Name: Candy Cane White Chocolate Popcorn Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup popcorn kernels; 1 1/2 cups white chocolate wafers; 1/3 cup candy canes - crushed (about 4 regular sized candy canes)

Imagine that perfect holiday crunch sweetened with peppermint — that's exactly what the Candy Cane White Chocolate Popcorn Recipe brings to your snack table. It's a festive treat that's easy to whip up and downright addictive, combining creamy white chocolate and the refreshing zing of crushed candy canes.

Three red bowls filled with white popcorn that has small red peppermint bits sprinkled on top. Two candy canes with red and white stripes rest diagonally on the popcorn in the center bowl. One more candy cane lies flat on the white marbled surface near the bowls. In the upper right corner, part of a white plate with a black and white striped cupcake liner and some pink crushed candy is visible. The scene is brightly lit with a clean, festive look. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Candy Cane White Chocolate Popcorn Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Candy Cane White Chocolate Popcorn Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Candy Cane White Chocolate Popcorn Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve made this Candy Cane White Chocolate Popcorn Recipe countless times, and it always feels like a little holiday magic in a bowl. It’s quick, festive, and perfect for gifting or keeping all to yourself!

Simple and Fast: The whole recipe comes together in about 15 minutes, so you can have tasty holiday popcorn ready before you know it.
Perfect Peppermint Flavor: Crushed candy canes add that refreshing coolness that pairs beautifully with sweet white chocolate.
No Fancy Equipment Needed: If you have an air popper and a microwave-safe bowl, you're all set to go.
Great for Sharing: This treat stores well and is always a hit at parties, movie nights, or as a homemade gift.

A bowl of popcorn with tiny red and white specks is shown from above. The popcorn is fluffy and white with subtle red bits scattered inside. The popcorn fills a red bowl, which sits on a round gray plate with a ridged texture. The plate and bowl rest on a white marbled surface. Around the plate are two candy canes with red and white stripes and some small red berries and pinecone twigs as decoration. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Candy Cane White Chocolate Popcorn Recipe plays a simple but important role, coming together for that iconic creamy and minty flavor you expect during the holidays.

Flat lay of a small mound of natural popcorn kernels, a neat pile of smooth white chocolate wafers, and a small white ceramic bowl filled with finely crushed bright red-and-white candy cane pieces, all arranged in perfect symmetry and balanced proportions, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Popcorn kernels: Fresh air-popped popcorn is your blank canvas—light, crispy, and ready to soak up all that white chocolate goodness.
White chocolate wafers: These melt smoothly and create a wonderfully glossy coating that hardens nicely on the popcorn.
Candy canes (crushed): Using regular-sized candy canes and crushing them finely ensures you get bursts of peppermint flavor without big chunks that can overwhelm a bite.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the joys of this Candy Cane White Chocolate Popcorn Recipe is how easy it is to tweak. I often like to add a sprinkle of sea salt just before the chocolate sets, balancing sweet and salty in a way that keeps me reaching back for more.

Variation: I've tried swapping candy canes for peppermint extract if I’m short on canes, but the texture is really different—crushed candy canes add that crunch and authentic peppermint burst you don’t want to miss.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Candy Cane White Chocolate Popcorn Recipe

Step 1: Pop Your Popcorn

Start by air-popping your popcorn kernels. I love using an air popper because there's no added oil, keeping the popcorn light and allowing the white chocolate to shine. Be sure to pop enough—around 12 cups of popcorn—to hold all that delicious coating.

Step 2: Crush Candy Canes Into Peppermint Magic

While the popcorn is popping, toss about 4 regular-sized candy canes into a food processor or blender. Pulse until they’re finely crushed—think coarse powder, but not so fine that it turns into dust. This way, you'll get those yummy peppermint bits throughout your popcorn.

Step 3: Melt the White Chocolate Wafers

Place white chocolate wafers in a microwave-safe bowl. I recommend heating on half power in 30-second bursts, stirring between each round to keep the chocolate silky and prevent overheating. This careful approach helps avoid graininess and ensures a smooth sauce.

Step 4: Combine & Coat

Pour the melted white chocolate over your freshly popped popcorn. Stir gently but thoroughly—make sure every kernel gets some love. Then sprinkle the crushed candy canes on top and fold them in carefully, so you keep that delightful peppermint texture intact.

Step 5: Let It Set

Allow your popcorn to sit for about an hour so the white chocolate can harden perfectly. I usually spread it out on parchment paper to help the cooling process. Once set, it’s ready to enjoy or pack into an airtight container to stay fresh.

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve found these simple tips make all the difference when making this Candy Cane White Chocolate Popcorn Recipe. Trust me, they save you from sticky messes and guarantee that perfect melt and crunch.

Gentle Stirring: Be careful when mixing the popcorn with the melted white chocolate to avoid breaking the popcorn and losing that fluffy texture.
Microwave in Intervals: Melting white chocolate in short bursts prevents overheating, which can make it grainy or burn.
Use Fresh Candy Canes: Old or stale candy canes don’t crush as well and can lack that bright peppermint punch you’re aiming for.
Cool Completely Before Storing: Make sure the popcorn is fully set so it doesn’t stick together when you pack it away.

How to Serve Candy Cane White Chocolate Popcorn Recipe

Garnishes

I sometimes toss a light dusting of edible glitter on top for gatherings—it adds sparkle without changing the flavor. You can also sprinkle a few whole mini candy canes on top for a cute and pepperminty presentation.

Side Dishes

This popcorn pairs beautifully with a cozy cup of hot cocoa or a warm mug of spiced apple cider. Both drinks amplify that festive feeling and make the perfect pairing for your sweet-and-minty treat.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I love scooping the popcorn into clear cellophane bags tied with red and white twine, or serving it in festive bowls lined with holiday-themed napkins. It’s simple but adds that extra touch of holiday cheer.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Candy Cane White Chocolate Popcorn in an airtight container at room temperature. I've kept mine fresh for up to a week, and it maintains that crunchy texture if you don’t let any moisture in.

Freezing

While I've never frozen this popcorn, I suspect freezing might cause condensation and make it soggy on thawing. I recommend enjoying it fresh or within a week for best results.

Reheating

This treat is best served at room temperature. If stored, just let it sit out for 10-15 minutes before serving to soften any hardened chocolate edges. Reheating isn’t necessary and could harm the texture.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use white chocolate chips instead of wafers?

You can! White chocolate chips will work, but the coating may not be as smooth or as bright white as with melting wafers, which are designed to melt uniformly.

How finely should the candy canes be crushed?

Aim for a fine but slightly coarse texture—small bits that spread peppermint flavor evenly without large chunks making it hard to eat. Using a food processor helps achieve this nicely.

Can I make this Candy Cane White Chocolate Popcorn Recipe without an air popper?

Absolutely! You can pop your popcorn on the stovetop using a light oil or microwave popcorn (plain/unbuttered). Just be sure it’s not salted or flavored so you control the sweetness and peppermint flavor.

How long does the popcorn last once made?

Stored properly in an airtight container, the Candy Cane White Chocolate Popcorn stays fresh for about 5-7 days. Make sure to keep it in a cool, dry place away from humidity to maintain crispness.

Final Thoughts

This Candy Cane White Chocolate Popcorn Recipe holds a special place in my holiday traditions—it's a simple but joyful treat that always brings smiles. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do and find it becomes one of your easy go-to festive snacks to share with friends and family!