Popcorn Balls Recipe With Marshmallows

This popcorn balls recipe with marshmallows is the quintessential fall and Halloween treat. These easy popcorn balls are the perfect treat to make with kids! Add candy or food coloring for an extra bit of fun.

Original post: October 2010 | Updated: September 2020 and October 2024

Why This Recipe Works

I love Halloween. It has been one of my absolute favorite holidays since I was a kid. My mom always did such a good job of making it special with her homemade costumes, jack-o-lantern carvings and making constant festive treats! This classic popcorn ball recipe was one that she made often, and I have carried on the tradition.

Here are a few reasons why you need this recipe in your life:

• Homemade popcorn balls are great for school parties, birthday parties movie nights or neighbor gifts, even after the holiday is done or during any time of the year.
• These are such a fun treat, filled with ooey-gooey marshmallows. 
• This is such an easy recipe, requiring just a few simple ingredients and 30 minutes of your time. 
• It’s one of those fun recipes that kids have so much fun with. 
• Throw in some of that extra Halloween candy that is hanging out in your kitchen. 

Recipe Ingredients for Easy Marshmallow Popcorn Balls

Popcorn – Purchase a high-quality brand of popcorn to avoid burnt or unpopped kernels. 

Light corn syrup – This ingredient helps the balls achieve that glossy, gooey consistency. 

Marshmallows – Mini marshmallows work best, as they will melt easily and evenly.

Candy pieces – Use finely chopped miniature candy bars, M&M’s, candy corn or Skittles. Chopped dried fruit, chocolate chips or chopped nuts are other great options to add as mix-ins.

How To Make Popcorn Balls with Marshmallows 

Step 1

Start with about 1/2 cup of popcorn kernels. This will make enough popcorn to create 10 gooey marshmallow popcorn balls.

Place popped popcorn in an extra-large bowl. Set aside.

Step 2

In a large saucepan over medium heat, combine corn syrup, butter, powdered sugar and marshmallows. Heat over medium heat and stir until the mixture starts to bubble.

Carefully pour the melted marshmallow mixture into the bowl of popcorn and stir using a wooden spoon, ensuring each kernel is coated. 

Stir in candy pieces, if desired. 

Step 3

Squirt nonstick cooking spray onto your hands and grab about 1 cup of the popcorn mixture. Shape the coated popcorn into 3-4 inch balls. Once each ball is formed, set it onto a piece of wax paper or parchment paper to cool.

If the balls start to lose their shape, use your hands to reshape them before they cool completely.

Wrap individually with plastic wrap and store at room temperature. 

Recipe Notes 

• You can also try shaping the mixture into bite-size balls. Stick a popsicle stick in the center before they cool to room temperature. 
• If you’re skipping the candy, you can still spruce up the popcorn balls by adding colored sprinkles. 
• Transform popcorn balls into edible pumpkins! Add orange food coloring to the melted marshmallows just after it’s removed from the stove. Use a small piece of black licorice or Rolo candy to place on top of each ball, 
• For extra color, add 3-5 drops of food coloring to the mixture in the saucepan before adding it the popcorn. To achieve more of a tie-dye effect, add a single drop of several colors and use a knife to swirl it around before combining the popcorn with the hot mixture. 

Popcorn Ball Mix-Ins

• M&M’s
• Chopped Oreos
• Chopped Reese’s peanut butter cups
• Graham cracker pieces
• Chopped candy bars such as Twix, Snickers or Milky Way
• Raisins or chocolate covered raisins
• White or Milk Chocolate Chips
• Chopped nuts

How To Make Stovetop Popcorn

Say goodbye to microwave popcorn and all of the unknown ingredients that come along with it. Make stovetop popcorn easily, without MSG and with a ton of flavor.

Can You Make Popcorn Balls Using Microwave Popcorn

You can either pop the popcorn on the stove or in the microwave, but whichever route you go be sure the popcorn is unflavored and unbuttered. Always start with plain popcorn for this recipe. Two bags of microwave popcorn should get the job done.

How Long Will Popcorn Balls Stay Fresh

Popcorn balls will stay fresh for up to 7 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. However, this sweet treat is best enjoyed the day they are prepared. 

Best Fall Recipes

• Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are soft, pillowy, light and fluffy.
• Pumpkin Pie Bars is a great way to enjoy pumpkin pie, the easy way!
• Halloween Snack Mix is a great snack to have on hand. Great for Fall or Halloween themed parties. Only 6 ingredients and 10 minutes of your time!
• Pumpkin Layer Cake is the perfect festive dessert to bring to your next Halloween or fall-themed party or make it as a Thanksgiving dessert. 
• Candy Corn Cake has the most delicious flavor and texture. People will swoon when you cut into it.
• Caramel Apple Cupcakes are a dream come true! These are great for Fall or Halloween gatherings.
• Roasted Pumpkin Seeds are easy to make and even easier to eat.

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