Popcorn Balls Recipe: A Classic Chewy Treat

Updated: December 14, 2023

Recipe Overview

• Total Time: 45 minutes

• Prep Time: 5 minutes

• Cook Time: 40 minutes

• Servings: ~12–15 balls (depending on size)

Ingredients

For the Popcorn Base

• 2 (3-ounce) bags plain microwave popcorn OR ⅔ cup popcorn kernels (yields ~18 cups popped)

• ¼ cup unsalted butter, plus extra for greasing

For the Marshmallow Glue

• 2⅓ cups (280 grams) confectioners’ sugar

• 1¼ cups (63 grams) mini marshmallows

• ¾ cup (180 milliliters) light corn syrup

• ½ teaspoon kosher salt (e.g., Diamond Crystal)

• 1 tablespoon cold water (optional, to adjust consistency)

• Food coloring (optional, for vibrant hues)

For Mix-Ins (Optional)

• Candy corn, M&M’s, gummy worms, crushed pretzels, crumbled cookies, or sprinkles

Preparation Instructions

Step 1: Prepare and Warm the Popcorn

1. Preheat Oven: Set oven to 200°F (95°C) with the rack in the center.

2. Pop Popcorn:

3. Microwave Method: Pop 2 (3-ounce) bags of microwave popcorn according to package instructions (typically 2–3 minutes).

4. Stovetop/Kettle Method: Pop ⅔ cup kernels in a hot air popper or stovetop kettle until fully expanded.

5. Remove Unpopped Kernels: Transfer popped popcorn to a large sheet pan, discarding any unpopped kernels.

6. Keep Warm: Place the sheet pan in the preheated oven to maintain the popcorn’s warmth while preparing the marshmallow mixture.

Step 2: Make the Marshmallow-Sugar Mixture

1. In a medium, heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine confectioners’ sugar, mini marshmallows, light corn syrup, butter, cold water, kosher salt, and food coloring (if using).

2. Heat over medium heat, stirring continuously with a heat-resistant spatula, until the mixture reaches a gentle boil (6–9 minutes). Continue stirring until marshmallows fully melt and the mixture is smooth, glossy, and thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.

3. Remove from Heat: Immediately take the saucepan off the stove to prevent scorching.

Step 3: Combine Popcorn with the Mixture

1. Transfer the warm popcorn from the oven to a large mixing bowl (large enough to comfortably hold all popcorn without overflow).

2. Carefully pour the hot marshmallow mixture over the popcorn. Use a spatula to gently fold and mix from the bottom upward, ensuring every piece of popcorn is evenly coated.

3. Cool Slightly: Let the mixture cool for 5 minutes (this prevents burns during shaping and ensures the popcorn holds its form). The mixture should remain pliable but not excessively hot.

Step 4: Shape the Popcorn Balls

1. Prepare the Workspace: Line a clean sheet pan with parchment paper. Lightly grease a ½-cup measuring cup and your hands with butter (or non-stick cooking spray).

2. Scoop and Shape: Fill the greased measuring cup ¾ full with the cooled popcorn mixture. Tap the cup gently on the counter to settle the mixture. Invert the cup onto the parchment-lined pan, or use your hands to press the mixture into a compact ball by squeezing firmly with both palms.

3. Round the Balls: Roll the ball between your palms to smooth and firm it. Place on the prepared sheet pan and repeat with remaining mixture (re-grease hands and the measuring cup as needed).

4. Add Mix-Ins:

5. For candies (e.g., M&M’s, sprinkles): Press gently into the surface of the ball after shaping (while the mixture is still slightly warm for adhesion).

6. For crushed pretzels/nuts: Add small amounts to the popcorn mixture during Step 3 for even distribution (they won’t melt if added early).

Step 5: Cool and Store

1. Let the popcorn balls cool completely on the sheet pan for 30–60 minutes (room temperature).

2. Once firm, wrap each ball individually in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. Keep at room temperature for up to 3 days; do not refrigerate (this dries out marshmallows and hardens the popcorn).

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

• Thick Mixture: If the marshmallow mixture thickens prematurely, reheat the saucepan over low heat for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly.

• Sticking Hands: Apply a thin layer of butter or non-stick spray to hands and the measuring cup before shaping.

• Mix-Ins: Avoid adding soft candies (e.g., gummy bears) directly to the mixture; they may melt and bleed color.

Customer Reviews

[User feedback is preserved as shared, with critical and positive notes included for transparency.]

• Positive: "My family has made this for decades! We sometimes add crushed pretzels instead of nuts—it’s a fun twist."

• Critical: "This was a messy experience. The sticky mixture was hard to coat evenly, and candies fell off. Cleanup was tedious—never again."

• Flavor Suggestion: "Add cayenne or ginger to balance sweetness."

• Sweetness Concern: "Too cloying and overly chewy. Skip the sugar and use salted pretzels for contrast."

• Success Story: "Used a large bowl and cooking spray. My mom’s jujube and peanut version was perfect—add crushed pretzels too!"

• Butterscotch Question: "How to substitute with butterscotch? Add ¼ cup butterscotch chips to the marshmallow mixture in Step 2."

Enjoy this nostalgic, sweet treat! Adjust mix-ins to suit your taste, and share with family and friends.