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chocolate popcorn in a white bowl

Chocolate Popcorn Recipe

Course: Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Cool Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 8
Calories: 284kcal
Author: Becky Hardin
Chocolate Popcorn is the ultimate family snack. It's perfect for Valentine's Day, movie night, and beyond.
Print Recipe

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 190 grams popped popcorn about 24 cups
  • ½ cup brown sugar 107 grams
  • ½ cup unsalted butter 113 grams, slightly melted (1 stick)
  • ¼ cup light corn syrup 78 grams
  • ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder 21 grams
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract 4 grams
  • Sea salt optional, to taste

Instructions

  • Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place the popcorn in an extra large bowl. Set both aside.
    190 grams popped popcorn
    ingredients for chocolate popcorn
  • Add the brown sugar, butter, corn syrup, and cocoa powder to a large microwave safe bowl. Mix well and heat on high for 3 minutes.
    ½ cup brown sugar, ½ cup unsalted butter, ¼ cup light corn syrup, ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • Remove the bowl from the microwave and stir. The mixture should be boiling. If not, place the bowl back in the microwave and continue to heat on high in 30-second intervals until the mixture comes to a boil.
    chocolate sauce for popcorn in a glass bowl and popcorn in a white bowl
  • Stir in the vanilla extract and salt (if using).
    1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract, Sea salt
  • Pour the butter/sugar mixture over the popcorn and use a rubber spatula to stir the popcorn until it is evenly coated.
    chocolate popcorn in a white bowl
  • Spread the coated popcorn in an even layer onto the prepared baking sheet.
    chocolate popcorn on a parchment paper lined baking sheet
  • Let the popcorn cool at room temperature for 2 hours before serving or packaging.

Notes

  • Slightly melt the butter before mixing with the other ingredients, this will help it to combine more easily.
  • The mixture should be boiling when you take it out of the microwave, if it's not, continue to heat it.
  • Let cool fully, about 2 hours, before storing.
Storage: Store chocolate popcorn in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.

Nutrition

Serving: 3cups | Calories: 284kcal | Carbohydrates: 42g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.5g | Cholesterol: 31mg | Sodium: 15mg | Potassium: 142mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 22g | Vitamin A: 401IU | Calcium: 21mg | Iron: 1mg