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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.
Very easy as noted in the name. I substituted 15 cups of air popped popcorn which worked very well with the sugar coating. I also made mine softball sized for a fundraiser which gave me 15 balls per recipe.
Thanks for sharing how you made these. So glad you enjoyed the recipe!
For the popcorn balls you didn’t tell us when to add the food coloring.
These popcorn balls are a must for any sleep over party! My nephews and niece were here for three days and they love these popcorn balls! They look so good and tasty. Kids had fun!
I made these for a party and they were a huge hit! Super easy to make and so delicious! Thank you for the recipe.
You’re welcome!
This was easy to make and a great hit with the kids. going to try them in different colors next time.
That would be so fun! Glad to hear they were a hit!
Plan on selling these at the county fair if they do good my four stars will definitely be a five star
Best of luck!!
Do you have to use margarine in this recipe? Or can you substitute 1/4 Cup real Butter salted or unsalted in this recipe? Thanks!
These where dynamite when I was 6 YO. Still fun!
They are fun! Definitely takes me back to my childhood too!
At Halloween, I put a box of orange jello in my syrup for my popcorn balls as it cooks. Delicious!l
Can you please tell about how many popcorn balls this recipe makes?
It makes 24, Carol.