Popcorn balls recipe with marshmallows are the quintessential fall and Halloween dessert. Super fun, ooey-gooey treat to make with kids! Add candy for an extra bit of fun.
Original post: October 2010 | Updated: September 2020
Why This Recipe Works
I have such fond memories of experiencing Halloween as a kid. There is something so special about enjoying holidays as a child. I find it crazy how the little things that I enjoyed thirty years ago still give me butterflies. Like easy popcorn balls!
Every time I see a popcorn ball, I think of those Halloweens when my mom made me the most elaborate costumes and when trick-or-treating was safe and when I loaded up on candy and devoured it until cavities formed before my eyes.
Popcorn balls recipe with marshmallows are the best fall or Halloween snack because they are filled with delicious marshmallows that are ooey-gooey. They are easy to make and you can involve the kiddos in the process!
While you’re at it, throw in some of that extra Halloween candy that is hanging out in your kitchen. Why not put it to good use?!
Recipe Ingredients
Popcorn – I prefer Orville Redenbacher’s because I feel the popcorn cooks most of the kernels and I don’t have hard or chewy popcorn kernels. You can use whatever you have on hand. Don’t add any toppings to it.
Light corn syrup – While a lot of the time we find ways to avoid corn syrup to recipes, this is one that I make an exception. I love a good popcorn ball once a year and the corn syrup helps attain the right consistency for our finished product.
Marshmallows – I recommend buying mini marshmallows so they melt easily and evenly.
Candy pieces – Sky’s the limit on what you want in your popcorn ball! Miniature candy bars chopped up, m&m’s or even skittles and nerds can be added in. Chopped dried fruit, chocolate or chopped nuts are other great options for mix-ins.
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How To Make Popcorn Balls with Marshmallows
Step 1
Place popped popcorn in a large bowl. Set aside.
Step 2
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the corn syrup, butter, 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.
Stir in candy pieces, if desired. You can’t wait to let the popcorn mixture cool until its easy to handle or you lose your window to get them created.
Step 3
Grease hands with butter and quickly shape the coated popcorn into balls before the mixture cools; it should be pliable enough to mix into balls and chopped candy (if desired). Think the size of a large apple. Once the soft ball is formed, set it onto a piece of wax paper to cool.
Wrap with plastic wrap and store at room temperature.
Recipe Notes
- Grab enough popcorn to make the balls about 3-4 inches in diameter, which is a good size for this treat.
- Another option is to form them into bite-size balls. Stick a popsicle stick in the center to reduce the amount of hand stickiness when eaten.
- Skip the candy but still spruce up the popcorn balls by adding colored sprinkles. It’ll look fun!
- Transform popcorn balls into edible pumpkins! Use orange food coloring to add color to the balls. Then use a small piece of black licorice or Rolo candy to place on top of the ball
- For extra color, add 3-5 drops of food coloring to the mixture in the saucepan before adding 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 adding popcorn.
Optional 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 Craisins
- White or Milk Chocolate Chips
- Chopped nuts
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.
FAQ About Popcorn Balls
Popcorn balls originated from a New York cookbook author E.F. Haskell who had the recipe included in her “Housekeeper’s Encyclopedia” book in 1861.
Most popcorn is gluten free. Popcorn is made from corn, which doesn’t contain gluten. It’s a great alternative to wheat for those with celiac diseaso. Many people add ingredients to season popcorn that would make it not be a wise choice for those avoiding gluten so check your toppings ingredient list carefully.
There are several ways you can make popcorn balls with ingredients that help shape them into a ball. You can use sugar and corn syrup, only use marshmallows and then others use gelatin powder.
Popcorn balls will stay fresh up to a week if you allow them to fully cool on wax paper and then store them in an airtight container. However, popcorn balls are best enjoyed the day they are prepared.
Perfect Fall Treats
- Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting – Introducing the only Pumpkin Cookie recipe you’ll ever need in your life. These cookies are DELICIOUS and so soft, pillowy, light and fluffy.
- Pumpkin Pie Bars – If you want a Pumpkin Pie without the hassle, make your pumpkin pie into bars instead! Each buttery bite of the tasty shortbread crust is perfect with the creamy pumpkin.
- 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 and as a Thanksgiving dessert.
- Candy Corn Cake – Celebrate fall or Halloween with a festive candy corn themed cake! The flavor and texture of this cake are delicious and people will swoon when you cut into it.
- Caramel Apple Cupcakes – Caramel Apples transformed into CUPCAKES, people! It’s a dream come true! These are great for Fall or Halloween gatherings!
- Roasted Pumpkin Seeds – Don’t let those delicious little pumpkin seeds go to waste when carving pumpkins! Season and roast them, they’re easy to make!
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Popcorn Balls Recipe With Marshmallows
Ingredients
- 12 cups plain popped popcorn 1/3 cup unpopped
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 1/4 cup butter
- 2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup marshmallows
- 2 cups candy pieces optional
Instructions
- Place popped popcorn in a large bowl. Set aside.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the corn syrup, butter, 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. Stir in candy pieces, if desired.
- Grease hands with shortening and quickly shape the coated popcorn into balls before the mixture cools. Wrap with plastic wrap and store at room temperature.
Notes
- Grab enough popcorn to make the balls about 3-4 inches in diameter, which is a good size for this treat.
- Another option is to form them into bite-size balls. Stick a popsicle stick in the center to reduce the amount of hand stickiness when eaten.
- To skip the candy in the balls while still sprucing up the popcorn balls, add colored sprinkles. It’ll look fun!
- Chopped dried fruit, chocolate or chopped nuts are other great options for mix-ins.
- Transform popcorn balls into edible pumpkins! Use orange food coloring to add color to the balls. Then use a small piece of black licorice or Rolo candy to place on top of the ball
- To add coloring, add 3-5 drops of food coloring to the mixture in the saucepan before adding 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 adding popcorn.
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