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Easy Popcorn Ball Recipe

Posted by: / Desserts, Other Desserts, Snacks

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This easy marshmallow popcorn ball recipe is extremely fast & easy. No need to break out the candy thermometer to make these popcorn balls!

Popcorn balls with M&M's on the outside

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

Easy marshmallow popcorn ball recipe

Author: i heart eating
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: dessert, popcorn, snack
Servings: 10 popcorn balls
Easy Popcorn Ball Recipe
5 from 2 votes
Print Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 bag natural microwave popcorn*
  • 1/4 cup butter
  • 10 ounce bag mini marshmallows
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Pop popcorn according to package directions; set aside.
  2. In a large saucepan, melt butter.
  3. Continue cooking until butter begins to turn golden brown.
  4. Add marshmallows, and stir constantly until marshmallows have melted.
  5. Remove from heat, and stir in vanilla.
  6. Add popcorn, and fold into marshmallow mixture.
  7. When mixture is cool enough to handle, lightly spray your hands with nonstick cooking spray.
  8. Scoop about 1 cup of the popcorn mixture and smoosh it into a ball.
  9. Place on a sheet of waxed paper, parchment paper, or silicone baking mat to cool.

Recipe Notes

*Or about 9-10 cups of popped plain popcorn 
**You can press candy pieces into the outside of popcorn balls. 

***Nutrition values are estimates. 

Nutrition facts per serving (1popcorn ball)

Calories: 131kcal
Fat: 4g
Saturated fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 12mg
Sodium: 63mg
Carbohydrates: 23g
Sugar: 16g
Vitamin A: 2.8%
Calcium: 0.1%
Iron: 0.4%

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  2. Can I use marshmallow crème that comes in a jar instead of melting marshmallows? And what amount would I use if it is ok?

    Reply

    • 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!

      Reply


  4. 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!

    Reply

    • 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!

      Reply


  6. 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

    Reply

  7. Do these last long? Was thinking of making them as favors and individually wrapping them in clear wrap and tying with a pretty ribbon…

    Reply

    • 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! =)

      Reply

  8. 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

    Reply

    • 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!

      Reply

    • 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. =)

      Reply

  12. 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.

    Reply

    • 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!! =)

      Reply

    • 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! =)

      Reply


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