Turn your popcorn into a fun, sweet treat with this easy Popcorn Balls recipe! They’re just like Rice Krispie treats but with a crunchy twist. Perfect for parties, movie nights, or a delicious anytime snack, these colorful, chewy popcorn balls will be a hit with both kids and adults!
Marshmallow Popcorn Balls Recipe
Popcorn balls are nostalgic for me. My mom made them when I was a kid around the holidays and my family loved devouring this delicious treat.
These popcorn balls are a creative marshmallow treat that pleases kids and adults alike! The gooey marshmallow pairs perfectly with crunchy popcorn and melted butter. My kids ask for these often, and they love to help make and decorate them. Add colored sprinkles and serve them for a holiday, too! Use red and green for Christmas, orange and purple for Halloween — the list goes on and on. Plus, it’s a super easy recipe to throw together last minute if you need a party snack in a pinch!
Why You’ll Love These Popcorn Balls
- Ready in 10 minutes. It only takes 10 minutes to prepare these popcorn balls AND for them to set!
- Customizable recipe. You may add mix-ins and decorations to change the look and flavor of this recipe.
- Budget-friendly. The ingredients used in this treat are very affordable.
What You’ll Need
These 4 ingredients are all you need to make this delicious and sweet recipe for popcorn balls. Take a look at the recipe card for measurements!
- Popcorn: You may pop it fresh or purchase pre-popped popcorn, remove any unpopped kernels. I found that these popcorn balls were great either way!
- Butter: Use unsalted or salted based on your preference and the variety of popcorn you use.
- Marshmallows: I like mini marshmallows here because they melt faster but regular-sized ones are just fine, too.
- Vanilla: Adding vanilla extract enhances the flavors of the other ingredients while providing a subtle vanilla flavor that I love with the marshmallows.
How to Make Popcorn Balls
Once you make the malted marshmallow mixture and combine it with the popcorn, the bulk of the work is finished! This is the perfect recipe to throw together at the last minute.
- Melt butter and marshmallows. Heat a saucepan over medium heat and melt the butter. Then, stir in the marshmallows and allow them to melt.
- Add vanilla and popcorn. Take the pan off the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Next, gently fold in the popcorn and ensure it is completely coated in the marshmallow mixture.
- Cool. Allow the popcorn a couple of minutes to cool so you can pick it up with your hands.
- Oil your hands. Spray your hands with non-stick spray or rub a little bit of vegetable oil on them.
- Make the balls. Form a ball with about 1 cup of the popcorn and place it on a parchment-lined pan. Repeat this process until the popcorn is used up.
- Let them set. Let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes to finish cooling and setting. Enjoy!
Tips and Variations
- Peppermint: Add crushed candy canes or peppermint extra for holiday flair.
- Chocolate: Drizzle melted chocolate on top of the finished popcorn balls for the ultimate treat.
- Cool in the refrigerator: If you like, you can place the popcorn balls in the refrigerator to set faster.
- Let it cool. Do not try to handle the popcorn straight from the pot! Allow it to cool enough to handle it safely.
Proper Storage
Once they are fully set, they are best stored at room temperature. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in an airtight container. They will stay fresh for up to five days.
More Popcorn Recipes to Try
- Caramel Popcorn Recipe
- Peanut Butter Popcorn
- Peppermint Bark Popcorn
- Apple Pie Bourbon Flavored Popcorn Mix
Popcorn Balls
Ingredients
- 8-9 cups popcorn popped, unflavored
- ¼ cup butter
- 1 10 ounce bag of marshmallows
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- Holiday candies and sprinkles optional
Instructions
- In a large saucepan, melt butter. Add marshmallows, and stir constantly until marshmallows have melted.
- Remove from heat, and stir in vanilla. Add popcorn, and fold into marshmallow mixture.
- Let cool slightly for handling. Lightly spray your hands with nonstick cooking spray.
- Scoop about 1 cup of the popcorn mixture and form it into a ball.
- Place on a sheet of waxed paper or silicone baking mat to cool.
Last Step:
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12 comments on “Popcorn Balls”
I wonder if you could use the Butter Flavored Puffcorn instead of Popcorn? My fiancé and I have trouble eating popcorn and we love it so much! So puffcorn is the alternative u til we get our dentures. So what do u think???
Hi Nikki. I’ve never tried that but I think that would be a good substitute. I don’t think you would have any issues. Let me know if you try it!
Delicious and easy to make with the kids!
Thanks Beth!
Can you store in the freezer/fridge? How long will the last if not
Hi Brittany. If you are storing any longer than a day or two, I would store in the fridge.
When do you put the M&Ms & sprinkles in the above recipe (popcorn balls)?
After they have cooled slightly but are still tacky enough to accept the sprinkles and M & M’s.
I put dry Jello in mine (raspberry, orange, or lime). So delicious!
How and when do you add m&m’s and sprinkles without them melting or bleeding colors ?
After they have cooled somewhat but are still sticky.
enjoy reading the recipes….. some good ideas..