Best 9 How To Make Popcorn Balls Recipes

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Popcorn balls are a delightful confectionery treat made from popped corn bound together with a sweet syrup. They are a popular snack around the world, often enjoyed during festivities and celebrations. Popcorn balls are relatively easy to make at home, requiring only a few basic ingredients and equipment.

This article provides two recipes for making popcorn balls: a classic recipe using corn syrup and a healthier version using honey. Both recipes yield delicious and fluffy popcorn balls that are sure to satisfy your sweet cravings. The classic recipe produces a slightly chewier texture, while the honey version offers a softer, more delicate bite. Additionally, the article includes a fun variation using chocolate chips for a richer, indulgent treat.

To make popcorn balls, you will need popcorn kernels, sugar, light corn syrup (or honey for the healthier version), butter, vanilla extract, and baking soda. The process involves popping the corn, making the syrup mixture, combining the two, and forming the popcorn balls. Detailed step-by-step instructions are provided for each recipe, along with helpful tips and tricks for achieving perfect results.

Whether you prefer the classic or healthier recipe, or are looking for a chocolatey variation, this article has you covered. With its clear instructions and comprehensive information, you'll be able to create delicious and delightful popcorn balls that will be a hit at any gathering.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

TRADITIONAL POPCORN BALLS



Traditional Popcorn Balls image

Kids of all ages enjoy this popcorn ball recipe as an old-fashioned holiday treat. One batch goes a long way. -Cathy Karges, Hazen, North Dakota

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Desserts

Time 20m

Yield 20 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 8

7 quarts popped popcorn
1 cup sugar
1 cup light corn syrup
1/4 cup water
1/4 teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Food coloring, optional

Steps:

  • Place popcorn in a large baking pan; keep warm in a 200° oven. , In a heavy saucepan, combine the sugar, corn syrup, water and salt. Cook over medium heat until a candy thermometer reads 235° (soft-ball stage). , Remove from the heat. Add the butter, vanilla and food coloring if desired; stir until butter is melted. Immediately pour over popcorn and stir until evenly coated. , When mixture is cool enough to handle, quickly shape into 3-in. balls, dipping hands in cold water to prevent sticking.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 177 calories, Fat 6g fat (2g saturated fat), Cholesterol 5mg cholesterol, Sodium 203mg sodium, Carbohydrate 31g carbohydrate (18g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 1g protein.

OLD-TIME POPCORN BALLS



Old-Time Popcorn Balls image

Our whole family loves popcorn. These old-time popcorn balls are great anytime, but they're especially fun to pass out to trick-or-treaters or to use at Christmastime as stocking stuffers! They always look appealing when covered in clear wrap and tied with a festive ribbon. -LaReine Stevens, Ypsilanti, Michigan

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Snacks

Time 30m

Yield 8 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 7

2 quarts popped popcorn
1/2 cup molasses
1/2 cup sugar
1/3 cup water
1 tablespoon white vinegar
1 tablespoon butter
1/4 teaspoon baking soda

Steps:

  • Place popcorn in a large bowl and set aside. In a large heavy saucepan, combine molasses, sugar, water, vinegar and butter. Cook, without stirring, over medium heat until mixture reaches 235° on a candy thermometer (soft-ball stage). Add baking soda and stir well. , Remove from heat and immediately pour over popcorn, stirring gently with a wooden spoon until well coated. When cool enough to handle, quickly shape into 3-in. balls, dipping hands in cool water to prevent the syrup from sticking.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 170 calories, Fat 5g fat (1g saturated fat), Cholesterol 4mg cholesterol, Sodium 159mg sodium, Carbohydrate 33g carbohydrate (24g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 1g protein.

CARAMEL POPCORN BALLS



Caramel Popcorn Balls image

Easy to make and delicious. Kids Love them.

Provided by Suzanne

Categories     Desserts     Candy Recipes     Popcorn Candy Recipes     Popcorn Ball Recipes

Yield 15

Number Of Ingredients 7

5 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 ½ cups unpopped popcorn
¼ cup butter
1 cup packed light brown sugar
½ cup light corn syrup
⅔ cup sweetened condensed milk
½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Steps:

  • Add 1 tablespoon of the oil to a 4 quart saucepan, and heat over high heat. When oil is hot, add 1/2 cup of popping corn. Keep pan moving constantly. When corn stops popping, remove from heat. Place popped corn in oven to keep warm. Repeat until all corn has been popped. Set aside.
  • In a medium saucepan with a candy thermometer inserted, combine butter, sugar, and corn syrup. Stir well and bring to boiling over medium heat. Stir in condensed milk; simmer, stirring constantly, until thermometer reads 238 degrees F (114 degrees C). Stir in vanilla.
  • Pour caramel over popped corn and stir to coat. Butter hands lightly; shape popcorn into balls about 3 1/2 inches in diameter.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 322.1 calories, Carbohydrate 54.8 g, Cholesterol 12.8 mg, Fat 10.4 g, Fiber 4.9 g, Protein 5.2 g, SaturatedFat 3.4 g, Sodium 51 mg, Sugar 25 g

BEST EVER POPCORN BALLS



Best Ever Popcorn Balls image

Sweet, crunchy balls of popcorn.

Provided by TABKAT

Categories     Desserts     Candy Recipes     Popcorn Candy Recipes     Popcorn Ball Recipes

Time 20m

Yield 20

Number Of Ingredients 6

¾ cup light corn syrup
¼ cup margarine
2 teaspoons cold water
2 ⅝ cups confectioners' sugar
1 cup marshmallows
5 quarts plain popped popcorn

Steps:

  • In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the corn syrup, margarine, cold water, confectioners' sugar and marshmallows. Heat and stir until the mixture comes to a boil. Carefully combine the hot mixture with the popcorn, coating each kernel.
  • Grease hands with vegetable shortening and quickly shape the coated popcorn into balls before it cools. Wrap with cellophane or plastic wrap and store at room temperature.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 190.5 calories, Carbohydrate 32.8 g, Fat 7 g, Fiber 0.9 g, Protein 0.9 g, SaturatedFat 1.1 g, Sodium 151.7 mg, Sugar 20.9 g

POPCORN BALLS



Popcorn Balls image

No tricks, only treats here! This classic kid-friendly snack is made with just four ingredients-popcorn, melted buttered, marshmallows, and light brown sugar. Feel free to mix in additional sweet ingredients such as dried fruit, toffee bits, or chopped chocolate to these popcorn balls.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Dessert & Treats Recipes

Yield Makes about 12

Number Of Ingredients 5

1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, plus more for buttering hands
1 package miniature marshmallows (10 ounces)
1/4 cup light brown sugar, firmly packed
3 quarts popped popcorn
1 cup dried cranberries, or English toffee bits, optional

Steps:

  • Melt butter in a large heavy pot over low heat. Add marshmallows and brown sugar and stir until melted. Remove from heat.
  • Pour popcorn and cranberries, or English toffee bits if using, into pot; toss well. With buttered hands, shape into 2 1/2-inch balls. Set on parchment lined baking sheet to dry slightly.

POPCORN BALLS



Popcorn Balls image

Field editor Edna Hoffman of Hebron, Indiana writes, "These sweet chewy snacks are made from one of our state's most popular crops-popcorn! This version has a nice caramel color and flavor."

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Snacks

Time 30m

Yield 6 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 7

2 quarts popped popcorn
1 cup packed brown sugar
1/3 cup water
1/3 cup dark corn syrup
1/4 cup butter, cubed
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Steps:

  • Place popcorn in a large bowl; set aside. In a large heavy saucepan, combine the brown sugar, water, corn syrup, butter and salt. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Continue cooking, without stirring, until a candy thermometer reads 270° (soft-crack stage)., Remove from the heat; stir in vanilla. Pour over popcorn; stir to coat. When cool enough to handle, quickly shape into balls.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 331 calories, Fat 12g fat (5g saturated fat), Cholesterol 20mg cholesterol, Sodium 446mg sodium, Carbohydrate 58g carbohydrate (43g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 1g protein.

OLD-FASHIONED POPCORN BALLS



Old-Fashioned Popcorn Balls image

Popcorn always make a crowd-pleasing snack...but you can make it into a chewy, sweet delight with this classic recipe.-American Pop Corn Co., Sioux City, Iowa

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Snacks

Time 35m

Yield 1 dozen.

Number Of Ingredients 7

2 quarts popped popcorn
1 cup sugar
1/3 cup light or dark corn syrup
1/3 cup water
1/4 cup butter
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Steps:

  • Place popcorn in a baking pan and keep warm in a 200° oven. Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, stir together the sugar, corn syrup, water, butter and salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture comes to a boil. , Continue cooking without stirring until the temperature reaches 270° on a candy thermometer. Remove from the heat. Add vanilla; stir just enough to mix. Slowly pour over the popcorn. Cool just enough to handle. Shape with buttered hands.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 161 calories, Fat 6g fat (3g saturated fat), Cholesterol 10mg cholesterol, Sodium 213mg sodium, Carbohydrate 28g carbohydrate (21g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 1g protein.

MARSHMALLOW POPCORN BALLS



Marshmallow Popcorn Balls image

These are very easy popcorn balls to make. The marshmallows make them similar to crispy rice cereal bars that are so popular. Made with marshmallows, these are sweet, crispy, and chewy. Everyone's favorite combination!

Provided by Kory H.

Categories     Desserts     Candy Recipes     Popcorn Candy Recipes     Popcorn Ball Recipes

Time 30m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 4

1 tablespoon vegetable oil
½ cup unpopped popcorn
6 tablespoons butter
5 cups miniature marshmallows

Steps:

  • Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. Set aside.
  • Add vegetable oil to a 4 quart saucepan, and heat over high heat. When oil is hot, add popping corn. Keep pan moving constantly. When corn stops popping, remove from heat. Put popcorn in prepared pan.
  • Melt butter In a medium saucepan over low heat. Stir in marshmallows and cook until melted, stirring constantly. Pour marshmallow mixture over popcorn and mix with spoon to coat evenly.
  • Let mixture cool slightly. Smear butter on your hands or spray with non-stick cooking spray. Mix popcorn with your hands so that it is evenly coated.
  • Form popcorn into 8 balls.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 237.2 calories, Carbohydrate 34.7 g, Cholesterol 22.9 mg, Fat 11 g, Fiber 1.9 g, Protein 2.2 g, SaturatedFat 5.8 g, Sodium 86.7 mg, Sugar 18.2 g

POPCORN BALLS FROM KARO®



Popcorn Balls from Karo® image

Old-fashioned popcorn balls!

Provided by Karo Corn Syrup

Categories     Trusted Brands: Recipes and Tips     ARGO®, KARO®, FLEISCHMANN'S®

Time 20m

Yield 12

Number Of Ingredients 7

12 cups popped popcorn
1 cup granulated sugar
½ cup Karo® Light or Dark Corn Syrup
¼ cup butter or margarine
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon Spice Islands® Pure Vanilla Extract
½ teaspoon baking soda

Steps:

  • Spray large roasting pan with cooking spray; add popcorn and place in 300F oven until warm. (Popcorn can also be warmed in a large microwave safe bowl for 1 to 2 minutes on HIGH (100%) power.)
  • Combine sugar, corn syrup, butter and salt in a heavy 2-quart saucepan. Stirring constantly, bring to boil over medium heat. Continue stirring and boil 2 minutes.
  • Remove syrup mixture from heat; stir in vanilla and baking soda. Pour syrup mixture over warm popcorn stirring to coat well. Cover hands with two plastic bags, spray bags lightly with cooking spray. Working quickly shape twelve 3-inch popcorn balls.
  • Cool completely. Wrap individually in plastic wrap.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 180.9 calories, Carbohydrate 29.6 g, Cholesterol 10.2 mg, Fat 6.9 g, Fiber 1.1 g, Protein 1 g, SaturatedFat 3 g, Sodium 300.5 mg, Sugar 19.1 g

Tips for Making Perfect Popcorn Balls:

  • Use Fresh Popcorn: Freshly popped popcorn is essential for making popcorn balls that are light and airy. Old popcorn tends to be tough and chewy.
  • Keep the Popcorn Warm: After popping the corn, keep it warm in a large bowl or pot. This will help prevent the popcorn from becoming too hard and brittle.
  • Use the Right Amount of Syrup: The amount of syrup you use will determine the sweetness and stickiness of your popcorn balls. If you use too much syrup, the popcorn balls will be too sticky. If you use too little syrup, the popcorn balls will be too dry.
  • Work Quickly: Popcorn balls are best made when the syrup is still warm and pliable. Once the syrup starts to cool, it will become difficult to work with.
  • Use Your Hands: The best way to mix the popcorn and syrup is with your hands. This will help you evenly distribute the syrup and prevent the popcorn balls from becoming too dense.
  • Shape the Popcorn Balls: Once the popcorn and syrup are well mixed, shape the mixture into balls. You can use your hands or a cookie scoop to shape the popcorn balls.
  • Let the Popcorn Balls Cool: Once the popcorn balls are shaped, let them cool completely before serving. This will help the popcorn balls hold their shape.

Conclusion:

Making popcorn balls is a fun and easy way to enjoy a classic snack. With the right ingredients and a little bit of practice, you can make perfect popcorn balls every time. So next time you're looking for a sweet and satisfying treat, give popcorn balls a try!

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