Reese’s Popcorn Perfection: Elevate Your Snacking Game with a Costco Twist
Popcorn, the quintessential movie night snack, gets a decadent upgrade with the irresistible combination of Reese’s peanut butter cups and the convenience of Costco-sized popcorn bags. This recipe is not just a snack; it’s an experience – a symphony of salty, sweet, and crunchy textures that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more. Whether you’re hosting a party, settling in for a family film, or simply indulging in a solo treat, Reese’s Popcorn is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. This article will guide you through several variations of this addictive snack, from a quick and easy microwave version to a more elaborate, homemade masterpiece, ensuring there’s a Reese’s Popcorn recipe perfectly suited for your time and skill level.
Why Reese’s Popcorn?
Before we dive into the recipes, let’s explore why this particular combination works so well:
* **The Perfect Balance:** The salty popcorn provides a delightful contrast to the sweet and creamy Reese’s peanut butter cups. This balance prevents the snack from becoming overly sweet and keeps you coming back for more.
* **Texture Harmony:** The airy crunch of the popcorn complements the smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture of the chocolate and peanut butter.
* **Convenience and Customization:** Using Costco’s pre-popped popcorn offers unparalleled convenience, saving you time and effort. However, you can always substitute with air-popped or stovetop popcorn for a more homemade feel. The recipe is also highly customizable; you can adjust the amount of Reese’s, add other candies, or experiment with different types of chocolate.
* **The Reese’s Factor:** Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups are a beloved candy for a reason. The unique combination of milk chocolate and creamy peanut butter creates an unparalleled flavor profile that elevates any dessert or snack.
The Base: Costco Popcorn (or Your Preferred Choice)
The foundation of this recipe is, of course, popcorn. Costco’s Kirkland Signature Microwave Popcorn is a popular choice due to its large quantity, affordability, and generally good flavor. However, feel free to use your preferred popcorn method and brand.
Here’s a breakdown of your popcorn options:
* **Costco Microwave Popcorn:** The most convenient option. Simply pop a bag according to the package directions. Be sure to remove any unpopped kernels.
* **Air-Popped Popcorn:** A healthier alternative. Use an air popper to create light and fluffy popcorn without added oil.
* **Stovetop Popcorn:** A classic method that allows you to control the oil and seasoning. Use a large pot with a lid and follow a stovetop popcorn recipe.
* **Pre-Popped Popcorn (Other Brands):** If you don’t have a Costco membership, you can use any pre-popped popcorn from your local grocery store. Just be sure to choose a plain or lightly salted variety.
Regardless of your chosen popcorn method, ensure the popcorn is fresh and slightly warm for optimal candy adhesion.
Recipe 1: The Quick & Easy Microwave Reese’s Popcorn
This recipe is perfect for those who want a delicious Reese’s Popcorn fix with minimal effort.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 bag Costco Kirkland Signature Microwave Popcorn (popped)
* 1 cup Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, roughly chopped (about 10-12 cups)
* 1/4 cup milk chocolate chips (optional, for extra chocolatey goodness)
* 1 tablespoon coconut oil (optional, to drizzle and help the chocolate stick)
* Sea salt flakes (optional, for enhanced flavor)
**Instructions:**
1. **Pop the Popcorn:** Pop the Costco microwave popcorn according to the package directions. Be careful when opening the bag, as it will be hot. Remove any unpopped kernels.
2. **Prepare the Reese’s:** While the popcorn is popping, roughly chop the Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups into bite-sized pieces. You can use a knife or simply break them apart with your hands.
3. **Combine Popcorn and Reese’s:** Transfer the popped popcorn to a large bowl. Add the chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups and the milk chocolate chips (if using).
4. **Microwave Briefly (Optional):** If you want the chocolate to be slightly melted and gooey, microwave the bowl for 15-20 seconds. Be careful not to overheat, as the chocolate can burn easily.
5. **Drizzle with Coconut Oil (Optional):** Melt the coconut oil in the microwave for a few seconds until liquid. Drizzle the melted coconut oil over the popcorn and Reese’s mixture. This will help the chocolate adhere to the popcorn and add a subtle coconut flavor.
6. **Mix Gently:** Gently toss the popcorn, Reese’s, and chocolate until everything is evenly distributed. Be careful not to crush the popcorn.
7. **Add Sea Salt (Optional):** Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt flakes over the popcorn to enhance the flavor contrast. This is especially delicious if you’re a fan of sweet and salty combinations.
8. **Serve and Enjoy:** Serve the Reese’s Popcorn immediately. It’s best enjoyed while the chocolate is still slightly melted and gooey. This popcorn is also delicious at room temperature.
**Tips and Variations:**
* For a more intense peanut butter flavor, add a tablespoon of peanut butter to the melted coconut oil before drizzling.
* Add other candies like M&Ms, pretzels, or chopped nuts for added texture and flavor.
* Use dark chocolate chips instead of milk chocolate chips for a richer, less sweet flavor.
* Drizzle with caramel sauce for an extra indulgent treat.
* For a festive touch, add sprinkles in coordinating colors.
Recipe 2: The Gourmet Baked Reese’s Popcorn
This recipe takes a bit more time and effort, but the results are well worth it. Baking the popcorn allows the chocolate to melt evenly and creates a cohesive, candy-coated snack.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 bag Costco Kirkland Signature Microwave Popcorn (popped) or 12 cups air-popped popcorn
* 1 1/2 cups Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, roughly chopped
* 1/2 cup milk chocolate chips
* 1/4 cup butter
* 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
* 2 tablespoons corn syrup
* 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
* Sea salt flakes (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. **Preheat Oven:** Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C).
2. **Pop the Popcorn:** Pop the Costco microwave popcorn or air-pop your popcorn. Remove any unpopped kernels.
3. **Prepare the Reese’s:** Roughly chop the Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups into bite-sized pieces.
4. **Combine Popcorn and Reese’s:** Transfer the popped popcorn to a large bowl. Add the chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups and the milk chocolate chips.
5. **Make the Caramel Sauce:** In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the brown sugar and corn syrup and stir until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
6. **Boil the Caramel Sauce:** Bring the caramel sauce to a boil and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly. Be careful not to burn the sauce.
7. **Remove from Heat:** Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
8. **Pour Caramel over Popcorn:** Immediately pour the caramel sauce over the popcorn and Reese’s mixture. Use a spatula to gently toss everything together until the popcorn is evenly coated. Be careful not to crush the popcorn.
9. **Bake the Popcorn:** Spread the popcorn mixture in a single layer on a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
10. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes to ensure even baking and prevent burning. The popcorn should be golden brown and slightly sticky.
11. **Cool Completely:** Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the popcorn cool completely on the baking sheet. As it cools, the caramel will harden and create a crispy coating.
12. **Break Apart:** Once the popcorn is completely cool and hardened, break it apart into bite-sized pieces.
13. **Add Sea Salt (Optional):** Sprinkle with sea salt flakes, if desired.
14. **Serve and Enjoy:** Serve the baked Reese’s Popcorn immediately or store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
**Tips and Variations:**
* Add a pinch of baking soda to the caramel sauce for a lighter, fluffier texture.
* Substitute the brown sugar with granulated sugar for a different flavor profile.
* Add a tablespoon of molasses to the caramel sauce for a richer, more intense flavor.
* Drizzle with melted white chocolate after baking for a beautiful and delicious presentation.
* Add chopped pretzels or nuts to the popcorn mixture before baking for added texture and flavor.
Recipe 3: The Decadent Chocolate Drizzled Reese’s Popcorn
This recipe focuses on a visually appealing and extra chocolatey presentation. The drizzle of melted chocolate adds a touch of elegance and makes this popcorn perfect for gifting.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 bag Costco Kirkland Signature Microwave Popcorn (popped) or 12 cups air-popped popcorn
* 1 cup Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, roughly chopped
* 1/2 cup milk chocolate chips
* 1/4 cup peanut butter chips
* 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
* Sea salt flakes (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. **Pop the Popcorn:** Pop the Costco microwave popcorn or air-pop your popcorn. Remove any unpopped kernels.
2. **Prepare the Reese’s:** Roughly chop the Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups into bite-sized pieces.
3. **Combine Popcorn and Reese’s:** Transfer the popped popcorn to a large bowl. Add the chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups.
4. **Melt the Chocolate:** In separate microwave-safe bowls, melt the milk chocolate chips and the peanut butter chips. Add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to each bowl to help the chocolate melt smoothly. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval, until the chocolate is completely melted.
5. **Drizzle the Chocolate:** Using a spoon or a piping bag, drizzle the melted milk chocolate and peanut butter chocolate over the popcorn and Reese’s mixture. Be creative with your drizzles! You can create stripes, swirls, or random patterns.
6. **Sprinkle with Sea Salt (Optional):** Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt flakes over the chocolate drizzle while it’s still wet. This will help the salt adhere to the chocolate and create a delicious sweet and salty flavor.
7. **Let the Chocolate Set:** Let the chocolate set completely at room temperature or in the refrigerator. This will take about 30-60 minutes.
8. **Break Apart:** Once the chocolate is set, break the popcorn apart into bite-sized pieces.
9. **Serve and Enjoy:** Serve the chocolate drizzled Reese’s Popcorn immediately or store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
**Tips and Variations:**
* Use different types of chocolate for the drizzle, such as dark chocolate, white chocolate, or even colored candy melts.
* Add sprinkles, chopped nuts, or other candies to the popcorn before the chocolate sets.
* Drizzle with caramel sauce or peanut butter sauce for an extra decadent treat.
* Package the popcorn in cellophane bags and tie with a ribbon for a beautiful and thoughtful gift.
* Use a double boiler to melt the chocolate for a smoother, more even consistency.
Recipe 4: Reese’s Popcorn Balls
Want to kick it old school? Reese’s Popcorn balls are fun to make and even more fun to eat! These are great for parties and festive get-togethers.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 bag Costco Kirkland Signature Microwave Popcorn (popped) or 12 cups air-popped popcorn
* 1 cup Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, roughly chopped
* 1/2 cup butter
* 10 oz Marshmallows (about 40 large marshmallows)
* 1/4 cup Peanut Butter
* Vegetable oil or cooking spray
**Instructions:**
1. **Pop the Popcorn:** Pop the Costco microwave popcorn or air-pop your popcorn. Remove any unpopped kernels. Gently mix with chopped Reese’s.
2. **Melt Butter:** Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat.
3. **Add Marshmallows and Peanut Butter:** Add marshmallows and peanut butter and stir until completely melted and smooth. Remove from heat.
4. **Combine Popcorn Mixture and Marshmallow Mixture:** Immediately pour the marshmallow mixture over the popcorn and Reese’s mixture. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to gently but thoroughly combine until all the popcorn is evenly coated.
5. **Form Balls:** Lightly grease your hands with vegetable oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking. Quickly form the popcorn mixture into tightly packed balls. Aim for consistent sizes.
6. **Cool and Set:** Place the popcorn balls on a sheet of waxed paper or parchment paper to cool completely and set. This typically takes about 30 minutes.
7. **Serve and Enjoy:** Once set, the Reese’s Popcorn Balls are ready to serve and enjoy!
**Tips and Variations:**
* Add mini chocolate chips to the marshmallow mixture for extra chocolateyness.
* Drizzle the finished popcorn balls with melted chocolate or peanut butter for a more decorative look.
* Roll the popcorn balls in chopped nuts, sprinkles, or crushed Reese’s pieces before they set.
* Use different flavors of marshmallows to create different flavor combinations (e.g., vanilla, strawberry).
Recipe 5: Peanut Butter Cup Popcorn Bark
Think of this as a giant, shareable piece of Reese’s Popcorn candy! It’s perfect for parties and makes a stunning edible gift.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 bag Costco Kirkland Signature Microwave Popcorn (popped) or 12 cups air-popped popcorn
* 1 cup Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, roughly chopped
* 12 oz Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips
* 4 oz White Chocolate Chips
* 1/4 cup Peanut Butter
* Sea Salt Flakes (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare Baking Sheet:** Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. **Pop the Popcorn:** Pop the Costco microwave popcorn or air-pop your popcorn. Remove any unpopped kernels.
3. **Spread Popcorn and Reese’s:** Spread the popcorn evenly over the prepared baking sheet. Sprinkle the chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups over the popcorn.
4. **Melt Chocolate:** In a heatproof bowl set over a simmering pot of water (or in the microwave in 30-second intervals), melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips until smooth. Stir in the peanut butter until well combined.
5. **Pour and Spread Chocolate:** Pour the melted chocolate mixture over the popcorn and Reese’s, spreading it evenly to cover everything.
6. **Melt White Chocolate:** Melt the white chocolate chips in a separate bowl using the same method.
7. **Drizzle White Chocolate:** Drizzle the melted white chocolate over the semi-sweet chocolate. Create a marbled effect by swirling the white chocolate with a knife or toothpick.
8. **Sprinkle with Sea Salt:** If desired, sprinkle with sea salt flakes.
9. **Chill to Set:** Refrigerate the popcorn bark for at least 30 minutes, or until the chocolate is completely set.
10. **Break into Pieces:** Once set, break the bark into irregular pieces.
11. **Serve and Enjoy:** Serve the Reese’s Popcorn Bark immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
**Tips and Variations:**
* Add crushed pretzels or nuts to the popcorn before pouring the chocolate over.
* Use different types of chocolate, such as dark chocolate or milk chocolate.
* Sprinkle with crushed Oreos or other candies.
* Add a layer of caramel before adding the chocolate.
* For a cleaner cut, use a hot knife to break the bark into pieces after chilling.
Tips for Success:
* **Quality Ingredients Matter:** Use high-quality chocolate and fresh popcorn for the best flavor and texture.
* **Don’t Overcook the Caramel:** If you’re making a caramel sauce, be careful not to overcook it, as it can become hard and brittle.
* **Gentle Mixing:** Be gentle when mixing the popcorn with the chocolate and other ingredients to avoid crushing the popcorn.
* **Cool Completely:** Allow the popcorn to cool completely before breaking it apart or serving it. This will prevent the chocolate from melting and making the popcorn soggy.
* **Storage:** Store the Reese’s Popcorn in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you live in a warm climate, you may need to refrigerate it to prevent the chocolate from melting.
* **Experiment with Flavors:** Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors and add-ins to create your own unique Reese’s Popcorn recipe.
Serving Suggestions:
* **Movie Night:** Serve Reese’s Popcorn as a snack during movie night.
* **Party Appetizer:** Offer Reese’s Popcorn as a sweet and salty appetizer at your next party.
* **Edible Gift:** Package Reese’s Popcorn in cellophane bags and give it as a thoughtful and delicious gift.
* **Dessert Topping:** Sprinkle Reese’s Popcorn over ice cream or yogurt for a fun and flavorful dessert topping.
* **Trail Mix Addition:** Add Reese’s Popcorn to your favorite trail mix for a sweet and salty boost.
Conclusion:
Reese’s Popcorn is a simple yet incredibly satisfying treat that combines the best of both worlds: the salty crunch of popcorn and the sweet, creamy goodness of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups. With these five recipes, you can create a variety of Reese’s Popcorn variations to suit your taste and skill level. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy snack or a more elaborate dessert, Reese’s Popcorn is sure to be a hit. So, grab a bag of Costco popcorn, a handful of Reese’s, and get ready to elevate your snacking game!
Enjoy your delicious Reese’s Popcorn creation!