Description
These sweet and chewy popcorn balls are a holiday favorite! Made with gooey marshmallow and decorated with festive colors, they’re perfect for parties, gift-giving, or a fun treat for the family.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 10 cups popped popcorn (about 1/2 cup unpopped kernels)
- 4 cups mini marshmallows
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup light corn syrup
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp salt
- Red and green food coloring (optional)
- Holiday sprinkles, crushed candy canes, or M&Ms (optional, for decorating)
Instructions
- Prepare Popcorn: Pop the popcorn and place it in a large mixing bowl. Remove any unpopped kernels.
- Make the Syrup: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the sugar, corn syrup, and salt. Stir until the mixture comes to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Melt Marshmallows: Stir in the marshmallows and continue stirring until they are fully melted and the mixture is smooth. Remove from heat and add vanilla extract.
- Color the Mixture (Optional): If using food coloring, divide the mixture into two bowls and tint one red and the other green.
- Coat the Popcorn: Pour the warm marshmallow mixture over the popcorn and gently stir with a spatula until evenly coated.
- Form Balls: Grease your hands with butter or cooking spray and shape the mixture into balls (about the size of a baseball).
- Decorate (Optional): Roll the popcorn balls in holiday sprinkles, crushed candy canes, or press M&Ms into them while still warm.
- Cool & Set: Place the popcorn balls on parchment paper and let them cool completely before serving or wrapping in plastic wrap for gifting.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- If the mixture is too sticky, lightly grease your hands with butter or cooking spray before shaping.
- Try adding peppermint extract for a festive twist!