This trail mix popcorn is filled with nuts, seeds, dried fruit and chocolate chips for a fun snack.
The pantry door opens and the familiar rustle of a bag gets her attention. Her ears perk up and she tilts her head, watching every move. I pop a bag in the microwave and she perches on the edge of the rug, hopeful and patient. Seconds pass. Then the pops begin and she stares at me, eyes locked on the microwave.
As the popping quickens she trots into the kitchen, nails clicking on the hardwood. She sits at my side and we wait together. When I empty the bag into a bowl she bounds backward toward the couch, bumping into furniture without a second thought—popcorn is worth the collision.
For the next twenty minutes we play our game: a kernel for me, a kernel for her. Her catch rate is about fifty percent, with a few lost under the couch and countless delighted wagging tails. This is the popcorn ritual in our house every time we make a batch.
While my dog will eat plain popcorn any way it’s offered, I need bold flavors to enjoy it myself. Butter alone rarely does the trick. I prefer popcorn dressed up with caramel, chocolate, warming spices, or any crunchy additions you can imagine. That same attitude carries over to most party snacks, which is why I also love a good chex mix.
In cooler months I often reach for pomegranate popcorn, but for a celebration—like JOLLY TIME Pop Corn turning 100 and National Popcorn Month—I imagined my perfect combination: trail mix popcorn. It brings together nuts, seeds, dried fruit, a touch of spice, a sticky binder and chocolate chips for just the right balance of sweet and salty.
This snack is simple, adaptable and feels a little indulgent while still using wholesome ingredients. JOLLY TIME’s non-GMO kernels make it easy to enjoy without worry. If you have a dog sharing the snack, skip the chocolate chips for their portion—mine approves of a chip-free bowl.
Trail Mix Popcorn
Ingredients
- 4 cups popped popcorn
- 1/4 cup roughly chopped cashews
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
- 3 tablespoons pumpkin seeds
- 3 tablespoons chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons oats
- 3 tablespoons melted coconut oil
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Place popcorn, cashews, cranberries, pumpkin seeds, chocolate chips and oats in a large bowl.
- Pour melted coconut oil over the mixture and toss until evenly coated.
- Drizzle honey on top and mix gently so everything gets a light glaze.
- Sprinkle cinnamon, give a final toss and serve.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
TRIED THIS RECIPE?COMMENT + RATE BELOW!
*This post is sponsored by JOLLY TIME and Kitchen-PLAY. All content is my own.