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    Home » Desserts » Easy Popcorn Ball Recipe

    Easy Popcorn Ball Recipe

    Published: Oct 9, 2021 · Modified: Oct 12, 2021 by Kate · This post may contain affiliate links.

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    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 ball in a metal dish.

    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!

    Popcorn marshmallows and butter in dishes.

    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

    Melted butter in a pot.

    In a large saucepan, melt butter.

    Melted marshmallow in a pot.

    Add marshmallows, and stir constantly until marshmallows have melted. Remove from heat, and stir in vanilla.

    Melted marshmallow pouring into a bowl of popcorn.

    Add popcorn, and fold into marshmallow mixture. When mixture is cool enough to handle, lightly spray your hands with nonstick cooking spray.

    Marshmallow popcorn balls on a sheet of wax paper.

    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.

    Popcorn balls with M&M's on the outside

    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.

    Popcorn ball with candy eyes on it.

    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.

    Three popcorn balls in wax paper.

    More popcorn ball recipes

    • S'mores Popcorn Balls
    • Sweet & Salty Popcorn Balls

    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!

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

    Popcorn ball in a metal dish.

    Easy Popcorn Ball Recipe

    Easy marshmallow popcorn ball recipe
    5 from 7 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Dessert
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 10 minutes
    Cook Time: 5 minutes
    Total Time: 15 minutes
    Servings: 9 popcorn balls
    Calories: 184kcal
    Author: Kate @ I Heart Eating

    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

    Serving: 1popcorn ball | Calories: 184kcal | Carbohydrates: 33g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 14mg | Sodium: 71mg | Potassium: 36mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 18g | Vitamin A: 177IU | Calcium: 3mg | Iron: 1mg
    Tried this recipe? Rate it below. Mention @i_heart_eating on Instagram & tag #ihearteating!

    Originally published 10/16/13. Updated with new pictures and tips on 10/9/21.

    « Homemade Apple Pie Filling
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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. Cheryl

      October 19, 2021 at 10:42 pm

      5 stars
      This is my kind of recipe, quick and so, so good. The grandkids have already requested them again. :)

      Reply
    2. May May

      July 24, 2021 at 11:34 am

      Cool! Tastes delicious!!! 5 stars from me!!!

      Reply
      • Kate

        July 26, 2021 at 8:06 am

        Thank you!

        Reply
    3. Gail

      July 02, 2020 at 7:55 pm

      5 stars
      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.)

      Reply
      • Kate

        March 12, 2021 at 5:27 pm

        Thank you!

        Reply
    4. Nadine

      January 12, 2020 at 2:25 pm

      That was awesome to cook

      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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