Microwave Popcorn Marshmallow Balls
Sweet, chewy, and delightfully crispy, Microwave Popcorn Marshmallow Balls are a quick and fun treat that’s perfect for any occasion! Made with freshly popped popcorn and a gooey marshmallow-butter mixture, these no-bake snacks come together in just 15 minutes using simple pantry staples. The optional addition of colorful sprinkles or candy-coated chocolates makes them even more festive, ideal for parties, movie nights, or holiday gatherings. Lightly shaped by hand into perfectly portable portions, these marshmallow popcorn balls strike the perfect balance of salty and sweet. Plus, there's no stovetop required—everything is effortlessly prepped in the microwave! With easy-to-follow steps and minimal clean-up, this recipe is as family-friendly as it is delicious.
Log this recipe in SnapCalorie
Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 0.333 cup Unpopped popcorn kernels
- 4 tablespoons Unsalted butter
- 4 cups Mini marshmallows
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
- 0.25 teaspoon Salt (optional)
- 0.25 cup Sprinkles or candy-coated chocolates (optional)
- as needed Nonstick cooking spray
Instructions
Pop the popcorn: Add 1/3 cup of popcorn kernels to a microwave-safe popcorn popper, or use a paper bag. Microwave on high for 2-3 minutes, or until the popping slows to about 2 seconds between pops. Remove and set aside.
Sift through the popped popcorn to remove any unpopped kernels. Place the popped popcorn in a large mixing bowl.
In a large microwave-safe bowl, melt 4 tablespoons unsalted butter in the microwave for about 30 seconds, or until completely melted.
Add 4 cups of mini marshmallows to the melted butter. Stir to coat the marshmallows in butter.
Microwave the butter and marshmallow mixture in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until fully melted and smooth (about 1-2 minutes total).
Stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and 1/4 teaspoon of salt (if using) into the melted marshmallow mixture.
Quickly pour the marshmallow mixture over the popcorn and gently toss with a silicone spatula or wooden spoon to coat the popcorn evenly. Work quickly as the marshmallow mixture will begin to set.
If using sprinkles or candy-coated chocolates, mix them in at this stage while the mixture is still sticky.
Lightly spray your hands with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking. Scoop a handful of the coated popcorn and gently press and shape it into a ball about the size of a baseball. Repeat until all of the mixture is used up.
Place the formed popcorn balls on a sheet of wax paper or parchment paper to set. Allow them to cool and firm up for about 10-15 minutes before serving.
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1721 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 59.1 g | 76% | |
| Saturated Fat | 32.2 g | 161% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 124 mg | 41% | |
| Sodium | 724 mg | 32% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 295.8 g | 108% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 10.4 g | 37% | |
| Total Sugars | 181.3 g | ||
| Protein | 9.2 g | 18% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 18 mg | 1% | |
| Iron | 2.2 mg | 12% | |
| Potassium | 240 mg | 5% | |
*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.
