Indulge in a delightful journey of taste and texture with our comprehensive guide to popcorn balls, the beloved sweet treat that brings joy to people of all ages. From classic recipes that evoke nostalgic memories to innovative variations that push the boundaries of flavor, this article offers a collection of popcorn ball recipes that cater to every palate. Discover the secrets of crafting perfect popcorn balls, ensuring they are light and airy with just the right amount of sweetness. Learn how to transform ordinary popcorn into extraordinary treats by incorporating a variety of mix-ins, from gooey marshmallows and crunchy nuts to tangy dried fruits and decadent chocolate chips. Explore the art of decorating popcorn balls, turning them into festive party favors or personalized gifts. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, our detailed instructions and helpful tips will guide you through the process of creating these irresistible treats. So, gather your ingredients, pop some corn, and embark on a culinary adventure that will leave you with a batch of irresistible popcorn balls that are sure to be the highlight of any gathering.
Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!
TRADITIONAL POPCORN BALLS
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
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.
BEST EVER POPCORN BALLS
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
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
GRANDPA'S POPCORN BALLS
Great, Great Grandpa Apell had a huge farm in Illinois with prize-winning corn. He made Popcorn Balls for all the Grandkids at Christmastime. He lived to be 106 and claimed workin' the farm and eatin' corn was the secret! This recipe is delicious!
Provided by 3KIDS5
Categories Desserts Candy Recipes Popcorn Candy Recipes Popcorn Ball Recipes
Time 25m
Yield 10
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the sugar, corn syrup, butter and water. Stir and heat to hard-crack stage or 300 degrees F (150 degrees C). Remove from heat, add vanilla or vinegar; mix well.
- Pour slowly over popped popcorn while stirring. Wait 5 minutes and shape into 3 inch round balls.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 457.7 calories, Carbohydrate 75.1 g, Cholesterol 24.4 mg, Fat 18.7 g, Fiber 1.8 g, Protein 1.7 g, SaturatedFat 7.3 g, Sodium 317 mg, Sugar 48.9 g
OLD-FASHIONED POPCORN BALLS
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
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.
POPCORN BALLS
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
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.
EASY CARAMEL POPCORN BALLS
These popcorn balls are heavenly! Everyone I've shared them with becomes hooked instantly!
Provided by redamber
Categories Desserts Candy Recipes Popcorn Candy Recipes Popcorn Ball Recipes
Time 25m
Yield 12
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Pour popcorn into a large bowl.
- Combine brown sugar, condensed milk, corn syrup, butter, and vanilla extract in a saucepan over medium heat. Cook, stirring often, until a candy thermometer reads 234 degrees F (112 degrees C), about 5 minutes. Pour over popcorn; stir to coat evenly.
- Scoop some of the popcorn mixture onto a piece of plastic wrap. Gather and twist the plastic wrap to shape into a ball. Place popcorn ball on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper; repeat with remaining mixture. Let cool until set, about 5 minutes.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 300.1 calories, Carbohydrate 49.5 g, Cholesterol 15.9 mg, Fat 11.1 g, Fiber 2.1 g, Protein 3.3 g, SaturatedFat 4.4 g, Sodium 244.1 mg, Sugar 30.9 g
PEANUT BUTTER POPCORN BALLS
My mom made these every Halloween when I was a kid and you could still give this out as a treat. It still is a treat as a moist and chewy fall snack. You can make into balls or leave loose and serve like carmel corn if you prefer.
Provided by Lilcat
Categories Desserts Candy Recipes Popcorn Candy Recipes Popcorn Ball Recipes
Time 55m
Yield 16
Number Of Ingredients 5
Steps:
- Combine brown sugar, corn syrup, and butter in a large saucepan; cook and stir over medium heat until mixture comes to a rolling boil. Remove saucepan from heat; stir in peanut butter until mixture is smooth.
- Place popcorn in a large bowl. Pour peanut butter mixture over popcorn; toss until evenly coated. Form into about 16 balls using buttered hands. Arrange balls on a waxed paper-lined baking sheet; allow to dry and set, at least 30 minutes.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 249.4 calories, Carbohydrate 34.9 g, Cholesterol 7.6 mg, Fat 11.4 g, Fiber 2.5 g, Protein 5.3 g, SaturatedFat 3.6 g, Sodium 107.2 mg, Sugar 18.5 g
FESTIVE JELL-O POPCORN BALLS
These popcorn balls can be any color or combination of flavors and colors--and they're fun to make.
Provided by Kraft
Categories Trusted Brands: Recipes and Tips Kraft Desserts
Time 15m
Yield 16
Number Of Ingredients 4
Steps:
- Microwave butter and marshmallows in large microwaveable bowl on HIGH 1-1/2 to 2 min. or until marshmallows are puffed. Stir in gelatin mix until well blended.
- Add to popcorn in large bowl; toss to coat.
- Shape into 16 balls with greased or moistened hands.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 126.5 calories, Carbohydrate 24.3 g, Cholesterol 7.6 mg, Fat 3.1 g, Fiber 0.9 g, Protein 1.9 g, SaturatedFat 1.9 g, Sodium 58.6 mg, Sugar 15.7 g
EASY POPCORN BALLS
Make and share this Easy Popcorn Balls recipe from Food.com.
Provided by LovesFood
Categories Dessert
Time 20m
Yield 8-10 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Bring to a soft boil in a medium sauce pan over medium heat the sugar, white corn syrup, margarine, and salt.
- Remove from heat and add vanilla or almond extract.
- Mix sauce with popcorn in a large bowl.
- When cool enough, but still warm, form into balls. (easier to eat).
OLD-TIME POPCORN BALLS
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
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.
JELLO POPCORN BALLS
My dad's aunt would make these for Christmas every year for him and mail them....now it's my job! If you over cook they will be hard as a rock so be careful.
Provided by startnover
Categories Gelatin
Time 10m
Yield 1 batch
Number Of Ingredients 4
Steps:
- Mix all ingredients except popcorn in a heavy sauce pan.
- Bring to a boil and cook just till jello and sugar are dissolved.
- Pour over popcorn and mix well and fast.
- Wet your hands under cold water, shake it off don't dry it and work quickly forming popcorn balls.
- As you make them , wrap them in squares of wax paper.
- Re-wet your hands in between forming.
- The amount you get will depend on how big you make them -- cook time is left blank because it will vary.
POPCORN BALLS FROM KARO®
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
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
CARAMEL POPCORN BALLS
I've been a fan of popcorn since my mother used to grow corn in our garden. I've shared this special treat for years. Friends and family often request it during the holiday.-Anne Welsh, Greenwood, Indiana
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Snacks
Time 20m
Yield 10 popcorn balls.
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Combine popcorn and cereal in a large bowl; set aside. , In a heavy saucepan over low heat or in a microwave-safe dish, heat caramels and water until the caramels are melted. Stir in peanuts and salt; mix well. Pour over popcorn mixture and toss to coat. , With buttered hands, shape into 3-in. balls. Reshape if necessary when partially cooled.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 320 calories, Fat 13g fat (4g saturated fat), Cholesterol 3mg cholesterol, Sodium 350mg sodium, Carbohydrate 47g carbohydrate (29g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 7g protein.
GRANDMA'S CARAMEL POPCORN BALLS
My mom made these delicious popcorn balls when I was growing up. While doing my Christmas candy and cookie baking, I came across her recipe. I made the family recipe for the first time this year. My daughters, grown with their own families, asked why I hadn't made these sooner. Thirty plus years later, this recipe will now be a family tradition at Christmas.
Provided by Kim1520
Categories Desserts Candy Recipes Popcorn Candy Recipes Popcorn Ball Recipes
Time 50m
Yield 20
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Sort through popcorn, discarding unpopped kernels.
- Combine evaporated milk, sugar, corn syrup, margarine, and salt in a large saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a boil; stir constantly until caramel reaches 246 degrees F (119 degrees C) on a candy thermometer, about 5 minutes.
- Pour some popcorn into a very large bowl. Pour in some of the caramel; stir until evenly coated. Add remaining popcorn and caramel in batches, stirring well after each addition.
- Scoop some of the popcorn mixture onto a piece of plastic wrap. Gather and twist the plastic wrap to gently shape into a ball. Place popcorn ball on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper; repeat with remaining mixture. Let cool until set, about 15 minutes.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 340.2 calories, Carbohydrate 43.2 g, Cholesterol 7.3 mg, Fat 18.5 g, Fiber 1.4 g, Protein 3.1 g, SaturatedFat 3.9 g, Sodium 356.8 mg, Sugar 27.1 g
MARSHMALLOW POPCORN BALLS RECIPE - (4.3/5)
Provided by Foodiewife
Number Of Ingredients 5
Steps:
- Prepare the popcorn (I use 1/2 cup popcorn kernels with 2 tablespoons coconut oil). Place the popcorn into a large bowl, and remove any un-popped kernels. Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the marshmallows, vanilla and salt. Heat, stirring constantly, until the marshmallows are completely melted and the mixture is smooth. Shortcut: I melted all of the ingredients in a microwave (3 to 4 minutes) stirring a couple of times in between. I like to use disposable gloves, sprayed with non-stick spray to easily form the popcorn balls. Allow to set for at least an hour, so the popcorn balls stay stuck together. That's hard to do, as my family gets into them as fast as I can make them!
CARAMEL POPCORN BALLS
Your Halloween party needs these sweet and crunchy popcorn balls from Food Network.
Provided by Marcela Valladolid
Categories dessert
Time 35m
Yield 6 to 8 popcorn balls
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Grease a large mixing bowl and baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray. Cook the popcorn according to packaging instructions and dump into the prepared mixing bowl. Combine the brown sugar, honey and butter in a medium heavy pot and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until it boils. Continue to cook, stirring only occasionally, to prevent it from sticking, until a sugar thermometer inserted reaches 300 degrees F, about 10 minutes. Turn off the heat and add the baking soda and salt, stirring rapidly. Immediately pour the caramel over the popcorn, tossing to coat. Cool until the mixture is cool enough for handling, about 5 minutes. Using a bowl of water to dampen hands, shape the popcorn into balls about 3 1/2 inches in diameter. Place the caramel popcorn balls on the prepared baking sheet and pierce with a lollipop stick or skewer.
- Then drizzle the popcorn balls with the melted chocolate and decorate.
PEANUT BUTTER POPCORN BALLS
I created this tasty treat for my daughter's fourth birthday party. Fun and easy and no corn syrup!
Provided by Motivated Mama
Categories Dessert
Time 30m
Yield 10 Balls, 10 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 5
Steps:
- In a saucepan mix the honey and brown sugar. Bring to a boil while stirring then add peanut butter and vanilla. Stir until well combined.
- Place the popcorn into a large bowl and pour hot mixture over it and stir until it is well coated.
- The popcorn mixture will be hot but as soon as your hands can take the heat begin forming it into softball sized balls by compressing the popcorn tightly with your hands and placing them on a wax or parchment paper lined cookie sheet. Once all balls are formed, put the cookie sheet into the fridge to cool.
- (it doesn't take long but they can be left over night, it doesn't really matter).
- To keep little hands from getting too sticky, shove a stick into each ball after it has cooled.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 16758.8, Fat 269.1, SaturatedFat 44, Sodium 1222.6, Carbohydrate 3241.5, Fiber 560.2, Sugar 313, Protein 538.5
PEANUT BUTTER POPCORN BALLS
Friends and family are always happy to receive these tasty peanut butter popcorn balls. I love making them as well as eating them! -Betty Claycomb, Alverton, Pennsylvania
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Desserts
Time 20m
Yield 10 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Place popcorn and peanuts in a large bowl; set aside. In a large heavy saucepan over medium heat, bring sugar and corn syrup to a rolling boil, stirring occasionally. Remove from the heat; stir in peanut butter and vanilla. Quickly pour over popcorn mixture and mix well., When cool enough to handle, quickly shape into ten 2-1/2-in. balls; insert a lollipop stick into each ball. Let stand at room temperature until firm; wrap in plastic.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 281 calories, Fat 16g fat (2g saturated fat), Cholesterol 0 cholesterol, Sodium 228mg sodium, Carbohydrate 32g carbohydrate (25g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 7g protein.
THE BEST POPCORN BALLS
I have tryed many recipes over the years for popcorn balls when my son was small, these *are* the best and easy to make, they remain soft and chewy --- they are perfect for a children's Halloween party or for the holidays, I usually get about 25-30 good-sized balls with this recipe :)
Provided by Kittencalrecipezazz
Categories Candy
Time 10m
Yield 25 balls
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Line a large baking sheet/s with waxed paper.
- Place the popped popcorn into a large heat-proof bowl.
- In a saucepan over medium heat combine the corn syrup, butter or margarine, cold water, 2-1/2 cups plus 2 tablespoons confectioners sugar and marshmallows; heat and stir until the mixture comes to a boil; remove from heat then carefully pour the hot mixture in with the popped popcorn.
- Mix with a wooden spoon to combine, carefully coating each kernel.
- Grease your hands with vegetable shortening.
- Working as quickly as possible shape the coated popcorn mixture into balls.
- Make certain that the balls are completely cooled then wrap each ball with cellophane or plastic wrap and store at room temperature (use coloured wrap for the holidays).
- Place on a baking sheet.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 125.5, Fat 2.2, SaturatedFat 1.2, Cholesterol 4.9, Sodium 21.7, Carbohydrate 27.1, Fiber 0.9, Sugar 16.3, Protein 0.9
PEANUT CANDY POPCORN BALLS
Kids love these colorful novelties, concocted from popcorn, nuts, M&M's and marshmallows, so they make great stocking stuffers. Instead of balls, the salty-sweet recipe can be shaped into a cheery cake using a buttered angel food cake pan.
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Snacks
Time 20m
Yield about 20 popcorn balls.
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- In a large bowl, combine the popcorn, peanuts, pecans and M&M's; set aside. In a large saucepan, combine the butter, oil and marshmallows; cook and stir until smooth. Pour over popcorn mixture; mix well., When cool enough to handle, shape into popcorn balls. Let stand at room temperature until firm before wrapping in plastic wrap or stacking.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 440 calories, Fat 29g fat (8g saturated fat), Cholesterol 15mg cholesterol, Sodium 195mg sodium, Carbohydrate 43g carbohydrate (28g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 6g protein.
Tips:
- Use fresh popcorn for the best results. Stale popcorn will not hold together as well.
- If you don't have a candy thermometer, you can use the cold water test to check if the sugar syrup is ready. Drop a small amount of the syrup into a bowl of cold water. If it forms a firm ball, the syrup is ready.
- Be careful not to overcook the sugar syrup. If it gets too hot, it will become brittle and difficult to work with.
- Work quickly when you are forming the popcorn balls. The syrup will start to harden as it cools, so you need to work quickly to get them all shaped before it sets.
- If you are having trouble getting the popcorn balls to hold together, you can add a little bit of corn syrup or honey to the mixture.
Conclusion:
Popcorn balls are a delicious and easy-to-make treat that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. They are perfect for parties, potlucks, or as a quick snack. With a little bit of practice, you can make perfect popcorn balls every time.
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