Popcorn Balls
Get ready to satisfy your sweet tooth with these irresistible Popcorn Balls—a nostalgic, no-bake treat that’s perfect for holidays, parties, or movie nights! Made from freshly popped popcorn coated in a gooey marshmallow mixture, these delightfully chewy snacks are elevated with a hint of vanilla and a sprinkle of salt for the perfect sweet-and-salty balance. Customize them with colorful sprinkles or candy decorations for festive flair, and enjoy the fun of shaping them into handheld delights. Ready in just 30 minutes, this crowd-pleasing recipe is as simple to make as it is fun to eat, making it a delightful addition to any celebration. Whether you’re creating memories with your kids or impressing guests with unique finger food, these homemade popcorn balls are guaranteed to be a hit!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unpopped popcorn kernels
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup light corn syrup
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups marshmallows
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup sprinkles or candy decorations (optional)
Instructions
Heat the vegetable oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add the popcorn kernels and cover with a lid.
Shake the pot occasionally as the kernels pop to prevent burning. Continue until the popping slows down, then remove from heat and pour the popped popcorn into a large bowl, removing any unpopped kernels. Set aside.
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the light corn syrup and granulated sugar, and bring to a gentle boil.
Add the marshmallows to the saucepan and stir constantly until melted and the mixture is fully combined. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the vanilla extract and salt.
Pour the marshmallow mixture over the popped popcorn, using a spatula to gently toss and coat the popcorn evenly. Allow the mixture to cool slightly until it can be handled safely but is still pliable.
Coat your hands with a small amount of butter or oil to prevent sticking. Working quickly, shape the coated popcorn into balls, using about 1/2 cup of the popcorn mixture for each ball. Place the formed balls on a sheet of wax or parchment paper.
If desired, roll the popcorn balls in sprinkles or candy decorations for added color and texture. Press gently to ensure they adhere.
Allow the popcorn balls to cool completely and firm up before serving. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
253 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 10.6 g | 14% | |
| Saturated Fat | 5.5 g | 27% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.4 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 22 mg | 7% | |
| Sodium | 46 mg | 2% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 40.2 g | 15% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.8 g | 3% | |
| Total Sugars | 33.2 g | ||
| Protein | 0.8 g | 2% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.1 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 3 mg | 0% | |
| Iron | 0.2 mg | 1% | |
| Potassium | 21 mg | 0% | |
*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.
