This easy marshmallow popcorn ball recipe is extremely fast & easy. No need to break out the candy thermometer or corn syrup to make these popcorn balls!
Popcorn Balls are an easy way to make everything from movie nights to parties to holiday celebrations more fun. And this easy popcorn ball recipe is a great basic recipe!
It's really similar to the recipe for cereal treats with a few tweaks and additions. The popcorn balls are delicious with candy added or as-is!
Ingredients and substitutions
- Butter: I use salted butter. If using unsalted butter, add a pinch or two of salt.
- Marshmallows: Either mini or regular marshmallows.
- Vanilla: The vanilla is optional and adds extra flavor. Another flavor could be used instead to add flavor to the popcorn balls.
- Popcorn: This is about 1 microwave popcorn bag's worth.
How to make popcorn balls
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. When mixture is cool enough to handle, lightly spray your hands with nonstick cooking spray.
Scoop about 1 cup of the popcorn mixture and smoosh it into a ball.
Place on a sheet of waxed paper, parchment paper, or silicone baking mat to cool.
Tips
- Have fun with the flavors of popcorn! I use plain (no butter, no salt) air-popped or microwave popcorn. Try out flavored popcorn like caramel, marshmallow, or kettle corn.
- The popcorn mixture is very sticky. It's important to grease yours hands to shape the popcorn balls.
- Be sure to take out any unpopped kernels before you add in the popcorn.
- Press candies, chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or other treats to the outside of the popcorn ball.
Can I use different types of popcorn?
Yes! You can use air-popped or any other type of popcorn that you'd like to use. The amount of popcorn that you would need to use is in a note underneath the recipe.
Halloween popcorn balls
The popcorn balls makes a great Halloween treat! You can add candy eyes to the popcorn ball to mummy popcorn balls, or add Halloween-colored candies or sprinkles to the outside of the popcorn ball.
More popcorn ball recipes
If you’ve tried this easy popcorn 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!
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Easy Popcorn Ball Recipe
Ingredients
- ¼ cup butter
- 10 ounce bag marshmallows
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- 8-9 cups unflavored popped popcorn
Instructions
- In a large saucepan, melt butter.
- Add marshmallows, and stir constantly until marshmallows have melted.
- Remove from heat, and stir in vanilla, if using.
- Add popcorn, and fold into marshmallow mixture.
- When mixture is cool enough to handle, lightly spray your hands with nonstick cooking spray.
- Scoop about 1 cup of the popcorn mixture and smoosh it into a ball.
- Place on a sheet of waxed paper, parchment paper, or silicone baking mat to cool.
Video
Notes
- Butter: I use salted butter. If using unsalted butter, add a pinch or two of salt.
- Marshmallows: Either mini or regular marshmallows.
- Vanilla: The vanilla is optional and adds extra flavor. Another flavor could be used instead to add flavor to the popcorn balls.
- Popcorn: This is about 1 microwave popcorn bag's worth.
- You can press candy pieces into the outside of popcorn balls.
- Nutrition values are estimates.
Nutrition Information
Originally published 10/16/13. Updated with new pictures and tips on 10/9/21.
Cheryl
This is my kind of recipe, quick and so, so good. The grandkids have already requested them again. :)
May May
Cool! Tastes delicious!!! 5 stars from me!!!
Kate
Thank you!
Gail
Easy, tastes good - does not over promise. I did red, white and blue balls - rolled in some sprinkles for the 4th.
First time I tried but happy the clean up was easy too! (3 bowls.)
Kate
Thank you!
Nadine
That was awesome to cook