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This easy green popcorn is as much fun to make as it is to eat! Why? Because it is Mint Chocolate Chip Popcorn! Yes, this easy and healthy snack recipe tastes like mint chocolate chip ice cream. Get ready to “churn” out a batch of this fun flavored popcorn that is naturally gluten free and sweetenened with just a bit of honey.
Mint Green Popcorn with Chocolate Chips
I am obsessed with ice cream. It’s physical. It’s psychological. I NEED the stuff! Summer, winter, hot and steamy, cold and snowy – it doesn’t matter.
How many servings does it say you should get out of a carton? Eight or ten or twelve or something – not even close. I try to get through most of the week with chocolate peanut butter smoothies or fruit and yogurt parfaits to keep the cravings at bay.
Heck, I’ve even made Banana Chocolate Chunk Energy Balls inspired by Ben & Jerry’s Chunky Monkey.
But by Friday or Saturday (or both), I’m either making a late night run to the grocery store because it’s time for a scoop or three.
So does it surprise you that I don’t just make a Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Cake, but also make crunchy snacks that are based on that ice cream flavor?
Have a bowl of Mint Chocolate Chip…
How to Make Mint Flavored Popcorn
This easy flavored popcorn recipe is so much fun. Perfectly reminiscent of mint chocolate chip ice cream, it has a light, minty flavor with the little pops of chocolate from the mini chips scattered throughout.
Plus it is super simple to make. Whip up a batch for an after-school snack and dream of sunny days. Or enjoy it as a fun gluten free St. Patrick’s Day treat. If you double the batch, you’ll have plenty to share with friends, or fill little bags or leprechaun gold pots for your kids’ class parties.
Whatever you do, just try this easy, fun, and yummy mint chocolate chip popcorn recipe!
Here is a brief overview so you can see just how easy it is to make. Scroll down to the printable recipe card for the full quantities and details.
But don’t skip my PRO TIPS below!
Ingredients
- Popped popcorn – you can use kernels that you pop in an air popper or in the microwave. I place a quarter cup in a glass bowl, cover with a plate, and microwave until almost all the kernels are popped. This takes about 4 to 6 minutes. You can also use a bag of microwave popcorn, but be sure to use a natural variety without butter and salt.
- Honey
- Butter
- Vanilla extract
- Mint extract
- Green food coloring – technically this is optional, but it really gives it that mint chocolate chip look. You only need a drop or two.
- Mini chocolate chips
Directions
- Pop your popcorn.
- In a small pot, melt together the honey and butter, then stir in vanilla, mint extract. and food coloring.
- Drizzle mixture over popped popcorn and gently stir until evenly coated.
- Spread popcorn into a single layer on a baking sheet and bake at 325°F in 3- to 5-minute intervals until the popcorn is nearly dry and glazed.
- Let cool partially, sprinkle with chocolate chips, then let cool completely.
- Store at room temperature in an airtight container.
FAQ’s and Brianne’s Recipe Pro Tips
Food coloring safety
I don’t know about you, but when I think mint chocolate chip, it really just has to be green. So when making the glaze, you just need to add a drop or two of food coloring in order to get a fun and whimsical green color.
Food coloring is FDA approved as safe for consumption, and this entire recipe only requires a tiny bit – literally just a couple of drops.
However, many people are concerned about consuming any amount of food dyes. Luckily there are many natural food coloring options now available.
Popcorn as a healthy snack
Popcorn is, in fact, a whole grain. So in an of itself, it is actually a healthy food to eat. When popped with air or just a touch of oil, it’s actually quite low in calories, with only about 30 calories per cup.
Popcorn only becomes unhealthy when you drown it in a lot of butter and salt, like in the movie theater, or add a ton of sugar like more caramel popcorn you can buy or make.
This lightly glazed popcorn is made with just a bit of butter and honey to sweeten it up. And I also used mini chocolate chips. These scatter around so much that you only need a small amount to really get lots chocolaty bits throughout.
Special diet variations
Popcorn itself is naturally gluten free and vegan, so there are just a few considerations when making this flavored popcorn recipe.
Gluten free
Gluten Free Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional. This information is solely based on my research and personal experience, and I provide it as a courtesy to my readers. Please consult your doctor or medical professional for any questions as it relates to your needs, particularly if you have celiac disease or a severe gluten allergy or intolerance. Products, manufacturing facilities, and ingredients change frequently, so you should always contact the manufacturer for the latest information.
The glaze ingredients are gluten free, just be sure to verify that your green food coloring, vanilla and mint extracts, and mini chocolate chips are gluten free. Nestle Toll House Mini Chocolate Morsels are gluten free, as are the food colorings and extracts from McCormick.
Vegan options
For vegan popcorn, you can use vegan butter or coconut oil and agave in place of the butter and honey. Then just be sure to pick up some dairy free mini chocolate chips, like the ones from Enjoy Life.
More healthy snacks for kids
- Mini Zucchini Carrot Muffins (or Gluten Free Zucchini Carrot Muffins)
- Apricot Energy Bars
- Banana Bites Easy Snack Recipe
- Chocolate Pudding Snack Hack
- Blueberry Smoothies
More popcorn recipes
Quick and delicious dinners without the stress!
5 Secrets to Fast & Flexible Family Meals!
Yes! I NEED It!
Mint Chocolate Chip Popcorn
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F and line a baking sheet with a silicone mat or parchment paper. Place popcorn in a large bowl.
- In a small pot, combine honey and butter or coconut oil over low heat, and stir until melted and smooth.
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla, mint extract and food coloring (if using).
- Drizzle mixture over popped popcorn and gently stir until evenly coated. This may take a couple of minutes to ensure the glaze is evenly distributed.
- Spread popcorn into a single layer on prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 5 minutes, remove from the oven and stir, then spread back out into a single layer.
- Return to the oven and bake in 3 minute intervals, stirring each time until the popcorn is nearly dry. You will probably need two or three more 3 minute intervals. Be careful to avoid burning the popcorn.
- Remove from the oven, let cool for a couple minutes, then use a spatula to push the popcorn pieces close together. Carefully sprinkle the chocolate chips over the popcorn, trying to keep most of it on the popcorn and not falling through and landing on the baking sheet (some will, which is okay). The chips will slightly melt and adhere to the popcorn.
- Allow to cool completely, until the chocolate chips have resolidified. Popcorn will continue to harden as it cools. Store in an airtight container, if it lasts that long.
Notes
Did you make this?
Leave a rating below and tag @cupcakekalechip on Instagram and hashtag it #cupcakesandkalechips
Enjoy! Originally published on Apr 1, 2014.
I just made this and it is very good! Will be keeping and making this again (and again and again…)!
I’m so happy that you enjoyed the popcorn, Barb. Thanks for letting me know!
Yummy! This looks amazing!!! Thanks so much for sharing. I can’t wait to try it!
Sometimes you see a recipe and say to yourself “I wish I would have thought of that!” This is one of them- a recipe with several awesome ingredients put together in an interesting way. Yum!
I’m the worst at Lent. I’m super ashamed of it. So I am very proud of you and your strength, holding on and giving up ice cream! This popcorn is the perfect way to satisfy those cravings–I love the mint choc chip flavor and that it’s all crunchy and popcorn-licious to boot!
I’ve cheated int he past, but last year I was verry pregnant and had gestational diabetes and felt I had already given up too much to gie up any more. So this year I felt I had to fully commit 🙂
I am a popcorn nut! Love how you made this mint chocolate chip!
Thanks Nancy! It was fun!