy for this stuff.
mushroom popcorn
Before I show you how to make this, I’m going to tell you about one of my best kept secrets! You know how when you buy a gourmet popcorn mix the popcorn itself is huge and puffy and doesn’t look anything like the regular popcorn you use? It’s called mushroom popcorn! It has nothing to do with mushrooms other than the shape. Check this out:
See how perfectly round and HUGE it is?? It is THE best for making caramel corn or popcorn mixes like this one and will make it look super gourmet! I buy mine from Amazon, this has been my favorite brand so far with the highest ratio of mushroom kernels. Seriously it’s amazing!
You can also use a bag of microwave popcorn. If you’re doing that I suggest looking for one that’s “natural” or just lightly salted so you don’t get a weird yellow color.
how to make it
Once your popcorn is popped and ready, melt some almond bark according to the package directions. Almond bark has no almonds in it, it’s simply a white candy coating- similar to white chocolate only it melts much better.
While that’s melting, you can smash up some candy canes. Unwrapping the candy canes to crush them is the most labor intensive step of this easy treat, so you can do that ahead of time if you want to. I put my candy canes in a large zip-lock bag and have a whack with a heavy marble rolling pin or my meat mallet. Put your bag on top of a kitchen towel to make it easier. You can also use those round peppermint candies. Either dump them in with your popcorn, or I toss them right on top of my melted almond bark.
You’ll also add in some peppermint extract, or peppermint oil. Extract can sometimes seize up the almond bark just a little, but it shouldn’t be a problem. Just stir it around quick and pour it over the popcorn and start tossing.
Stir everything until it’s well coated and then pour it out onto a piece of waxed paper, parchment, or foil. Spread it out into an even layer. If it’s cold outside, I set this out on my porch to harden up while I mix up the last step. While the popcorn is setting, place chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave in 30 second intervals until melted and smooth. I really like dark chocolate to counter-balance the sweetness of the almond bark, but I know there’s a lot of dark haters, so do what you want! Drizzle the melted chocolate over the popcorn. You can use a fork, or put it in a zip-lock bag with the corner cut off.
Leave it until the almond bark and the chocolate is hardened. If you need to hurry it up, do this whole process on lined cookie sheets you can pop in the fridge.When chocolate is hardened, use your hands to break up popcorn into chunks. Toss in a bowl, a jar, a cute package, or in your mouth, and done!
Peppermint Bark Popcorn
Description
Makes a deliciously huge batch — perfect to give around the holidays!
Ingredients
- 16 C popped popcorn* (fresh, or about 2 bags microwave popcorn)
- 1 lb almond bark
- 1 6 ounce box candy canes, crushed (about 1 generous cups, Bob’s brand are best!)
- 1/4 teaspoon peppermint oil or 2 teaspoons peppermint extract**
- 3/4 cup semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips
Instructions
- Place popcorn in a very large mixing bowl.
- Melt almond bark according to package instructions. When completely melted, add extract or peppermint oil. If using extract, it’s normal for the almond bark to seize (get lumpy) which is okay, just stir very quickly, the more you wait the more it will seize.
- Pour melted almond bark mixture over popcorn and pour crushed candy canes on top. Stir to evenly coat. Pour popcorn out onto waxed paper, parchment, or foil and spread out.
- Place chocolate chips in a microwave safe bowl and heat in 30 second intervals, stirring in between, until melted and smooth. Drizzle over popcorn mixture. Let mixture dry completely until chocolate and almond bark are hardened. You may place in the fridge to speed process along.
- When chocolate is hardened, use your hands to break up popcorn into chunks. Toss in a bowl, a jar, a cute package, or in your mouth!
Notes
Notes
- If you’re using microwave popcorn, try to find an unbuttered or “natural” kind because this looks much prettier if the popcorn isn’t bright yellow! Lightly salted is fine, I actually like a little salt in there, but avoid heavy buttered.
- Also, if you can find flavored oils, like you would use for candy making, use them as they will best combine with the almond bark. If using extract, it’s not unusual for it to cause the almond bark to seize, but just stir quickly and pour immediately on popcorn. Once distributed it will be just fine.
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I love popcorn and peppermint. I’ve gotta try this! Thanks!
You never disappoint! Yum!
Yummy! Thanks so much for starting off the season just right.
YAY My hero! Totally doing this for neighbour gifts!
All I can say is YUMMY!!!!
This is SO good!
I don’t really have a favorite treat to give away. This popcorn looks really yummy and festive. I will have to give it a try. I love easy and quick.
This just looks too evil…. We might have to try it 🙂
I have a fabulous cocoa recipe…it makes tons of dry cocoa. Then I put it in pint jars, screw a cute piece of holiday fabric into the lid, and voila! Easy peasy.
This popcorn looks so…pretty. And yummy, I’m sure.
This is something I will definitely be making to give to neighbors. Looks pretty too! thanks, Lisa k in tx
I swear, every single thing you guys post looks so good. I always feel like a dork because I always come here and comment: “I am gonna have to try this one…” but it is so true. Y.U.M. You guys are awesome!
I am interested in trying this- I never mix popcorn and chocolate… BUT since Thanksgiving we had your Sweet Potatoes, Cranberry Sauce, and the Focacia bread for Turkey leftovers yesterday.. (and all of them were HUGE hits) I will have to trust you and give this a try!
That looks AWESOME!!! Yum. I can’t wait to try it!
i like to make a peppermint cream pie…but not really to give away…unless i take it to the ward christmas party lol! otherwise, i make it just for my christmas piggy…er, myself.
Looks great! Welcome back for your Thanksgiving break!
I like to make homemade hot fudge sauce (for ice cream). I put in in small jars, and print a cute label to stick on it. This year I think I’ll try the popcorn. It looks cheaper!
I just got done making this! It is soooo yummy!!! Thanks so much! I love your site!
Oh my. I don’t think I would be able to stop eating this once I started.
I made this tonight for family night treats! It was a big hit! I used milk chocolate for my drizzle and it was yummy!(I don’t buy semisweet or dark chocolate, I am a milk chocolate purist!)
My mouth is watering
I wish I liked peppermint and candy canes. Any suggestion for an alternative??
I found the soft peppermint sticks on an endcap by the registers at Wal-Mart. Maybe you’ll have luck there. And thanks for this recipe!
My microwave is on the fritz. It has a tendency to burn popcorn – not pretty. But sometimes it pops just right… Anyhow, how many cups of popcorn would that be?
Heather, one bag has about 14 cups. I should go add that to the post. I meant to, but I guess I forgot!
YUM. I tried this tonight using the Bob’s soft peppermint balls and it turned out great! By the way, 40 balls = 1 1/2 cups crushed, if anyone else wants to use these.
oooh, Thank you Jen! I was hoping someone would try it with the soft peppermints and tell me how it was!
I’m confused. One BAG of popcorn has 14 cups?! Mine has 3.5 cups per bag. How many bags do I really need?
Christina- do you have the mini bags or something? The internet told me that a standard bag of microwave popcorn has 14 cups in it so I went with that. But I just looked and I have a few different brands and they all say 10 cups. So I’m gonna say that 10 cups is standard! Also, ironically I’m making this right now, so I measured and sure enough, exactly 10 cups. So I’m going to say you need 20 cups popped popcorn. Does that make sense? If you’re confused about the bags you have, just pop them and measure.
Thanks! I went ahead and made it with my two bags and it was perfect…as well as a hit at the ward party. Every last bite was eaten! Thanks!
I tried this out and it was surprising easy and SOOOO delicious! I am going to make more to give out as a gift.
I’m so happy so many of you have tried this and love it as much as I do! I just wanted to leave a note because I’ve edited this recipe in the past few days. So if anyone thinks they’re losing their mind because things keep changing, it’s not you, it’s me! lol. And really, I just fine-tuned it a bit. Just an FYI, from the original,
– I increased the extract from 1.5 to 2 t
– changed the air popping measurements to 20 C popcorn (2 microwave bags still)
– and changed it to say that one 6oz box of candy canes is perfect.
Well, I’ve tried it with both the soft peppermints and the regular candy canes, and my vote is for the candy canes. But both are good! I took it to an RS cookie exchange and it disappeared. And someone just called this afternoon to beg the recipe off me!
Just did it tonight. We did 14 cups of popcorn (popped) on the stove and then doubled everything else and it is SOOOOO good. We even used *spanglers* candy canes, and well, it was AWESOME!
I’ve made three batches now. The first I forgot the peppermint extract but it worked well. The next two I remembered the peppermint, but as soon as I stirred it in, the almond bark set up. Have you had this problem?
By the way, they all taste good, they just don’t coat as well.
LuckyMatt- yes, when you add alcohol to almond bark it will seize a bit, but not so much that you can’t stir it in. It’s a little scary if you start seeing clumps, but I find that if I pour it on the popcorn right away and stir really well, it coats just fine! I’ve also noticed that different brands of almond bark react differently to the extract. I used a local brand yesterday and was a lot different than the one I was used to.
I was wondering about this, I freaked when it seized a bit when I added the peppermint. I have pure peppermint oil, I wonder if that would work better. I also wonder if the peppermint extract was warm if it wouldn’t seize up. ALSO, do you really use only 1 lb or do you use the whole 24 oz package?
I made this for my neighbors this weekend. I’ve never had so many requests for a recipe!! Thank you so much 🙂
Can I use white chocolate as a substitute for the almond bark?
Baflien- You *can* use white chocolate, but it doesn't coat quite as well and it tends to seize more when you add extract to it, so that's why I recommend using the almond bark.
I just read you can use 1 lb vanilla chips melted with 1 tablespoon butter to make your own bark. Unfortunately, I can't figure out how to make my own peppermint extract (since the stores are closed now)!
Can you please recommend your favorite Almond Bark? The one I normally use is the local brand and it hardens almost immediately if I add anything to it.
I had the same problem this evening as Michelle. I was taking this to book club. I think it worked out ok but it was definitely not easy to mix in and doesn't look anywhere near as pretty as the pictures. My almond bark turned into a paste even before all the extract was mixed in. Any suggestion on what brand to buy?
Michelle and Chu33la- that's weird, I'm not sure what to tell you because I've never had that happen and I've used several different brands. The only thing I can think of is maybe it wasn't hot enough so it wasn't melted all the way? You could try adding less extract and seeing if that helps. It should seize up a little, but should stir up just fine.
If you use peppermint oil instead of extract, it won't seize. You can get the oil in the Wilton section of stores like WM and Michaels. It's used for candy making. It might be available at the grocery store.
Sara and KLee, thank you both for your suggestions. I will give them a try.
Does it matter if the microwave popcorn is butter flavor? Should it be? Or should it be plain?
ok since i'm in a planning mood i'll ask about this one also… time frame for making ahead? 1 week? have you experienced the popcorn getting soft or anything if it's packaged?
thanks again girls!
Sara
The fresher the better Sara. It will hold up pretty well, like if you're going to ship it or something, but if at all possible, I'd make it as close to the time you plan on giving it away as possible.
i *will* be shipping it as well as handing it out :)so i'll try to save it till the end!
thanks again for your responses!
All I need to do is add the chocolate and it is finished… i must say, I snuck a little taste and it is even better than I had anticipated and remember, that is sans chocolate…. I can't imagine what the finished will be like!
I made this to pass out to friends and neighbors and are just getting rave reviews for it. Thanks for so many delicious recipes!
I am so excited that I found your blog on today. I will make all three of the popcorn recipes and give as gifts in sets of three in cello bags. I know all of my co-workers will be excited about receiving the popcorn treats. Thank you for your generosity and your great instructions.
I made your recipe tonight and it turned out great! Very yummy–I hope I can stop eating it so there will be some left to put on the plate of goodies I'll be giving to the neighbors. It's nice to have something a little out of the ordinary to add.
Thanks for all your effort in posting so many tasty recipes on your blog. I check it almost every week and have added some of your recipes to my rotation of menus.
Hawaiian turkey burgers, spicy honey chicken, asian lettuce wraps and creamy chicken tacquitos are my favorites. I made your Brazilian lemonade at a luncheon I had at my house, and the ladies all enjoyed it. Merry Christmas!
I made this tonight and it came out great! Very pretty but also quick, easy and kid-helper friendly!
Merry Christmas!
Becky <><
This is fantastic! I've made it three times. I mix the popcorn with the melted almond bark with my hands. It's easier than fighting with a spoon, especially if the almond bark has seized up. Thank you for a great recipe!
Thanks for the recipe! I made a 1/3 sized batch to test out with some friends, and it was a hit! I'll be making at least 2 batches to put in tins to giveaway at our Christmas Eve celebration 🙂 I couldn't find any non-buttered microwave popcorn. Seems like the trend is Butter, Extra Butter, Ultimate Butter, Butter lovers, Movie Theatre butter, etc. so I used microwave kettle corn. It worked great!
I can't find any almond bark anywhere. Where do you typically buy it? I looked in 2 different grocery stores. Anyway, I am going to try the white chocolate but now I'm worried about adding the extract. Oh well! I'm sure it will turn out fine. My first time doing anything with popcorn! Live and Learn!
I went to four stores and finally settled on Candiquik. It worked well. I also used peppermint oil, which like Sara said, doesn’t seize up. My chocolate chips weren’t melting well so I added some coconut oil. Well see if it hardens up the way it ought to. I think it should, just because coconut oil will naturally harden up once it’s cooled down. I’m excited to pass this out to neighbors!
Melissa- it's usually by the chocolate chips, often on the top or bottom shelf. It should be easy to find this time of year and it's often in the holiday displays at the grocery store. Did you ask anyone at the store? I've found at the holidays they often move it. Or, it's popular this time of year so sometimes it's sold out 🙁
Thanks Sara! The store was too busy to ask but I will next time. I found the white chocolate and figured that's where it would be. Thanks for a great recipe…among the many on here!
Melissa, one thing that will help is melting a little shortening with your white chocolate. Try about 1/2 teaspoon with 1/2 C chocolate chips.
Thanks for the tip Sara! I just found your site a couple weeks ago and am in love! Especially love that you are commenting back to us! Awesome!
OMG! This is so wonderful! I couldn't keep my hands out of it even before the chocolate was drizzled on it! Can't wait to taste it when it is all set up! Thanks for the tip…it worked but I need a larger bowl b/c this was a little messy! Will definitely be making one more if not two batches!
haha ur not kidding when you said it would seize up on ya! freaked me out…i tried melting for another 15 secs…DON'T RECOMMEND THAT…:o)
basically had to knead it carefully into the popcorn…after 6mins of sweating and thinking about giving up i got it pretty much worked on all the popcorn.
instant manicure….my hands have never felt better or smelled better..from the oil of the bark and peppermint extract….
haha thanks!
now can't wait for the kids to come home to sample…if i haven't eaten it already b4 school gets out!
I am back for the 2nd time for this Peppermint Bark Popcorn recipe! I made it last year for my annual Cookie Exchange party….. everyone loved it! I will be making this a tradition in our house! Thank you!!
We've done almost the exact same thing the last couple of years for presents. I'm always shocked at how much people love this one! Also I'm loving all your goodies in little canning jars!
I used five drops of essential oil of peppermint for a half batch and it was perfect the almond bark didn't seize up at all. This is so yummy. Thanks for sharing!
Do you use buttered popcorn or just regular?
this is delicious! Made some today for neighbor/teacher gifts. So yummy and easy to do with kid helpers.
I disagree, though…the hardest part was not crushing the candy canes…it was the spreading it into a single layer and "Leave it alone" part that got me! 🙂
This looks amazing! I have a question though, and I'll probably look pretty dumb asking it! I'm not a baker at all, but I always thought almond bark was hunks of chocolate with almonds in it? I don't see anything that resembles my idea of almond bark in the photos! unless it's white chocolate almond bark you used.. but I still don't see almonds in there! Am I missing out on something? 🙂
meaaghaan- not a dumb question! Almond bark just refers to the big blocks of white candy coating. It looks like a big chunk of white chocolate- with no nuts! It got its name because you can add almonds or anything else you want to it and make your own "bark" but it's sold plain!
What is the brand of popcorn you buy from Amazon? Thank you!
This one! It’s “mushroom” popcorn, and this is the particular brand I really like: https://amzn.to/2grkam1
Hershey's makes a mint chocolate candy cane that would be perfect for this!!
I can't find almond bark anywhere in Maryland and no one's ever heard of it! I've checked Safeway, Trader Joe's, Harris Teeter, Whole Foods, Walmart, and even a candy making supply shop. The man at the candy making supply shop had't heard about the plain kind you mentioned in your comment. I saw your recommendation to melt shortening with white chocolate chips. Should I try 1/2 tsp. of shortening with every 1/2 cup of chips?
that's reeealy weird heather! Maybe it's known by another name. You can use any kind of vanilla candy coating or candy melts. And yes, white chocolate chips would be fine too!
If people are having trouble with the mint extract causing the chocolate to seize up, why don't they try the mint chocolate chips? I haven't tried it, but it seems like it should work.
OMG! I think I'm addicted (to both the making and eating of this! LOL!)!
I used "Bob's" peppermints–the chalky type ones–and they kinda melt in your mouth as you eat! So yummy!
I wasn't crazy about the chocolate drizzled on it–made it a bit messy for little hands–so I'm going to try tossing some red & green M&Ms in there!
Also I'm planning to take this to a church party tomorrow and think I'll put a little portion in cupcake liners instead of one big bowl to keep germy hands from touching it all. 😉
Thanks so much for these recipes! I'll be getting y'alls cookbook when it comes out for sure!
While I was cruising through your blog today, came across this recipe and put it in action. I had "mint" extract which is spearminty, not pepperminty, so didn't use any and it turned out GREAT! I love a good recipe that uses everything I happen to have on hand and boy was it easy and delicious. From this pregnant, popcorn, candy cane loving woman, THANK YOU! Great recipe!
TYF!!! Total Yum Factor! 🙂 This turned out perfectly. I've made 3 batches so far. Great to give as gifts. Everyone seems to like it.
I am totally making this! This will be perfect for our Christmas Eve party! Thanks so much for sharing. I loved it so much I stumbled it for you :)!
It's already on my To-Do list along with the Cinnabun Popcorn and the Peanut Butter Cup Popcorn:)
This is insane! I want to eat the whole batch right now!!!!
I just made a batch to give my neighbors. I had to make a second batch just for me because this is GOOD!!! Thanks for sharing the recipe. It's a definite keeper!
I just made this and let me tell you- you are a genius! I was able to let my 5 and 7 year old do the work and they had a blast! This tastes so good I have to make more in the near future cause this wont last long.
I made this popcorn last Christmas and gave them out as Christmas gifts in cute containers. It’s November and people are already asking if I’ll be making this popcorn again this year. This is so yummy and it never lasts long. Thank you for the recipe.
I’ve been waiting to find Bob’s candy canes….found’em and will make this fantastic treat THIS week!
I just made a batch of this, with one change… I made a batch of your caramel corn, and then used it to make this! Wow. It was a hit!
Thanks for all your great holiday posts. I’m loving them!
Just made this and it is amazing!! We also made 3 other flavors (regular, cheddar cheese and oreo) but this was by far my favorite! I think it is going on the list for neighbor gifts 🙂
Oh.My.Goodness! Hands-down BEST popcorn ever!!! Thank you for the recipe! 🙂
This sounds so good! I am a peppermint fanatic so this works… if there is NO dark chocolate.
I got this from a friend and HAD to make it for myself. Love it! The first time I made it I accidentally only used 10 cups of popcorn. It was a little heavy, (dare I say it??), but still SO delicious! NOTE TO SELF: 20 cups popcorn next time! Oh, and Butter Light microwave or what kind of popcorn is best??
This sounds awesome!!
Where do you buy almond bark?
just at the grocery store, near the chocolate chips. If you can’t find it, ask a store employee- sometimes it’s in holiday displays.
Did I miss something or did you say where the crushed candy canes play their part? I guess I just mix them in with the finished project? Or does the almond bark need to be poured on them along with the popcorn so it sticks together?
Also, since almond bark is similar to white chocolate, can I substitute white chocolate?
Ej- Within the post it says “Once they’re crushed, dump them in a big bowl with some popcorn. ”
On the printable recipe it says “Pour melted almond bark mixture over popcorn and pour crushed candy canes on top.”
Yep, it doesn’t really matter when, it all just gets mixed together 🙂 And yes, you could sub chocolate- almond bark is just much easier to work with and coats better.
This looks fabulous! Can’t wait to give it a try!
Are the round hard peppermint candies the same as candy canes? I have those or a box of Target brand candy canes and I’m wondering which would be better.
It really doesn’t matter, either one will work!
I agree with an earlier comment; if you use oil instead of an extract, the coating shouldn’t sieze up. Crikey! Last year I gave out your Cinnabon popcorn, if I do the peppermint bark this year, people are going to start thinking I am a great cook!
I bought all the ingredients last week and plan to give them out to 20 neighbors and friends who are going to LOVE getting this. Hope I get it right!
I agree, Bob’s brand is the best!
Silly question: Is popcorn gluten free?
Yes!! This is a great treat for your gluten intolerant friends.
Thanks!
I know I’m late to the party here, but I made this last night. First? TOTALLY DELICIOUS. WOW. Second? I did not have very much almond bark, but I did have most of a bag of red candy melts. I used the candy melts plus two squares of almond bark (so together it was a pound). I used extract and had no problems with seizing up at all, plus the popcorn ended up all festive and red. I assume candy melts are more expensive (I just used what I had on hand), but I’d still spring for them if I (when!) I make this again. Thanks for another great recipe!
Just made this for neighbor gifts–wow. So good! Keep ’em coming, ladies, and THANKS!
Weird question from someone who doesn’t cook much–I have some peppermint oil from doTerra and I was wondering if that kind of peppermint oil would work or if there is a different kind that is used for cooking? I can’t wait to try this!
OK, I’ll admit this tastes delicious, and looks lovely. But I had a terrible time making it. I’m hoping that 90% of my problems stem from my attempts to use white chips (both stores in town were sold out of almond bark!). I will try this again…after I recover from this debacle.
Babysitting for 7 kids tonight. I have everything but the peppermint extract. I live too far out of town to go pick any up, so we’ll see how it goes with out it.
Just made 1 1/2 batches to give to coworkers. It tastes fantastic!! The kids loved it too! Thanks for such a great recipe.
Hi, Sara!
Thank you for wonderful recipe!
Just made it and it rocks. However, when I followed original measurements, it did seem too sweet for me, so I popped an emergency batch of popcorn and mixed with the first. (So glad you increased amount of popcorn) It still worked ok, and brought sweetness down. Also, despite of checking the recipe before I went shopping, I, somehow, missed mint extract. Luckily, I had green mint chocolate chips, which I used instead of dark chocolate. Next time, I think, I will just drizzle popcorn with green mint and dark chocolate and sprinkle with candy canes.
I made this over the weekend for my neighbor/work gifts. AMAZING!! My husband was sad when I put the last of it in gifts bags to hand out. This may be my new favorite holiday treat. Thanks for the great idea.
I was asked several times if this popcorn was store bought. Or sent from a big client. I will be making this every year.
Again amazing treats. My son said I should start selling my goodies. Haha
I actually used the Bob’s mini candy canes, guesstimated about 6 oz, and unwrapping was a snap. Simply cut the wrapper and drop the candy cane out. So much easier than peeling the wrappers off the big candy canes.
Everyone who has tried this loves it. Thank you for such delicious recipes. 🙂
So Yummy! Thanks for the recipe.
Wow! Loved it! I didn’t use the microwave but melted the chocolate and almond bark stove top. I did use Spangler (all we had) and it was still incredible. Dark Chocolate was the perfect choice. We also did a small batch with a few turns of a Sea Salt grinder added to the popcorn mix and it was supper yummy!
Amazing! So easy and yummy, my family loved it!! It makes such a great gift! I had no trouble with seizing using peppermint extract. We’ve also made the rice krispie treats several times. Maybe you should have a section devoted to peppermint…I’m loving these recipes!
Made this for a Christmas gift & it was amazing!! The way to alleviate the seizing is to add a small amount of vegetable oil before you add the peppermint extract. I used white chocolate, added the oil and had no seizing at all! If you do use a bag of white chocolate chips though, you probably don’t need as much popcorn. I had a problem getting mine to coat because there was way more popcorn to chocolate, so I would recommend one and a half bags of popcorn.
Wonderful recipe! I will definitely use it again & again!
I have made this peppermint bark popcorn from your recipe for the last 3 years for my annual cookie exchange. It’s a huge hit!! I separate it out in little Christmas treat bags and the girls take one (or five!) for their cookie platter. I love your recipes!!
I love this recipe good job
I love this recipe
what a dirty trick! the popcorn was made for me and I wanted the recipe. My friend sent it and I tried to print it off and this site would print nothing but the comments. That’s pretty poor. I wasted 17 pages and all that ink for NOTHING!
I wanted a more subtle mint flavor and left out the extract. It turned out perfectly and I am having a hard time giving it away as planned 🙂 I used the round starlight mints instead of candy canes (since it is February) and it turned out a gorgeous almost pink color perfect for Valentine’s day.
I made this last Christmas and it is absolutely delicious! I got SO many compliments on it–which is really funny because it’s so easy to make! Try it!! Your family and friends will love you for it!
I’ve been looking around for almond bark. Bought some white chocolate and after reading that they use different oil bases, went out again to look, because I definitely want it to coat well. My question: I found CandiQuik Vanilla candy coating. Nowhere on it does it actually say almond bark, but it seems like the thing. Am I off again?
That’s it! CandiQuick is a brand of almond bark.
Unfortunately my local grocery store doesn’t carry almond bark. I need to stock up when I find it! Going to try white chocolate chips! Someone else also asked recently, but I didn’t see an answer, can I use doTerra peppermint essential oil?
I just found your recipe, and headed to the store. I bought chocolate flavored almond bark that’s brown, and then came home to double-check the recipe. Oops. Do you think that will taste bad? Should I drizzle with white chocolate to get the contrast? Thanks!
Wow, can you believe that you are still reading comments from a post 3 years ago! I have made this before and it’s amazing, but this year I am making it for a relief society christmas dinner, as a take home gift, any ideas/guesstimations on how many servings one batch makes. I need to make 50!
Made this yesterday and it is awesome! I used my cuisinart to chop up the candy canes. Another good trick I did was buy the smaller candy canes that come in cellophane bags. Much easieser to unwrap. I will make this one again for sure!
I made this today with the little kiddos. They had so much fun breaking everything up. I added pretzels. YUM! It is like a drug, hard to stop. Thanks for the inspiration!
Hi Sara and Kate,
So I’m not a huge fan of chocolate with popcorn but made the monster munch in October with popcorn and it was great. However, this time around for this munch I used Chex mix. Oh man, is it Heavenly!!!! We call it “Christmas Crack” at our house. Thanks for the recipe!
My neighbor just have me a big bag of homemade peppermint bark. Do you think I could melt it and use it for this recipe? It’s yummy but i think I would enjoy it more in popcorn form. 🙂
Nevermind, I tried melting it and it was too clumpy.
Just made this again – one of our favorite Christmas treats. Yum! Added marshmallows this time. It wasn’t perfect, but the added texture was fun.
I know this comment is late but I have been making this for about five years now and it is always a favorite. My mom, who was a health and nutrition nut and never over-indulged, once ate a whole batch in the course of a day and half!
Crushing the candy canes has always been frustrating for me but two years ago I discovered King Leo crushed peppermint candy at Walmart. It’s $1.65 for a 5-oz bag of perfectly crushed high quality peppermint candy. For me it’s worth it to pay extra for it! Sometimes it goes on clearance at the end of the year too.
I found that if I mixed the almond bark first then sprinkle the candy over and mix again I get less on the bottom.
Great tips!
I’m not able to Pin It. No link. Suggestions? Gonna have to keep the old fashion way.
Thank you so much for this recipe! My family and friends beg for it every year now. ? I do recommend using the peppermint oil instead if the extract. Works much better.
Hi,
Thank you for all the recipes you post. I’ve been following you guys for years! You both never disappoint. So I have a question for you. I am partly in charge of our Ward Christmas Party this year and our budget is very low. Our theme is “The Gift” and we are going to give out a treat (gift) to all the ward members for helping with our service project. I like the idea of making this peppermint popcorn. Do you think that would be good to do? I would need to fill like 250 bags of it. Is that too overwhelming? I was also thinking it would be fun to give out hot coco too. I just worry about cost. Anyway I would love your opinions or ANY other ideas you both have. You two are so creative and I need HELP! Thank you!
Hi Natalia! I think popcorn is a great option for large things like that. I little goes a long way and you can put it in larger or smaller bags depending on how much you want to stretch it. Get a few people to sign up and make it and it won’t be too overwhelming for you!
Thanks so much! Totally doing it!