Best 7 Traditional Popcorn Balls Recipes

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Indulge in the nostalgic and delightful treat of traditional popcorn balls, a classic confection that has been enjoyed for generations. These bite-sized spheres of fluffy popcorn, held together by a sweet and sticky syrup, are a perfect blend of crunchy and chewy textures. The syrup, typically made with sugar, corn syrup, and butter, provides a glossy sheen and a burst of sweetness that complements the savory flavor of the popcorn. Whether you're looking for a sweet ending to a family gathering, a festive treat for a holiday party, or a fun snack to enjoy on a cozy evening, popcorn balls offer a delightful experience that will satisfy your cravings. This article presents a collection of traditional popcorn ball recipes, each with its unique twist on this timeless classic. From the classic recipe that uses simple ingredients to variations that incorporate different flavors and toppings, these recipes provide step-by-step instructions to guide you in creating perfect popcorn balls that will bring joy to all who taste them.

Let's cook with our recipes!

QUICK AND EASY POPCORN BALLS



Quick and Easy Popcorn Balls image

These popcorn balls are made on the stovetop with corn syrup, sugar, oil, and popcorn. The mixture is formed into balls and enjoyed by kids and adults.

Provided by Diana Rattray

Categories     Dessert     Candy

Time 18m

Yield 12

Number Of Ingredients 6

1/4 cup corn oil
1/2 cup popcorn kernels (about 4 quarts popped)
1/2 cup dark corn syrup
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon butter (for hands)

Steps:

  • Wrap each popcorn ball individually in plastic wrap or place them in cellophane bags. You can also store them in a zip-top bag or other airtight containers.
  • Enjoy.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 123 kcal, Carbohydrate 19 g, Cholesterol 3 mg, Fiber 0 g, Protein 0 g, SaturatedFat 1 g, Sodium 120 mg, Sugar 19 g, Fat 6 g, ServingSize 12 servings, UnsaturatedFat 0 g

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.

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



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.

Tips:

  • Use fresh popcorn for the best flavor and texture.
  • Make sure the popcorn is completely cool before adding the other ingredients.
  • Use a large mixing bowl to combine the popcorn and other ingredients.
  • Be careful not to overmix the popcorn, or it will become tough.
  • Shape the popcorn balls into 1-inch balls and place them on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet.
  • Refrigerate the popcorn balls for at least 2 hours before serving.
  • For a fun twist, try adding different flavors to the popcorn balls, such as chocolate chips, peanut butter, or caramel.

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, picnics, or as a snack at home. With a few simple ingredients and a little bit of time, you can make your own delicious popcorn balls that will be sure to please everyone.

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