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    Home » Desserts » Dirt Balls

    Dirt Balls

    Published: Oct 22, 2021 · Modified: Oct 26, 2021 by Kate · This post may contain affiliate links.

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    Dirt balls are easy marshmallow popcorn balls that are coated in Oreo cookie crumbs and are stuffed with gummy worms. These popcorn balls make a great Halloween treat!

    Dirt balls on a black plate.

    Dirt balls are easy, no-bake Halloween treats! Dirt balls were inspired by dirt cups and dirt cake.

    These simple marshmallow popcorn balls are coated with crushed Oreo cookie crumbs. They have gummy worms for decoration.

    Not only are dirt balls fun and delicious, but they also make a quick treat. They take about 20 minutes total to whip up, and they're very kid-friendly.

    Ingredients for dirt balls in bowls.

    Ingredients

    • Butter: I use salted butter in this recipe. 
    • Marshmallows: Mini or regular marshmallows will work. 
    • Vanilla
    • Popcorn: Be sure to pick out any kernels before using. Any type of plain popcorn - air-popped, microwave, etc., will work. 
    • Oreo cookie crumbs: I use about half of a 10 ounce package. I like to use the cookies with dark chocolate filling. They give a darker coating for the popcorn balls. 
    • Gummy worms

    How to make dirt balls

    Melting marshmallows in a Dutch oven.

    In a large saucepan, melt butter. Add marshmallows, and stir constantly until marshmallows have melted.

    Remove from heat, and stir in vanilla.

    Popcorn mixed into melted marshmallow.

    Add popcorn, and fold into marshmallow mixture. Lightly spray your hands with nonstick cooking spray.

    Popcorn ball in Oreo cookie crumbs.

    Scoop about 1 cup of the popcorn mixture and smoosh it into a ball. Roll the popcorn ball in the crushed Oreo cookie crumbs.

    Hand holding a dirt ball.

    Press cut worm halves into the popcorn ball with the rounded end of the work coming out of the popcorn ball. Place on a sheet of waxed paper, parchment paper, or silicone baking mat to cool.

    When cool, press a stick into the center of each popcorn ball.

    Plastic spiders on dirt balls.

    Tips

    • Oreos: I don't take the cream out before crushing the cookies. The dark chocolate filling works really well. It gives more of a clumpy, dirt-like appearance to the crumbs.
    • Gummy worms: Feel free to use another type of candy bug or worm.
    • Popcorn balls don't keep well. They are best eaten shortly after they are made.

    More popcorn recipes!

    • Easy Popcorn Ball Recipe
    • S'mores Popcorn Balls
    • Sweet & Salty Popcorn Balls

    If you’ve tried this dirt ball recipe, don’t forget to rate the recipe and leave me a comment below. I love to hear from people who've made my recipes!

    You can SUBSCRIBE to receive my latest recipe newsletters or FOLLOW ME on FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM and PINTEREST for even more delicious food.

    Dirt balls on a black plate.

    Dirt Balls

    Dirt balls are marshmallow popcorn balls coated with crushed Oreo cookie crumbs. They are a fun Halloween treat!
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Dessert
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 15 minutes
    Cook Time: 5 minutes
    Total Time: 20 minutes
    Servings: 9 servings
    Calories: 285kcal
    Author: Kate @ I Heart Eating

    Equipment

    • Saucepan

    Ingredients

    • 6 tablespoons butter
    • 10 ounce bag marshmallows
    • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
    • 9 cups plain popped corn
    • Finely crushed Oreo cookie crumbs
    • Gummy worms halved
    • Caramel apple sticks

    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.
    • Lightly spray your hands with nonstick cooking spray.
    • Scoop about 1 cup of the popcorn mixture and smoosh it into a ball.
    • Roll the popcorn ball in the crushed Oreo cookie crumbs.
    • Press cut worm halves into the popcorn ball with the rounded end of the work coming out of the popcorn ball.
    • Place on a sheet of waxed paper, parchment paper, or silicone baking mat to cool.
    • When cool, press a stick into the center of each popcorn ball.

    Notes

    • Butter: I use salted butter in this recipe. 
    • Marshmallows: Mini or regular marshmallows will work. 
    • Popcorn: Be sure to pick out any kernels before using. Any type of plain popcorn - air-popped, microwave, etc., will work. 
    • Oreo cookie crumbs: I use about half of a 10 ounce package. I like to use the cookies with dark chocolate filling. They give a darker coating for the popcorn balls. 
    • Nutrition values are estimates. 

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1serving | Calories: 285kcal | Carbohydrates: 46g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 20mg | Sodium: 166mg | Potassium: 75mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 25g | Vitamin A: 255IU | Calcium: 7mg | Iron: 2mg
    Tried this recipe? Rate it below. Mention @i_heart_eating on Instagram & tag #ihearteating!
    « Easy Candy Apple Recipe
    Pumpkin Crisp »
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    About Kate

    Kate got her first cookbook when she was five years old, and she hasn't stopped cooking since then! Her delicious recipes have been featured on Food Network, MSN, Better Homes & Gardens, Buzzfeed, The Huffington Post, and more. When she's not cooking or baking, she can be found on her mini farm with her husband and her five kids.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Holly

      February 15, 2022 at 11:37 am

      5 stars
      So fun! Great Halloween treats.

      Reply
      • Kate

        February 15, 2022 at 11:45 am

        Thanks!

        Reply

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    I’m Kate Dean- mom to five young kids, recipe developer, and photographer. Here at I Heart Eating®, I share my family’s favorite tried-and-true recipes.

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