Candy Cane Popcorn

Written by
Elizabeth LaBau
A professional pastry chef, cookbook author, and writer, Elizabeth LaBau has published more than 600 articles on baking and candy making.
Learn about The Spruce Eats' Editorial Process
Elizabeth LaBau
Updated 08/09/19
Candy cane popcorn

The Spruce 
Prep: 15 mins
Cook: 6 mins
Total: 21 mins
Servings: 12 servings

Candy cane popcorn is a cure for the Christmas munchies! Popcorn is coated in white chocolate and crushed candy canes for a sweet, minty treat that's a perfect party food or edible gift idea.

Ingredients

  • 1 (2.8-ounce) bag microwave popcorn (about 10 cups popped)
  • 8 large candy canes
  • 12 ounces white chocolate (chopped or white chocolate chips)

Steps to Make It

  1. Gather the ingredients.

    Ingredients for candy cane popcorn
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  2. Cover a baking sheet with foil or waxed paper and set aside.

    Cover baking sheet
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  3. Pop the popcorn in the microwave, then pour it into a large bowl, separating out any un-popped kernels.

    Pop the popcorn
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  4. Unwrap the candy canes and place them in a food processor. Pulse on-off several times for 5 to 10 seconds each, until the canes are finely crushed, with just a few larger pieces remaining. Alternately, place the candy canes in a large plastic bag and seal tightly. Use a rolling pin to roll/smash the candy canes until they are finely ground.

    Blend candy canes
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  5. Melt the white chocolate in a small microwave-safe bowl and stir until smooth.

    Melt the white chocolate
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  6. Add about 1/3 cup of the crushed candy canes to the white chocolate and stir them in.

    Blended
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  7. Pour the white chocolate over the popcorn in the bowl and stir to coat the popcorn with the chocolate.

    Spread across popcorn
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  8. Scrape the popcorn onto the baking sheet and spread it into an even layer to cool.

    Popcorn on baking tray
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  9. While the white chocolate is still wet, sprinkle the remaining candy cane pieces over the top of the popcorn.

    Cover popcorn
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  10. Let the popcorn set at room temperature until the white chocolate is firm.

    Let the popcorn set
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  11. Break the popcorn up into small pieces, then serve.

Tip

  •  Candy cane popcorn can be kept in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Depending on the humidity in your location, it might start to get stale after several days.