One snack that you wouldn’t have thought you could be addicted to is chocolate covered popcorn with cocoa powder.
Mostly we eat it in the cinema hall. But once you make it at home with cocoa powder, you’ll love it.
It’s sweet, salty, chocolatey, and has a perfect crunch without even a mess of melting chocolate.
Plus, it’s really affordable, you can make it with simple ingredients that might already be in your kitchen.
And you won’t even need to switch on your stove, even if you don’t want to.
So in this article, I’ll give you an easy cocoa powder chocolate popcorn recipe. Share some of my tips, variations (like caramel, spicy, or peanut butter versions).
And also give you some ingredient substitutes, on how you can make it healthy, dairy-free, festive, etc.
This recipe is beginner-friendly, fast, and tastes way better. It tastes like a snack you bought from the shop.
What Makes This Chocolate Covered Popcorn Recipe Special?
Before you would have seen that some people melt chocolate chips and pour them on top of popcorn.
But this is what you won’t have to do in this recipe. Like you are not going to temper, you are not going to melt, you are not going to wait a lot.
Here are some reasons why this cocoa powder version is special:
- Faster: You can make this chocolate covered popcorn recipe quickly, as you don’t have to melt the chocolate.
- Lighter: No excess chocolate coating
- Customizable: You can add cinnamon, cayenne, peanut butter, etc.
- Budget-friendly: You won’t have to use bags of expensive chocolate.
Though you are not going to use chocolate, still you’ll get chocolate chocolate flavored popcorn.
Especially when you use high-quality cocoa powder, which I will mention below. And a sticky binder, which will help you coat the popcorn well.
Also read: Homemade Chocolate Covered Oreos – Inspired by Nuts.com
Ingredients for Chocolate Cocoa Powder Popcorn
Here is the list of those ingredients that you gonna need to make this chocolate covered popcorn with the Cocoa powder recipe.
Besides that, you can also adjust the sweetness and the topping based on your preference. I’m just sharing basic ingredient measurements that I use, and anyone can use.
- 8 cups air-popped popcorn: You can pop your own kernels or use even plain store-bought. But you should avoid flavored ones.
- 3 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder: You will need to use high-quality powder like Valrhona, Hershey’s Special Dark, or Ghirardelli for deep flavor.
- 2 tbsp coconut oil or melted butter: This will help everything stick and give richness. I personally use virgin coconut oil (though I’m okay with other oils too, but that’s what I used when I made chocolate covered popcorn last time)
- 1/3 cup powdered sugar or maple syrup: Powdered sugar works best for dry mixing; syrup for sticky binding.
- 1/4 tsp sea salt: It will be used to balance the sweetness.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: It is optional, but will give your popcorn a nice depth, so I personally recommend using it, but it’s your choice
- Optional: pinch of cinnamon, espresso powder, or cayenne, for extra flavor layers.
Remember that you don’t have to use all the optional ingredients, which I mentioned.
But, I personally suggest you try espresso powder or cinnamon. It will make your popcorn taste more like a fancy store-bought popcorn.
Ingredient Substitutes for Dietary Needs
If you want to make your chocolate or popcorn vegan, healthier, or just different, here are some substitutes that you can try:
- Popcorn: You can use any plain popcorn, but you must avoid the buttery microwave ones unless you want a buttery flavor.
- Coconut oil: You can use olive oil, avocado oil, or melted vegan butter if you don’t like coconut flavor.
- Powdered sugar: Use maple syrup, agave, or monk fruit sweetener. But powdered sugar will stick better with cocoa in dry form.
- Cocoa powder: I personally like Dutch-process cocoa; you can use that, it will give a smooth flavor. Natural cocoa is more bitter. However, you should adjust the sugar accordingly.
How to Make Chocolate Covered Popcorn With Cocoa Powder
Here is the full process that I followed to make easy chocolate covered popcorn with cocoa powder.
It’s simple and doesn’t require fancy equipment.
Step 1: Pop the Popcorn
First of all, you would start with unpopped kernels, then:
- Heat 2 to 3 tbsp oil in a large pot over medium heat. (You can use any, as I mentioned before)
- Add a few test kernels and wait till they pop.
- Then you have to add the rest (around 1/3 cup kernels), cover, and shake the pot occasionally.
- Once you see they are popping slowly, you can remove them from the heat and transfer them to a large bowl.
Besides this, you can use an air-popper. It’s quicker and you won’t even need oil.
Your main goal is to get around 8 cups of fluffy popcorn. And do not use popcorn bags that are already flavored or buttery.
Pro Tip: You wanna remove any unpopped kernels before mixing, otherwise they will ruin the experience.
Step 2: Mix the Cocoa Powder Blend
Take a small bowl and mix these ingredients together:
- 3 tbsp cocoa powder
- 1/3 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 tsp salt
- Optional: pinch of cinnamon or espresso powder
After adding them.
Now stir everything well so that you can blend them properly.
This mixture will give your popcorn a rich and chocolatey finish.
Step 3: Add Oil and Vanilla
Take another bowl or measuring cup and mix the following ingredients:
- 2 tbsp melted coconut oil (or butter)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional but really good)
Drizzle this warm mixture over your popcorn while tossing it slowly. You can use your hands or a spatula. This oily base will help the cocoa powder stick well.
If you’re using maple syrup instead of powdered sugar, you should mix it into this oil-vanilla blend instead of the dry cocoa.
Step 4: Sprinkle Cocoa Blend
Once your popcorn is lightly coated in oil/vanilla, you will want to start sprinkling the cocoa powder mixture over it in batches.
After each sprinkle, you should toss the popcorn to coat it properly.
You can do this in a large mixing bowl or even inside a clean paper bag — just shake it up.
And make sure the popcorn is properly dusted but not soaked or soggy.
Step 5: Let It Set (Optional)
If you want a crunchier finish, you can spread the popcorn out on a baking tray and bake it at 250°F (120°C) for 15 minutes.
And then let it cool.
This step will help set the chocolate coating and prevent stickiness.
If you’re fine with soft texture, you can skip the baking step and just let it rest uncovered for 10 to 15 minutes.
Finally, your chocolate covered popcorn with cocoa powder would be ready to eat.
Also read: Chocolate Covered Pretzel Rods Recipe
Chocolate Covered Popcorn with Cocoa Powder Flavor Variations
Once you have learned this base recipe and want to try some different versions, here are some ideas that you can try.
1. Chocolate Caramel Popcorn with Cocoa Powder
- After coating with cocoa powder, you can drizzle lightly with warm homemade caramel sauce.
- Toss again and let it cool.
- Sweet + salty + chocolate = it’s gonna be a beautiful experience.
2. Spicy Mexican Chocolate Popcorn
- Add 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper and a pinch of cinnamon to your cocoa blend.
- Use dark cocoa powder.
- Your popcorn will taste bold and have a warm kick; this idea is inspired by Mexican hot chocolate.
3. Peanut Butter Chocolate Popcorn
- Simply mix 2 tbsp peanut butter with 1 tbsp maple syrup and 1 tbsp coconut oil.
- Warm it until smooth and then drizzle over popcorn.
- Then sprinkle the cocoa powder blend.
- You will have sweet, salty, nutty, and rich popcorn ready to eat.
4. Holiday Chocolate Peppermint Popcorn
- You will have to add 1/4 tsp peppermint extract to the oil.
- After dusting with cocoa powder, you will add crushed peppermint candy on top.
- It is perfect for festive seasons.
5. Chocolate Protein Popcorn
- Mix chocolate protein powder (1 scoop) with 1 tbsp cocoa powder and 2 tbsp powdered sugar.
- First, coat your popcorn with oil or nut butter.
- Then sprinkle the protein powder blend.
- It would be a healthy snack option post-workout
Also read: Chocolate Covered Graham Crackers Recipe
What to Serve With Chocolate Covered Popcorn
Now you know how to make this chocolate covered popcorn with cocoa powder snack. Though you eat them as you want, here are some Ideas to serve this popcorn or enjoy:
- Movie night bowl: It’s a classic, you just have to fill a giant bowl and bring it to the couch, eat while watching your favorite show on Netflix or TV, whatever.
- Coffee pairing: You can try it with a cup of cappuccino or iced mocha. The cocoa popcorn + coffee combo would be an elite and very good experience.
- Mixed snack tray: You can also mix your popcorn with salted pretzels, roasted almonds, or some dried cranberries. It will balance sweet and savory.
- Lunchbox snack: Kids really love this one, so you can give it to them. You can portion it into ziplock bags for easy snacking.
- Party favor or jar gift: Put in a mason jar, tie a ribbon, and gift it during holidays or birthdays, it would be a good homemade gift.
Pro Tips to Make It Better Every Time
Here are some of my pro tips that you need to keep in mind for the perfect chocolate-covered popcorn with cocoa powder recipe.
- Use fresh popcorn: You shouldn’t use stale popcorn; they don’t hold flavor well. You should pop fresh every time.
- Warm oil works best: If your oil is too cold, the cocoa powder won’t stick.
- Sift the cocoa powder: Avoids clumps while mixing.
- Shake in a bag: If you want a fast, clean method, you should use a clean brown bag, pour everything inside, and shake like crazy.
- Avoid over-soaking: Don’t drench in syrup or oil. Light, even coating is one of the things that will give the best texture.
Nutrition Breakdown (Per Serving Estimate)
This nutritional value is based on a 1-cup serving, using the coconut oil and powdered sugar version
- Calories: 120–150
- Fat: 6g
- Carbs: 18g
- Sugar: 8–10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 1–2g
You can also reduce sugar by using monk fruit sweetener or increase protein by using a protein powder blend.
Conclusion
This was my easy chocolate covered popcorn with cocoa powder recipe. It is super quick, budget-friendly, and no need to melt chocolate at all.
You will only need fresh popcorn, cocoa powder, oil, sugar, and that’s all. It will still taste rich, crispy, chocolatey, and addictive in every bite.
Plus, you can make this chocolate popcorn recipe sweet, spicy, festive, or even healthy with your own variations.
This chocolate-covered popcorn is one of those snacks that feels like you bought it from the store, but you’ve made it at home in less than 15 minutes.
So now, go and grab your popcorn, and try this chocolate covered popcorn with cocoa powder today.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are a few questions and their answers regarding the chocolate-covered popcorn with cocoa powder recipe
Can I use microwave popcorn for this recipe?
Yes, you can use microwave popcorn, but make sure that they are plain or lightly salted.
You just want to avoid buttery and flavored popcorn, because they already have oils and seasonings, which will mess up with your cocoa coating.
And if you are using bagged popcorn, make sure they are fresh and not soggy.
Why is my cocoa powder not sticking to the popcorn?
It happens when you don’t add enough oil or syrup to help bind the cocoa powder.
So, you need to warm the fat base, like coconut oil or melted butter, before sprinkling the cocoa mix.
Also, you should toss popcorn while it’s warm. It will help. This trick will help cocoa powder stick to popcorn properly.
How do I store chocolate-covered popcorn so it stays fresh and crispy?
It is too easy to store this chocolate-covered popcorn with cocoa powder.
You only need an airtight container.
You have to put your popcorn in that container. And keep that container at room temperature.
But don’t refrigerate. It will make your popcorn soggy.
And when they are at room temperature, they will stay crispy for the next 2-3 days.
However, if you add syrup or use wet toppings, you should let it dry for 15 to 20 minutes before storing your chocolaty popcorn.
Easy Chocolate Covered Popcorn with Cocoa Powder
Ingredients
- 8 cups air-popped popcorn plain, not flavored
- 3 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder Valrhona, Hershey’s Dark, or Ghirardelli
- 2 tbsp coconut oil or melted butter use virgin coconut oil for extra richness
- 1/3 cup powdered sugar or use maple syrup if preferred
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract optional but recommended
Optional: pinch of cinnamon, espresso powder, or cayenne
Instructions
Step 1: Pop the Popcorn
- Pop 1/3 cup kernels using 2–3 tbsp oil, or use an air-popper to get 8 cups popcorn. Avoid flavored/buttered varieties. Remove any unpopped kernels.
Step 2: Mix Cocoa Powder Blend
- In a small bowl, whisk together:
- 3 tbsp cocoa powder
- 1/3 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
- Optional: cinnamon or espresso powder
- Stir until well mixed.
Step 3: Add Oil and Vanilla
- In a separate bowl, mix:
- 2 tbsp melted coconut oil
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
- Drizzle this over the popcorn while tossing.
Step 4: Sprinkle Cocoa Blend
- Sprinkle the cocoa-sugar mix over oiled popcorn in batches. Toss after each addition to coat well.
Step 5: Let It Set (Optional)
- Spread popcorn on baking sheet. Bake at 250°F (120°C) for 15 mins for crunchier finish, or let rest uncovered for 10–15 mins if skipping baking.
Notes
I’m a self-taught home cook who turns everyday ingredients into comforting, café-style recipes. I test everything in my own kitchen (sometimes more than once), tweak flavors how I like them, and share only what I actually enjoy.
Most of my recipes are chocolate-based or have a creative twist, and I keep them preservative-free, beginner-friendly, and fun to make.
If you love cozy drinks, healthier desserts, or bold flavor combos — you’re in the right place. [Read full story]
