This chocolate popcorn quickly made in the microwave is the perfect sweet treat for an afternoon snack or to munch on while watching a movie. Our chocolate covered popcorn comes drizzled with sweetened condensed milk and topped with M&M’s. Who could resist it, right?
Looking for a quick yet scrumptious treat? This is THE SWEET for you -- just like our churro popcorn and this vegan caramel popcorn!
Table of Contents
CHOCOLATE COVERED POPCORN
Who doesn’t love a quick 15-minute recipe? This chocolate covered popcorn is drizzled with sweetened condensed milk and topped with M&M’s, making a super fun treat that no adult or kid will resist.
It’s perfect for a snack, quick dessert, something to bring to a party or get-together.
HOW TO MAKE CHOCOLATE POPCORN
- Microwave the popcorn bags -- one at a time -- following the instructions on the package. Then, open the bags, place popcorn on a large baking sheet, and remove and throw away all unpopped kernels of corn. Set popped kernels aside to be folded in the chocolate mixture.
- Make the chocolate syrup: Over medium heat, using a medium non-stick pot, combine the sugar, corn syrup, butter, cocoa powder, and salt, stirring until it starts to boil. Let boil for about 1 to 2 minutes without stirring. Mix in baking soda and vanilla, stirring until thoroughly combined. Turn off the heat and let the mixture cool for about 30 seconds before folding popcorn in (in order to prevent popcorn from becoming soggy).
- Assemble and serve: Add the popcorn, folding it in the mixture until popcorn is very well coated. Spread chocolate popcorn onto a greased foil-lined sheet pan, separating the popped kernels from one another, and let cool enough to handle. Transfer chocolate popcorn to a container, drizzle sweetened condensed milk on top just immediately prior to serving, and decorate with M&M's. Enjoy!
VARIATIONS OF THIS CHOCOLATE POPCORN RECIPE
- Extra Chocolate-y– You can replace the sweetened condensed with a good drizzle of melted white chocolate and/or dark chocolate to make chocolate drizzled popcorn!
- Other flavors – To make a chocolate caramel popcorn replace the condensed milk with caramel, or use crushed peppermint instead of cocoa powder and melted white chocolate instead of sweetened condensed milk to make a white chocolate peppermint popcorn.
- Customizing to an event or holiday– if you’d prefer to make this for a holiday or a special occasion, feel free to swap the M&M’s for another type of candy containing the colors of that particular holiday. I customized mine for the 4th of July with red and blue M&M’s.
- Go Nuts– Feel free to add roasted nuts such as peanuts, almonds, or cashews to the mix for a nice crunch!
- Freshly Popped– if you’d prefer, you can swap the microwave popcorn for some fresh popcorn on the stovetop, or you could use a bag of pre-popped popcorn.
Can I make this chocolate popcorn ahead of time?
You can pop the microwave popcorn ahead but I don’t recommend mixing it with the chocolate syrup and top it with our topping in advance. It may get soggy!
Moreover, it is so quick to prepare this recipe that you won’t need to make it ahead.
STORAGE
Store our chocolate popcorn at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 hours, preferably without the condensed milk.
Ours never lasts too long before it’s devoured!
NOTE: If you love grilling, these Grilled Chicken Legs accompanied by Grilled Corn on the Cob will make your day! If you don't feel like firing up the grill, try these fall-off-the-bone barbecued Brazilian Pork Ribs which are prepared in the oven and can be enjoyed all year round.
And, of course, this caipirinha cocktail or Brazilian lemonade can cool off any soaring temps.
Enjoy the day with your family and friends, watching the fireworks and celebrating such an important date for America! As for me, I cannot get enough of this chocolate popcorn -- yes, just like a kid in a candy store... oh, well!
PIN & ENJOY!
HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY, AMERICA!!!!
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Quick Chocolate Popcorn with Condensed Milk Drizzle (Pipoca de Chocolate)
Equipment
- microwave
- baking sheet
- pan
Ingredients
- 3 bags microwave popcorn (1.12 ounce bags) or about 9 cups of popped popcorn
- ½ cup sugar
- ⅓ cup light corn syrup
- ½ stick butter or 4 Tablespoons
- 4 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa
- 1 pinch salt
- ⅛ teaspoon baking soda to prevent popcorn from becoming candied
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 - 4 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk to drizzle
- M&M's to decorate (I used the milk chocolate ones) as much as you want
Instructions
- First, microwave the popcorn bags -- one at a time -- following the instructions on the package. Then, open the bags, place popcorn on a large baking sheet, and remove and throw away all unpoppedkernels of corn. Set popped kernels aside to be folded in the chocolate mixture.
- Over medium heat, using a medium non-stick pot, combine the sugar, corn syrup, butter, cocoa powder, and salt, stirring until it starts to boil. Let boil for about 1 to 2 minutes without stirring. Mix in baking soda and vanilla, stirring until thoroughly combined. Turn off the heat and let mixture cool for about 30 seconds before folding popcorn in (in order to prevent popcorn from becoming soggy).
- Add the popcorn, folding it in the mixture until popcorn is very well coated. Spread chocolate popcorn onto a greased foil-lined sheet pan, separating the popped kernels from one another, and let cool enough to handle. Transfer chocolate popcorn to a container, drizzle sweetened condensed milk on top just immediately prior to serving, and decorate with M&M's. Enjoy!
Recipe Notes
Nutrition
** Nutrition labels on easyanddelish.com are for educational purposes only. This info is provided as a courtesy and is only an estimate, since the nutrition content of recipes can vary based on ingredient brand or source, portion sizes, recipe changes/variations, and other factors. We suggest making your own calculations using your preferred calculator, based on which ingredients you use, or consulting with a registered dietitian to determine nutritional values more precisely.
Please note that health-focused and diet information provided on easyanddelish.com is for educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice, nor is it intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease. Consult with your doctor or other qualified health professional prior to initiating any significant change in your diet or exercise regimen, or for any other issue necessitating medical advice.
Kumar's Kitchen says
oh good popcorn....we are always awed at its versatile culinary uses and this is definitely going to be our favorite....such a crunchy,munchy and chocolaty treat....we are all nuts to prepare a batch of them now,thanks 🙂
Denise Browning says
Thank you for stopping by, Kumar! Indulge yourself eating this chocolate popcorn.
Kiran @ KiranTarun.com says
What better way to celebrate my return to your space with popcorn drizzled with my favorite condiment ever: condensed milk!!!!!
Denise Browning says
Hey, Kiran! Welcome back...
I wish I had a big bag of this popcorn today to celebrate Brazil's victory against Colombia in the World Cup.
Liz says
Oh, how I love popcorn! And covered in chocolate and sweetened condensed milk? Wow! A winning recipe!
Denise Browning says
Thanks, Liz! We ate and ate this until we could no more...Happy 4th of July!
Maureen | Orgasmic Chef says
That popcorn is so over the top I can't stand it. I'm in love - srsly!
Happy 4th of July! I'll be celebrating tomorrow in the dead of winter - with a picnic. 🙂 Thankfully it's Florida-style winter weather. 🙂
Denise Browning says
Hey, Maureen!. Thank you so much...It is always great to have you visiting here.
By the way, I saw your baked Alaska. That is a serious, super duper scrumptious treat. Love the patriotic colors as well. Wishing you a very 4th of July in Australia. Picnic is an awesome idea.
John@Kitchen Riffs says
M&M's? You've got my number! This is wonderful -- so many great flavors in one dish! Truly inspired -- thanks.
Denise Browning says
Thank you, John! The pleasure is all mine.
Jess @ whatjessicabakednext.com says
This looks amazing! Definitely very American, because it's full of so many sweets and bad things! 🙂
Denise Browning says
Jess: I wish I could have these "bad" things more often. This is quite Americanlicious... hehe!
Amy (Savory Moments) says
Whoa - what a decadent looking popcorn! Condensed milk can make anything extra special in my opinion. I just posted a popcorn recipe as well 🙂
Denise Browning says
Hi, Amy! I agree with you. Condensed milk can make a great difference to any recipe. See ya soon and Happy 4th of July!!
Little Cooking Tips says
What a wonderful all-American dessert Denise! The colors are amazing! Happy Independence Day, and good luck to Brazil in the game vs Colombia!:)
Love from both:)
Denise Browning says
Thank you to both of you. You are always so nice.
Rekha says
This looks soo freakin good.. Truly no one will be able to resist this one!!! I wish i could just grab that off the screen 🙂 Thank you for sharing such an awesome recipe...
Denise Browning says
Thank you for stopping by, Rekha! The thing is addictive for real...
Amira says
So delicious and colorful ... This is for sure a pleasing dessert for children and adults.
Denise Browning says
The 4 of us loved this snack. 🙂
Mi Vida en un Dulce says
I never eat pop corn with chocolate, but love the idea, perfect to eat during the World Cup matches
Denise Browning says
Thanks! That's right, Nydia! This is a great snack to munch on during the games.
Julia | JuliasAlbum.com says
Denise, what a great idea for a festive dessert/snack! Looks wonderful and has me craving for it right now!
Denise Browning says
Thank you, Julia! My children and I loved this snack so much that I am thinking of making this again and again.
Francesca says
ohh I bet your girls loved this (because I sure would) 🙂
Denise Browning says
Enjoy, Francesca!
Shashi @ runninsrilankan says
So much deliciousness!!! I don't think I could resist! 🙂
Denise Browning says
Thank you, Shashi! I didn't...I ate and ate this until I couldn't anymore... Hehe!
Deb says
Such a voluptuous treat for the long holiday weekend! I would need to make a double batch to keep everyone happy! Happy 4th Denise!
Denise Browning says
Oh, Deb! Thank you... It is something easy yet scrumptious for the holiday when most of people want to rest and enjoy their free time.
Daniela says
Wow, what a treat!
This looks absolutely addictive,.
When I prepare this at home I will keep it locked, if not our son would have the family size portion all for himself 🙂
Denise Browning says
LOL... This thing can be quite addictive.
Chris @ The Café Sucré Farine says
I would guess this would be quite addicting. I've never had chocolate popcorn but it sound like a decadent way to celebrate the 4th!
Denise Browning says
Thanks, Chris! My family and I love this treat...
Sugar et al says
Goodness me! If I had this in front of me...only if! This is a gorgeous Denise...all the things I love. I know I will be dreaming of this tonight:-)
Denise Browning says
I am so glad that you enjoyed it, Sonali!
Lady Lilith says
Looks amazing. I like the chocolaty twist.
Denise Browning says
Thanks!
Raymund says
I want to have those when I watch football! enough with the boring butter popcorn 🙂
Denise Browning says
Thanks, Raymund!