Best 20 Popcorn Balls Recipes

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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



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.

GRANDPA'S POPCORN BALLS



Grandpa's Popcorn Balls image

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

2 cups white sugar
1 cup light corn syrup
½ cup butter
¼ cup water
salt to taste
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon distilled white vinegar
5 quarts popped popcorn

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

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

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.

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.

EASY CARAMEL POPCORN BALLS



Easy Caramel Popcorn Balls image

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

3 (2.9 ounce) bags microwave popcorn, popped
1 cup brown sugar
⅔ cup sweetened condensed milk
½ cup corn syrup
¼ cup butter
½ teaspoon vanilla extract

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



Peanut Butter Popcorn Balls image

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

1 cup brown sugar
⅔ cup white corn syrup
¼ cup butter
1 cup peanut butter
20 cups popped popcorn

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



Festive JELL-O Popcorn Balls image

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

¼ cup butter or margarine
1 (10.5 ounce) bag JET-PUFFED Miniature Marshmallows
1 (3 ounce) package JELL-O Gelatin, any flavor
12 cups plain popped popcorn

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



Easy Popcorn Balls image

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

1/2 cup sugar
1/8 cup white corn syrup
1/4 cup margarine (half a stick)
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract (or almond)
2 quarts popped corn (1 microwave will do)

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).

JELLO POPCORN BALLS



Jello Popcorn Balls image

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

1 cup corn syrup
1/2 cup sugar
1 (3 ounce) package Jello gelatin (you can use any , we do it by color and season)
10 cups popped popcorn

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.

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.

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

CARAMEL POPCORN BALLS



Caramel Popcorn Balls image

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

8 cups popped popcorn
3 cups crisp rice cereal
42 caramels
3 tablespoons water
1 cup salted peanuts
1/8 teaspoon salt

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



Grandma's Caramel Popcorn Balls image

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

8 quarts popped popcorn
2 cups evaporated milk
2 cups white sugar
1 cup dark corn syrup (such as Karo®)
1 cup margarine
⅛ teaspoon salt

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)



Marshmallow Popcorn Balls Recipe - (4.3/5) image

Provided by Foodiewife

Number Of Ingredients 5

4 tablespoons (1/4-cup) unsalted butter
10 ounces marshmallows (you can use regular sized or mini marshmallows)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
12 cups popcorn

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



Caramel Popcorn Balls image

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

Chocolate sprinkles
1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
Melted chocolate
Rainbow sprinkles
Mini chocolate chips
Chopped nuts
Nonstick cooking spray
1 bag plain microwave popcorn
1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1/2 cup honey

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



Peanut Butter Popcorn Balls image

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

4 liters air popped popcorn
3/4 cup honey
1/4 cup brown sugar
3/4 cup peanut butter
1 teaspoon vanilla

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



Peanut Butter Popcorn Balls image

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

5 cups popped popcorn
1 cup dry roasted peanuts
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup light corn syrup
1/2 cup chunky peanut butter
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
10 lollipop sticks

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



The Best Popcorn Balls image

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

3/4 cup light corn syrup
1/4 cup butter or 1/4 cup margarine
2 teaspoons cold water
2 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar, plus
2 tablespoons confectioners' sugar
1 cup mini marshmallows, packed (can use large marshmallow, chopped into small pieces)
5 quarts plain popped popcorn

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

GRAMMY CARL'S POPCORN BALLS



Grammy Carl's Popcorn Balls image

Provided by Nancy Fuller

Categories     dessert

Time 50m

Yield 16 servings

Number Of Ingredients 5

10 cups (4.4 ounces) popped popcorn
1 cup molasses
1 cup sugar
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, plus more for coating hands
1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar

Steps:

  • Line a baking sheet with wax paper; set aside. Place the popcorn in a large bowl; set aside.
  • In a heavy medium pot, stir to combine the molasses, sugar, butter and vinegar. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a simmer and cook until the mixture reaches 260 degrees F (hard ball stage) on a candy thermometer, 5 to 8 minutes. Let cool for about 5 minutes, then pour over the popcorn; fold and mix to coat using a rubber spatula. Let the popcorn cool slightly.
  • Coat your hands well with butter and form the popcorn mixture into 1/2-cup balls, squeezing to keep the popcorn together. Place on the prepared baking sheet and let sit until completely cooled and hardened, about 20 minutes.

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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