Popcorn Balls Recipe

Introduction

Popcorn balls are a fun, nostalgic treat perfect for holidays and parties. They combine crunchy popcorn with sweet, gooey marshmallows for a delightful snack everyone will enjoy.

Ingredients

• 8-9 cups popcorn (popped, unflavored)
• ¼ cup butter
• 1 10-ounce bag of marshmallows
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• Holiday candies and sprinkles (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Add marshmallows and stir constantly until they have completely melted and formed a smooth mixture.
2. Step 2: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Add the popped popcorn and gently fold it into the marshmallow mixture until it is evenly coated.
3. Step 3: Allow the mixture to cool slightly so it’s easier to handle. Lightly spray your hands with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
4. Step 4: Scoop about 1 cup of the popcorn mixture with your hands and shape it into a ball.
5. Step 5: Place each popcorn ball on a sheet of waxed paper or a silicone baking mat. Let them cool completely to set.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of cinnamon or a splash of almond extract to the marshmallow mixture.
• Mix in holiday candies or colorful sprinkles before forming balls for a festive touch.
• If the mixture is too sticky to handle, cool it for a few minutes longer or spray your hands lightly with cooking spray as needed.

Storage

Store popcorn balls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To keep them fresh longer, wrap individually in plastic wrap before placing in the container. If they become slightly soft, let them sit at room temperature to firm up again before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use flavored popcorn for this recipe?

It’s best to use plain, unflavored popcorn to ensure the marshmallow coating sticks well and the flavors balance nicely. Flavored popcorn might clash or become soggy.

How do I prevent the popcorn balls from sticking to my hands?

Lightly spraying your hands with nonstick cooking spray before shaping the popcorn balls helps prevent sticking. You can also work quickly while the mixture is still warm but not too hot.

Popcorn Balls Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 144 reviews

Delicious and fun-to-make popcorn balls coated with a sweet marshmallow glaze and mixed with festive holiday candies. These classic treats are perfect for holiday parties, movie nights, or anytime you want a sweet and crunchy snack.

• Author: Maya
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 8–9 popcorn balls (about 1 cup each) 1x
• Category: Snack
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Popcorn Mixture

• 8–9 cups popcorn (popped, unflavored)
• ¼ cup butter
• 1 10-ounce bag of marshmallows
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• Holiday candies (optional)
• Sprinkles (optional)

Instructions

1. Melt Butter and Marshmallows: In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the marshmallows and stir constantly until the marshmallows are completely melted and smooth.
2. Add Vanilla Extract: Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract to enhance the flavor.
3. Combine with Popcorn: Add the popped, unflavored popcorn to the marshmallow mixture. Fold gently to coat all the popcorn evenly without crushing the kernels.
4. Cool Slightly and Prepare to Handle: Allow the mixture to cool just enough so it can be handled safely without burning your hands. Lightly spray your hands with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
5. Form Popcorn Balls: Scoop about 1 cup of the coated popcorn mixture and shape it into a firm ball with your hands. Repeat with remaining mixture.
6. Set to Cool: Place the formed popcorn balls on a sheet of waxed paper or a silicone baking mat. Let them cool completely to set.

Notes

• Use fresh popped popcorn without any butter or salt to get the best flavor balance.
• For an extra festive look, mix in holiday candies or sprinkles before forming the balls.
• Store popcorn balls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.
• If the mixture cools too much and becomes hard to shape, warm it gently to soften the marshmallow glaze again.
• Nonstick cooking spray on hands helps prevent sticking but alternatively, you can lightly wet your hands.

Keywords: popcorn balls, marshmallow popcorn, holiday snacks, sweet popcorn treat, easy popcorn recipe, festive popcorn balls