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Easy Delicious Popcorn Balls

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A quick and fun recipe for sweet, chewy popcorn balls perfect for family nights and nostalgic treats. Made with simple pantry staples and easy to prepare in under 20 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1/2 cup (100 grams) popcorn kernels (unpopped)
  • 1 tablespoon oil (for popping popcorn)
  • 1/4 cup (56 grams) unsalted butter
  • 4 cups (200 grams) mini marshmallows
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) light corn syrup
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • Optional add-ins: 1/2 cup sprinkles, chocolate chips, or chopped nuts

Instructions

  1. Pop the popcorn: Heat 1/2 cup (100 g) of kernels in a large pot with a tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat. Cover with a lid slightly ajar. Shake the pot occasionally until popping slows (about 3–4 minutes). Transfer popped corn to a large bowl, removing any unpopped kernels. You should have about 10 cups of popcorn.
  2. Melt the butter: In a large heavy-bottomed saucepan, melt 1/4 cup (56 g) unsalted butter over low heat, stirring gently to avoid browning. This should take about 2 minutes.
  3. Add marshmallows and corn syrup: Add 4 cups (200 g) mini marshmallows and 1/4 cup (60 ml) light corn syrup to the melted butter. Stir constantly until completely melted and smooth (about 5 minutes). Be patient—low heat is key to prevent scorching.
  4. Flavor it: Remove from heat. Stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and 1/2 teaspoon salt. This adds a subtle depth and balances the sweetness.
  5. Combine with popcorn: Immediately pour the marshmallow mixture over the popcorn. Using a wooden spoon or spatula, gently fold until all popcorn is coated evenly. Work quickly before it cools and hardens.
  6. Shape the balls: While still warm (but not hot), butter your hands or wear silicone gloves and scoop about 1/2 cup (120 ml) portions of coated popcorn. Press and shape into firm balls about 3 inches (7.5 cm) wide. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet to cool and set.
  7. Let them cool: Allow the popcorn balls to cool completely at room temperature (about 30 minutes). They should hold shape nicely but still be easy to bite into.

Notes

Use fresh popped popcorn for best texture. Melt marshmallows and butter on low heat to avoid scorching. Butter hands or use silicone gloves to shape balls easily. Optional add-ins like chocolate chips or nuts can be folded in after mixing syrup with popcorn but before shaping. For vegan version, substitute butter with coconut oil and use vegan marshmallows. Store popcorn balls in airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, refrigerate up to a week, or freeze up to a month.

Nutrition

Keywords: popcorn balls, easy popcorn recipe, family snacks, sweet treats, marshmallow popcorn balls, quick snacks, nostalgic snacks

Find it online: https://emacrave.com/easy-delicious-popcorn-balls-recipe-5-perfect-treats-for-family-nights/