This easy marshmallow popcorn ball recipe is extremely fast & easy. No need to break out the candy thermometer to make these popcorn balls!
We try to have a family move night once a week. Since it’s a movie night, our treat is usually popcorn. Once in a while, though, we have the kids’ favorite treat – popcorn balls.
Now, by the time that dinner is over, I’m done with the cooking and baking for the day. So, whatever I make at that point has to be easy.
And this easy popcorn ball recipe is just that. It’s really similar to the recipe for cereal treats with a few tweaks and additions.
The popcorn balls are delicious with candy (the way my husband and kids like them) or without (the way that I prefer them).
How to make popcorn balls
- Have fun with the flavors of popcorn that you use to make them! I use plain (no butter, no salt) microwave popcorn. Marshmallow flavored popcorn would also be good.
- Be sure to take out any unpopped kernels before you add in the popcorn.
Can I use a different type 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.
More popcorn ball recipes
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Easy Popcorn Ball Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 bag natural microwave popcorn*
- 1/4 cup butter
- 10 ounce bag mini marshmallows
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Pop popcorn according to package directions; set aside.
- In a large saucepan, melt butter.
- Continue cooking until butter begins to turn golden brown.
- 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.
Notes
**You can press candy pieces into the outside of popcorn balls. ***Nutrition values are estimates.
Tammu says
Y do u need to add vanilla?
Kate says
Just for extra flavor. You can leave it out if you prefer.
Sheree Jenkins says
Super easy! We tried a different recipe and it was really hard…and the popcorn balls wouldnt stay together! Thanks for an easy recipe!
Kate says
Thank you! I’m so happy to hear that the recipe worked well for you. Thanks for commenting!
Nadine says
Awesome
Kate says
Thanks! Happy to hear that you liked them! Thanks for commenting. =)
Aislyn Raymond says
Is it possible to use a microwave instead of a stove top?
Kate says
I’ve never tried to brown butter in the microwave, but you should be able to melt the butter and marshmallows that way. Hope that helps!
Laura says
I used kettle flavored popcorn. They turned out great. Thank you for posting this recipe.
Kate says
Yay! I’m so glad! Thank you for taking the time to come back and comment. =)
Mary Westerhaus says
Can I use marshmallow crème that comes in a jar instead of melting marshmallows? And what amount would I use if it is ok?
Kate says
I’m not sure! I’ve never tried using marshmallow creme in place of the melted marshmallows. I’m afraid that it might be stickier, and I’m not sure whether it would set up the same. If you do try it, I’d be very interested to hear how it comes out. Good luck!
Elena says
What type of popcorn use plain or flavored popcorn?
Kate says
I use plain popcorn. I think it would would work with flavors like kettle corn, too.
Barbara English says
We are trying this but also putting in peanut butter candy pieces & peanuts. Wow, this is expected to be a real hit with our family. Fall fun!
Kate says
Yay! How fun! One of my favorite things about this recipe is how flexible it is, so you can really make it your own. =) Thanks for commenting!
Pam says
About how many cups of popcorn is used? I prefer not to use microwave bagged popcorn.
Kate says
No problem! You would need about 8-9 cups of popcorn.
Lindsey Alvord says
What can I use to wrap my popcorn balls up with that wont be hard to get back off? I wanna wrap them and then tie a ribbon on them. thank you
Kate says
I would try cellophane; I think it might work better than plastic wrap. Also, I’d let them set up well so they aren’t quite as sticky before I wrapped them. Good luck! =)
Lindsey Alvord says
thank you very much for the quick response…. I will certainly try that
Kate says
Any time! =)
Melissa says
Do these last long? Was thinking of making them as favors and individually wrapping them in clear wrap and tying with a pretty ribbon…
Kate says
I think they taste best the day that they are made or the day after that. To me, they taste a little stale after a few days. I hope that helps! =)
Natalie says
Just realized my kids turn for treats at school tomorrow and I have no eggs to make anything. Then I found this! Thank you!! #savedtheday
Kate says
I’m so glad! I don’t know how many times I’ve gone to make something and realized that I didn’t have any eggs. Hope the kids enjoyed them!
Brittney says
Hi! I want to make these for an upcoming playdate and wondering how many popcorn balls this recipe makes? Thanks!
Kate says
Hi! It made about 8 1-cup popcorn balls. Just as an aside – the 1-cup size is perfect for my husband and myself, but it’s a little large for our kids (ages 2 and 4). Good luck! I hope they’re a hit. =)
Lisa says
Can you make these with already popped/bagged popcorn? Could you use already popped Kettle corn?
Kate says
I don’t see any reason why you wouldn’t be able to use already popped popcorn or kettle corn for the popcorn balls. Good luck! =)
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
We love making popcorn balls Kate! We use a very similar recipe and they are just crazy good! Pinned!
Kate says
Aren’t they fun?! Thanks for the pin, Trish! =)
Mandi Welbaum says
There are so many ways to make a popcorn ball. Did you know Good Cook has a new popcorn ball kit out now?? I love your suggestion of how to make one. Reese pieces are really good with popcorn for sure.
Kate says
There are! No, I didn’t know about that kit. Come to think of it, I don’t think I’ve ever seen a popcorn ball kit. Thanks so much!! =)
Krista @ Joyful Healthy Eats says
Oh, that does sound good. AND reeses pieces are my all time favorite movie snack so this is basically perfect! Pinning! Thanks for sharing at Show Stopper Saturday!
Krista @ Joyful Healthy Eats
Kate says
Thanks!! =)
[email protected] says
Hi! Thanks for swinging by and linking this to our Marvelous Monday party – I’ll be sharing on FB and pinning this week.
Kate says
Thanks for hosting and for sharing!! =)
[email protected] Plaid and Paisley Kitchen says
Can you believe that I have never made or eaten a popcorn ball?!?! This looks so easy and so good i just need to go ahead make them!!!
Kate says
No!! You have to try a popcorn ball! Some are more candy-like, but these are more like marshmallow cereal treats. They’re so yummy that you should definitely try them! =)