Take your snack time to the next level with Nutella Popcorn. This chocolate covered popcorn is coated in a sweet hazelnut spread and colorful candies, making it the perfect snack for game or movie nights.
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Gourmet popcorn recipes are one of my favorite things to make for snacking or giving as gifts. A few of our favorites are Reese's, coffee, and s'mores popcorn. The beauty of homemade popcorn is that you can add anything to it.
Today's recipe might be my new favorite, though. I stirred Nutella into the melted white chocolate to create the dreamiest coating ever! I went even further and added a drizzle of green chocolate and colorful M&M candies.
The colors in this sweet treat make it great for St. Patrick's Day. However, you can easily customize this snack mix for any holiday by using different colored chocolate and candies.
What is Nutella?
Nutella is a popular chocolate hazelnut spread with a rich and creamy flavor. It was created in Italy in the 1940s. Although the delicious concoction has become popular worldwide in the past few years.
Why This Nutella Popcorn Recipe Works
This delightful snack consists of buttery, salted popcorn coated with white chocolate and hazelnut spread. The addition of colorful candies gives the treat a bright pop of color.
- Ready in minutes. Just toss it all together in a big bowl, spread it on a sheet pan, and it's ready to go.
- Fun party treats! Prepare this simple recipe for your next party and watch it disappear within minutes. Customize the colors to match the theme of your choice!
- It's easy to share. It's the perfect snack to enjoy with friends while watching movies or playing games.
What You Need
You only need four key ingredients to make this Nutella popcorn. You can assemble it in minutes, but beware because it disappears just as quickly!
- Popcorn - Any air-popped or microwave popcorn will work, although we prefer the butter variety. Another fun option would be to use caramel corn instead of crunchy popcorn.
- White Chocolate Candy Wafers - I like using the Ghirardelli melting wafers because they melt and taste better. You can also use almond bark or white chocolate chips instead of the wafers.
- Nutella - This rich and creamy spread adds a chocolate hazelnut flavor to the white chocolate.
- M&M's - We used the original miniature candies for this chocolate-covered mix. Feel free to use any size or variety.
BruCrew Tip: Use the leftover spread to make Nutella pop tarts or cheesecake Nutella crescent rolls.
How To Make Nutella Popcorn
Our hazelnut popcorn recipe is quick and easy to prepare. Just pop some kernels and melt some chocolate before allowing the mixture to set up.
- Pop the kernels. Whether you use a microwave or prefer a popcorn maker, the choice is yours. Dump the popcorn into a very large bowl. Make sure to remove any unpopped kernels!
- Melt the chocolate. Place the white chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl and then heat according to the package directions. Stir in the spread until smooth and creamy.
- Drizzle and toss. Pour the melted Nutella mixture over the popcorn, then give it a good stir. Spread it on cookie sheets lined with wax or parchment paper, then sprinkle with some candies and sea salt.
- Add some color. Add green food coloring to extra melted white chocolate. Spoon into a bag and then drizzle over the pan of popcorn. Top with additional candies, then let it harden for 10-15 minutes before breaking it into chunks.
Storage Recommendations
Chocolate-covered popcorn tends to lose its crispiness quickly. It is best if served within 24 hours of making it, but it will keep for a few days. To keep it fresh, store it in an airtight container or ziplock bag to keep moisture out.
Keep the bag in a cool, dry place like the pantry or cupboard. Do not place it in the refrigerator because this can dry out the popcorn and make it chewy.
Tips and Tricks
- Pop mushroom popcorn kernels in an air popper because they pop up round and hold the chocolate the best.
- Remove any unpopped kernels before adding the chocolate. No one wants to bite into a seed and break a tooth!
- Line a baking sheet with parchment or wax paper to keep the chocolate from sticking to the pan.
- Add the M&M candies and salt immediately because the chocolate hardens quickly.
- Change it up by adding chopped hazelnuts and mini marshmallows to the mixture.
How To Choose The Best Popcorn
Did you know that there is a difference in popcorn kernels? The difference between the butterfly and the mushroom popcorn is the shape of the kernel.
Mushroom seeds pop up in a round shape with an even surface. This makes it easier for coatings to stick to it. It's commonly used to make caramel corn, kettle corn, or chocolate-covered popcorn. The shape of the popped corn is more compact so that it can hold up to heavier coatings.
Butterfly popcorn pops up in random shapes. It looks like it has wings that stick out in different directions. It is the most common popcorn that you find in movie theaters because butter and seasoning easily stick to it. Chocolate and caramel make this popcorn crumble.
FAQs
Nutella has a rich and creamy texture with a distinct chocolate hazelnut flavor. This spread has a unique blend of flavors.
It can be used on bread, toast, crackers, desserts, and snacks. This makes it versatile and enjoyable.
When choosing popcorn kernels, consider the texture you want in your end product. If you're making heavily coated popcorn, mushroom popcorn is the better choice because it is sturdy. Butterfly popcorn is a great option for lighter, fluffier popcorn.
If you're using a microwave, melt the chocolate in short intervals at 50% power, stirring between each one. Keep the heat low and stir until the chocolate is smooth if you are using a double boiler.
More Sweet Popcorn Treats
- White Chocolate Popcorn
- Banana Split Popcorn
- Almond Joy Popcorn
- Mint Popcorn
- Neapolitan Popcorn
- Toffee Popcorn
- Lucky Charms Popcorn
- White Chocolate Peanut Butter Popcorn
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Recipe
Nutella Popcorn
Take your snack time to the next level with Nutella Popcorn. This chocolate covered popcorn is coated in a sweet hazelnut spread and colorful candies, making it the perfect snack for game or movie nights.
Ingredients
- 8 cups popped popcorn
- 1 - 10 bag white chocolate melts, divided
- ½ cup Nutella
- ¼ or ½ teaspoon coarse sea salt
- ½ cup miniature M&M candies, divided
- green gel food coloring
Instructions
- Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
- Place the popcorn in a large bowl. Melt 1 cup of candy wafers according to the package directions.
- When melted, stir in the Nutella until melted and smooth again. Pour over the popcorn and toss until completely coated.
- Place popcorn on a lined baking sheet. Sprinkle with sea salt and ¼ cup M&M's and toss again. Let set in the refrigerator for 5 minutes.
- Melt 2-3 tablespoons candy melts and add a drop of green gel food color to the melted chocolate. Stir. Repeat if you want a darker color.
- Place in a plastic bag and cut one corner off. Drizzle over set popcorn and sprinkle with the other ¼ cup M&M's. Let set. Store in a sealed container for 3-5 days.
Notes
- Pop mushroom popcorn kernels in an air popper because they pop up round and hold the chocolate the best.
- Remove any unpopped kernels before adding the chocolate. No one wants to bite into a seed and break a tooth!
- Line a baking sheet with parchment or wax paper to keep the chocolate from sticking to the pan.
- Add the M&M candies and salt immediately because the chocolate hardens quickly.
- Change it up by adding chopped hazelnuts and mini marshmallows to the mixture.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield: 16 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 380Total Fat: 22gSaturated Fat: 13gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 12mgSodium: 151mgCarbohydrates: 43gFiber: 1gSugar: 40gProtein: 4g
Nutrition facts are an estimate and are not guaranteed to be accurate. If you need special diet advice, please see a registered dietician.
This post was first published in February 2013. It was updated and republished in March 2024.
sally @ sallys baking addiction
Anything with nutella is a pretty much guarantee that I'll love it. 🙂 NEVER had it with popcorn though! amazing!
Becca @ Crumbs and Chaos
I really enjoy a good sweet 'n salty combo! Love the looks of one that includes Nutella 😉
Jess @ On Sugar Mountain
apparently I've been eating nutella and popcorn wrong for my entire life...why wasn't I just eating them TOGETHER?! Salty sweet treat overload and I love it 😀
Lisa @ Wine & Glue
This popcorn looks amazing, Jocelyn!! How did you have any left to send with him??
Jocelyn Brubaker
Believe me it was hard to bag it up and get it out...I seriously wanted to hide in a closet with all of it 🙂
Hayley @ The Domestic Rebel
Um, this looks super fantastic, miss J! I love sweet and salty treats, and Nutella + popcorn sounds like the perfect solution to my growing snacking problem 🙂
Jocelyn Brubaker
I am right there with you and the growing snacking problem...I also have a growing weight problem that comes with enjoying all these yummy treats!
Aimee @ ShugarySweets
You make the best popcorn snacks!! can I live with you?
Jocelyn Brubaker
Why yes, you may. But only if you bring some lemon tart and Reese's dip with you 🙂
Nancy P.@thebittersideofsweet
I am obsessed with popcorn munches as well. Love your collection!
Jocelyn Brubaker
It is good to know there are others as obsessed with popcorn munches too!!
Tieghan
We love popcorn, but I have never put ANYTHING on it. I have no Idea why, I have had ideas, but never followed through with them. This I have to try!
Jocelyn Brubaker
Ok, girl, you need to start covering that popcorn with some yumminess!!! You won't regret it!
Leslie
All if your popcorn cluster flavors look so very yummy!! I'm going to a retreat next weekend and want to make some for everybody!
Blessings,
Leslie
Jocelyn Brubaker
Thanks Leslie. Popcorn is the perfect snack to share with others. I can't wait to hear which one you make and take.
Angela
Yum! This looks delicious! We will try this as a treat soon!
Jocelyn Brubaker
Believe me, you won't regret it. I need to make more too!!!
Liz
I wouldn't have been able to stop eating this if I was making it! Popcorn is on my to-do list this weekend! Thanks Jocelyn 🙂
Jocelyn Brubaker
It was so hard to stop and send it away! I think popcorn just made my to do list again too!!!
Meghan @ The Tasty Fork
Best line in this post -- "healthy coating of white chocolate and Nutella." That's the kind of healthy I like!!
Jocelyn Brubaker
hahaha! That is totally the kind of healthy that I enjoy too 🙂
Dorothy @ Crazy for Crust
Ooooh, I love it Jocelyn! I'm addicted to popcorn munch now. Nutella? *Swoon*
Jocelyn Brubaker
This popcorn addiction that I have is getting bad! I'm glad you are just as addicted!!!
Erika @ The Hopeless Housewife
This looks so delicious! Popcorn is such a great snack! We would love for you to link it up with us at our Wednesday link party!
Nicole @ youngbrokeandhungry
Nutella covered popcorn? How can you resist?! You can't, thats how.
Jocelyn Brubaker
You are absolutely right! You can't resist this goodness!!!
Kim of Mo'Betta
They all look amazing!
Jocelyn Brubaker
Thank you Kim!
Karly
I was in a webinar about food trends today and, dude, one of those trends was popcorn. You are ON IT. 🙂
Love this!
Jocelyn Brubaker
First of all...webinar about food trends...how stinking cool is that!! How do you get these crazy awesome connections? Second...popcorn is now a trend...I love that I am so on a trend right now. That never happens 🙂
Jenn
oh yummy!
Jocelyn Brubaker
I couldn't have said it better myself!!!
Trish - Mom On Timeout
Ummm - you did package up some of that goodness to send my way right??? Heavens Jocelyn - it looks like I could just eat it right off the screen. YUMMY!
Jocelyn Brubaker
I wish I had packaged up a secret stash! Guess that means I just need to make more to stuff my face with! Thanks for the sweet comment 🙂
Brenda @ChattingOverChocolate.blogspot.com
Excuse me while I pin this deliciousness...Ok, now for what I came here to tell you! 🙂 I'm thrilled to let you know that I've nominated you for a Versatile Blogger Award!! You can check out the post where I nominated you, linking to your fabulous blog, at: http://chattingoverchocolate.blogspot.com/2013/02/receiving-and-bestowing-honor-of.html ...Congrats! Have a terrific night, Jocelyn!
Jocelyn Brubaker
awe thank you so much Brenda!!!
Brenda @ChattingOverChocolate.blogspot.com
You're welcome, Jocelyn! 🙂