Description
Easy Popcorn Balls are a fun and festive treat, perfect for holiday gatherings or anytime you want a sweet, crunchy snack. This recipe combines buttery popcorn with gooey melted marshmallows and optional additions like hot cocoa powder and colorful sprinkles for a delightful twist. The popcorn balls are simple to make, shaped easily, and stored conveniently in cupcake liners or wrapped in plastic.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 8 cups popped popcorn
- 1 tablespoon salted butter, plus more to butter baking sheet
- 10 ounce bag mini marshmallows
Optional Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons hot cocoa mix powder
- 2 tablespoons Christmas sprinkles
Instructions
- Prepare the baking sheet: Line a cupcake pan with cupcake liners and set aside. Butter a large baking sheet or spray it with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Arrange the popcorn: Spread the 8 cups of popped popcorn evenly on the prepared baking sheet to create a uniform base.
- Melt marshmallows: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon of salted butter. Add the mini marshmallows and stir constantly for about 5 minutes until fully melted and smooth.
- Add flavoring: Once the marshmallows are melted, stir in the 2 tablespoons of hot cocoa mix powder if using, and mix well to combine.
- Coat the popcorn: Evenly pour the melted marshmallow mixture over the popcorn on the baking sheet. Use a spatula to gently but thoroughly coat the popcorn. Add Christmas sprinkles on top if desired.
- Cool for handling: Allow the coated popcorn to cool enough so it can be handled with your hands without sticking or burning.
- Shape the popcorn balls: Using a large ice cream scoop (about 3 tablespoons), scoop the popcorn and roll it firmly in your hands to form balls.
- Serve or store: Place each popcorn ball into a cupcake liner or wrap each ball individually in plastic wrap for storage or gifting.
Notes
- Butter or cooking spray on the baking sheet helps prevent the popcorn from sticking.
- Hot cocoa mix powder is optional but adds a delicious chocolate flavor.
- Use a large ice cream scoop for uniform popcorn balls and ease of shaping.
- Allow popcorn balls to cool completely before wrapping to avoid stickiness and moisture buildup.
- Store popcorn balls airtight at room temperature for up to 3 days for best freshness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: popcorn balls, easy snack, marshmallow popcorn, holiday treat, Christmas popcorn balls
