Hot Cocoa Popcorn
Turn popcorn into a cocoa treat with butter, hot cocoa mix, and mini marshmallows. Quick, warm, and easy to make.
Hot cocoa mix is the perfect way to turn plain popcorn into something a little extra. We used our classic hot cocoa mix, but you can always substitute it with one of our specialty blends listed below.
Yield: Serves 4 to 6 people
- Melt butter and measure cocoa before popping so the warm ingredients help the cocoa stick.
- Drizzle butter slowly and toss often, then add cocoa one tablespoon at a time for even coating.
- Salt to taste and fold in mini marshmallows last to keep texture and avoid melting too much.
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Preparation Instructions:
1. In a large pot, heat oil and 2 test kernels with lid closed over medium-high heat. Once those first kernels pop, add rest of kernels and cook until popping stops. (Shake constantly.)
2. In a large mixing bowl, drizzle popcorn with melted butter a little bit at a time, mixing in between butter additions to avoid hot spots.
3. Shake hot cocoa mix over butter popcorn one tablespoon at a time, mixing/tossing in between cocoa additions.
4. Salt to taste, mix in marshmallows, and serve!
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More About This Recipe
Melt the butter and measure the cocoa mix before popping the popcorn. This way you can still mix everything together while the ingredients are warm, allowing for the cocoa mix to stick better to the popcorn.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different hot cocoa blends or flavors?
Yes. Any cocoa mix works. Use flavored or spiced blends for variation. If a mix is very sweet or contains milk powder, taste and cut back on added butter or salt.
How do I keep the popcorn from getting soggy?
Use only the amount of melted butter you need and add it slowly while tossing. Mix while the popcorn is warm so the cocoa sticks without needing extra liquid. Spread popcorn on a baking sheet to cool quickly before storing.
Can I make this dairy-free or vegan?
Yes. Swap in plant-based butter and choose vegan marshmallows. Check your hot cocoa mix for milk solids or dairy ingredients and pick a dairy-free powder if needed.
How should I store leftovers and how long do they last?
Store cooled popcorn in an airtight container at room temperature. It is best the same day but will keep 1 to 2 days. If it softens, re-crisp in a 250 F oven for 5 to 8 minutes.
Can I use microwave popcorn instead of stovetop?
Yes. Use plain, unbuttered microwave popcorn. Add the melted butter, then sprinkle cocoa and salt, tossing in a large bowl to coat evenly.
How do I get the hot cocoa mix to stick evenly to the popcorn?
Melt the butter first and add it slowly while tossing. Work with warm popcorn and add the cocoa one tablespoon at a time, tossing between additions for an even coat.
Can I scale the recipe up or down?
Yes. Keep the proportions the same. For large batches, toss in stages using a big bowl or mix in a large paper bag and shake gently to distribute ingredients.
Do I have to use mini marshmallows and when should I add them?
No. Mini marshmallows are optional. Add them at the end and toss gently so they do not melt into clumps. You can also substitute chocolate chips, crushed candy, or skip them entirely.
Can I use different hot cocoa blends or flavors?
Yes. Any cocoa mix works. Use flavored or spiced blends for variation. If a mix is very sweet or contains milk powder, taste and cut back on added butter or salt.
How do I keep the popcorn from getting soggy?
Use only the amount of melted butter you need and add it slowly while tossing. Mix while the popcorn is warm so the cocoa sticks without needing extra liquid. Spread popcorn on a baking sheet to cool quickly before storing.
Can I make this dairy-free or vegan?
Yes. Swap in plant-based butter and choose vegan marshmallows. Check your hot cocoa mix for milk solids or dairy ingredients and pick a dairy-free powder if needed.
How should I store leftovers and how long do they last?
Store cooled popcorn in an airtight container at room temperature. It is best the same day but will keep 1 to 2 days. If it softens, re-crisp in a 250 F oven for 5 to 8 minutes.
Can I use microwave popcorn instead of stovetop?
Yes. Use plain, unbuttered microwave popcorn. Add the melted butter, then sprinkle cocoa and salt, tossing in a large bowl to coat evenly.
How do I get the hot cocoa mix to stick evenly to the popcorn?
Melt the butter first and add it slowly while tossing. Work with warm popcorn and add the cocoa one tablespoon at a time, tossing between additions for an even coat.
Can I scale the recipe up or down?
Yes. Keep the proportions the same. For large batches, toss in stages using a big bowl or mix in a large paper bag and shake gently to distribute ingredients.
Do I have to use mini marshmallows and when should I add them?
No. Mini marshmallows are optional. Add them at the end and toss gently so they do not melt into clumps. You can also substitute chocolate chips, crushed candy, or skip them entirely.
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