Chewy Popcorn Balls
Get ready to fall in love with these irresistibly chewy popcorn balls—a nostalgic treat that's perfect for parties, holiday gifting, or a fun kitchen project with kids. Made with freshly popped popcorn coated in a gooey marshmallow mixture infused with hints of buttery vanilla, these sweet and salty snacks strike the perfect balance of flavors. The recipe comes together in just 25 minutes and uses pantry staples like light corn syrup, granulated sugar, and unsalted butter, making it as convenient as it is delightful. Shaping the popcorn into balls is easy and mess-free with a quick spray of nonstick cooking spray. Whether you incorporate them into seasonal festivities or enjoy them as an on-the-go snack, these chewy popcorn balls are a surefire crowd-pleaser that will bring joy with every bite!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup popcorn kernels
- 0.5 cup unsalted butter
- 0.75 cup light corn syrup
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 10 ounces marshmallows
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons oil (for popping popcorn)
- 1 as needed nonstick cooking spray
Instructions
Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add the popcorn kernels, cover with a lid, and shake the pot occasionally to prevent burning.
Once the popping slows to about 2 seconds between pops, remove the pot from heat. Carefully transfer the popped popcorn to a large mixing bowl, discarding any unpopped kernels.
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the corn syrup, granulated sugar, and marshmallows. Cook while stirring frequently until the mixture is melted and smooth.
Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and salt.
Pour the marshmallow mixture over the popcorn and gently toss with a silicone spatula or wooden spoon, ensuring all the popcorn is evenly coated.
Spray your hands generously with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking, then shape the coated popcorn into balls about 2-3 inches in diameter. Work quickly before the mixture cools and hardens.
Place the popcorn balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet and allow them to cool completely to set.
Once cooled, wrap the popcorn balls individually in plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
389 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 13.1 g | 17% | |
| Saturated Fat | 6.6 g | 33% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 26 mg | 9% | |
| Sodium | 107 mg | 5% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 68.5 g | 25% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.9 g | 7% | |
| Total Sugars | 51.5 g | ||
| Protein | 1.8 g | 4% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.1 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 4 mg | 0% | |
| Iron | 0.5 mg | 3% | |
| Potassium | 46 mg | 1% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
