Ingredients
Scale
- 10 cups popped popcorn (preferably freshly popped)
- 1 cup white sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup light corn syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Red food coloring (adjust to desired shade)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Optional: white chocolate chips or sprinkles for extra decoration
Instructions
- Pop 10 cups of popcorn using your preferred method and set aside.
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Stir in the sugar and cocoa powder until well combined.
- Add corn syrup, vanilla extract, and red food coloring, stirring until the mixture reaches your desired hue.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil while stirring constantly.
- Pour the hot coating over the popped popcorn and toss to evenly coat all pieces.
- Spread the coated popcorn onto a parchment-lined baking sheet to set and cool.
- For extra decoration, melt white chocolate chips and drizzle over the popcorn or add festive sprinkles.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days for maximum crunchiness.
- For dairy-free version, substitute butter with vegan margarine or coconut oil.
- Adjust red food coloring for intensity of color.
- Adding a pinch of cinnamon or chili powder can spice up the coating.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Stovetop, Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 150 Kcal
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
