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Easy popcorn balls are so sticky and tasty, everyone will love them. They’re perfect for any party, holiday, or get-together!!
These popcorn balls are the perfect sweet treat to satisfy your sweet tooth. They are just as yummy as our Caramel Marshmallow Popcorn and Rice Krispie Treats.
A Childhood Favorite!
Does anyone else have memories of eating delicious, sticky popcorn balls when they were younger?!
WE DO! They were a favorite when we were kids, and they are now a favorite for our kids. We love them because they’re nostalgic but also because:
- They are delicious! Sticky and gooey and so yummy, these are loved by kids (and adults)
- Great for parties. Whether it’s a potluck, fall festive or Halloween party, these popcorn balls are a hit at any function.
- Change up the flavor (and the color!!) Add your favorite flavoring or a few drops of your favorite food coloring to easily customize these treats.
Ingredients
- Popcorn – We usually use plain, but lightly salted, buttered and kettled popcorn work. They just add a little more flavoring.
- One 3.28 oz bag of popcorn contains 5 tablespoons of unpopped kernels or about 11 cups of popped corn. For this recipe, you can buy about 20 cups of plain pre-popped popcorn, pop ⅔ cup popcorn kernels, or pop 2 bags of plain microwave popcorn.
- Powdered Sugar
- Mini Marshmallows
- Corn Syrup
- Unsalted butter – Salted butter and even margarine work too!
- Cold Water
- Food Coloring
How to Make Popcorn Balls
- POPCORN. Pop popcorn and pour it into a large mixing bowl, removing any un-popped kernels.
- CANDY SYRUP. In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, combine powdered sugar, marshmallows, corn syrup, margarine, water, and food coloring. Heat and stir until the marshmallow mixture comes to a boil.
- No candy thermometer needed. Be cautious about over-boiling the syrup as it causes the sugar crystals to harden too much when it cools.
- COMBINE. Carefully pour over the popcorn, stirring to coat each kernel.
- SHAPE + COOL. Let cool a bit, then butter your fingers so you can easily handle and shape popcorn into 3–4-inch balls before they cool.
Wrap with plastic wrap and store at room temperature.
Pro Tip
Spraying your hands with cooking spray will keep the popcorn balls from sticking to your hands while you shape them. Work quickly because the popcorn mixture will harden as they cool. Also, don’t pack them too tightly otherwise they will be too dense and hard to eat.
Recipe Tips
- Timing. If the syrup mixture is too warm when forming the balls, they will not hold their shape. If the syrup mixture cools too much, then it will be too hard to form.
- Size. Make them any size you’d like. We made ours about 3-4 inches around, and that was a great size. You can make them smaller, larger or even add a popsicle stick to make it easier to eat.
- Variations. You can add fun ingredients to change these popcorn balls up a little. Be sure not to add too many extras. If the syrup mixture doesn’t cover the extra ingredients, then the balls won’t hold together. Some additions include:
- festive sprinkles
- mini M&M candies
- chocolate chips – try different sizes and different flavors
- mini marshmallows, regular or colored
Storage Tips
Make ahead of time. Wrap balls with plastic wrap and store them at room temperature for up to 5 days.
FREEZE. These old fashioned popcorn balls are easy to freeze!
- Freeze popcorn kernels. Keeping popcorn kernels frozen helps them maintain their moisture which allows them to pop better. You can even pop them straight from the freezer. Just allow for a little extra popping time.
- Freeze popped popcorn. You can also freeze the popped popcorn in an airtight container. It won’t actually freeze, but it will stay fresh for a couple of weeks.
- Freeze popcorn balls. Simply wrap each ball with plastic wrap then put them in an airtight freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 weeks. Allow to thaw at room temperature then remove the plastic wrapping.
For more popcorn recipes:
Popcorn Balls Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 (3.2-ounce) bags plain microwave popcorn
- 2½ cups powdered sugar
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- ¾ cup light corn syrup
- 4 tablespoons margarine or unsalted butter, plus more for your hands
- 2 teaspoons cold water
- a few drops food coloring of choice
Instructions
- Pop popcorn and pour it into a large bowl, removing any un-popped kernels.
- In a medium pot over medium-high heat, combine powdered sugar, marshmallows, corn syrup, margarine, water, and food coloring. Heat and stir until the mixture comes to a boil.
- Carefully pour over the popcorn, stirring to coat each kernel.
- Let cool a bit, then butter your fingers so you can easily handle and shape popcorn into 3–4-inch balls before they cool.
- Wrap with plastic wrap and store at room temperature.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Simple thx
DELICIOUS. Easy recipe. Reminds me of the snack we used to fix as kids when playing outside. one of my favorites so far. and not to mention how great they look too! the aesthetic appeal to their look. Great!
I am glad you think so 🙂 They remind me of childhood, too! Thank you!
These are super easy to make and everyone loves them! Such a fun addition to any gathering.
Thank you for saying that!
These were delicious and the kids loved helping make them.
They are fun to make with kids 🙂 Glad you agree! Thank you!
Delicious popcorn balls! Brings back many childhood memories. My mom did not color them so they were just popcorn colored. I added a pinch of salt because I like to cut the sweetness just a bit. So good!! Thanks for sharing!
This looks so quick and easy.
Thank you, they really are! Hope you try them!
I love popcorn balls! I can wait to nake halloween theme popcorn Balls! Great recipe!
Thank you! They are so fun to make & eat!
Dont yOu mean “margarine” yOur fingers?!!!
DO you actually use margarine or dO you Use butter?
Sound yummy!
It doesn’t really matter if you use butter or margarine. You could even spray them with cooking spray.
This recipe was easy and delish!!! 5 stars all the way, thank you for sharing!
Glad to share 🙂 Thank you so much for saying that!
I have made these a few times and they turn out great. My grandkids love them. i use baking spray on my hands and it makes them go quickly.
Thank you for sharing that!! That’s what I like to do as well!