Best Ever Popcorn Balls are a simple and fun treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re making them for a party or just want a sweet snack, these popcorn balls are sure to please! The sticky marshmallow mixture coats every kernel of popcorn, making them chewy and sweet, with a delightful crunch. Shaping the popcorn into balls is easy with a little cooking spray, and you can even wrap them in cellophane for a cute and portable snack. Add festive sprinkles or food coloring for holiday-themed popcorn balls and customize them for any event!
Looking for a fun and easy snack that’s perfect for any occasion? These Best Ever Popcorn Balls are the answer! Made with simple ingredients like marshmallows and corn syrup, these popcorn balls are sweet, chewy, and a blast to make. They’re great for parties, movie nights, or even a holiday treat. Let’s check out the ingredients you’ll need to whip up these delightful popcorn balls!
INGREDIENTS
- Plain popped popcorn (5 quarts): The base of the recipe, providing that satisfying crunch and flavor.
- Light corn syrup (¾ cup): Adds sweetness and helps bind the ingredients together, giving the popcorn balls their chewy texture.
- Butter or margarine (¼ cup): Adds richness to the marshmallow mixture, making it smooth and creamy.
- Cold water (2 teaspoons): Helps thin out the mixture slightly, allowing it to coat the popcorn evenly.
- Confectioners' sugar (2⅝ cups): Adds extra sweetness to the popcorn balls, helping them hold together.
- Marshmallows (1 cup): The key ingredient for the sticky, gooey texture that makes these popcorn balls so irresistible.
- Cooking spray: Used to grease your hands when shaping the popcorn balls, preventing the mixture from sticking.
INSTRUCTIONS
- Step 1:
- Place the popped popcorn into a large mixing bowl and set it aside while you prepare the marshmallow mixture.
- Step 2:
- In a medium saucepan, combine the light corn syrup, butter, cold water, confectioners' sugar, and marshmallows.
- Step 3:
- Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring frequently until the marshmallows have fully melted and the mixture comes to a boil. This should take about 5 minutes.
- Step 4:
- Carefully pour the hot marshmallow mixture over the popcorn, using a spatula to toss the popcorn and evenly coat each kernel. Be sure to do this quickly before the mixture starts to cool and harden.
- Step 5:
- Grease your hands with cooking spray and immediately start shaping the coated popcorn into balls, about the size of a baseball. Be careful, as the mixture may still be hot.
- Step 6:
- Once all the popcorn balls are formed, wrap each one in cellophane or plastic wrap to keep them fresh. Store them at room temperature until ready to serve.
- Step 7:
- Enjoy your sweet, chewy popcorn balls! They’re perfect for parties, holidays, or just as a fun snack.
Serving and Storage Tips
- For the best texture, serve these popcorn balls at room temperature within 2 days of making them. The marshmallow mixture keeps them soft and chewy.
- Wrap the popcorn balls individually in plastic wrap or cellophane to keep them fresh and prevent them from sticking together.
- If you want to make them ahead of time, store them at room temperature for up to 1 week in an airtight container. Be sure to keep them tightly wrapped to maintain freshness.
Helpful Notes
- Make sure to coat the popcorn quickly with the marshmallow mixture while it’s still warm. It hardens as it cools, making it harder to shape into balls.
- If the marshmallow mixture starts sticking to your hands while shaping the popcorn balls, simply reapply some cooking spray to your hands for easier handling.
- For an extra festive touch, try adding food coloring to the marshmallow mixture or sprinkle in some festive sprinkles to match the occasion!
Tips from well-known chefs
- Chef Lisa recommends adding a pinch of salt to the marshmallow mixture for a sweet and salty flavor combo.
- Pastry Chef Sarah suggests stirring in mini chocolate chips or crushed candy into the popcorn for extra flavor and texture.
WHY YOU'LL LOVE THIS RECIPE
- The combination of gooey marshmallow and crunchy popcorn makes for a fun, chewy treat that’s perfect for kids and adults alike.
- These popcorn balls are super easy to make with just a few ingredients, making them a great last-minute treat for parties or gatherings.
- They can be easily customized with colors, sprinkles, or mix-ins to suit any holiday or event!
VARIATIONS
- For a chocolate twist, drizzle melted chocolate over the popcorn balls before they cool, or stir in mini chocolate chips for a sweet surprise.
- Add a few drops of food coloring to the marshmallow mixture to create brightly colored popcorn balls that match any party theme or holiday.
- Mix in crushed candy canes for a fun, peppermint-flavored version during the holiday season.