Popcorn Balls
Popcorn Balls
Looking for a fun snack that brings a touch of nostalgia? These popcorn balls are not just delicious but also a great way to engage in some kitchen fun, whether you’re making them for a movie night, a party, or just a rainy afternoon.
With their sweet, buttery flavor and a satisfying crunch, these treats are sure to delight both kids and adults alike!
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 12 servings
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
- Calories per serving: 120
- Protein: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fat: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 60mg
Why I Love This Popcorn Balls
I have always adored popcorn balls; they remind me of childhood days spent crafting treats for Halloween or movie marathons with family and friends.
There’s just something magical about combining fluffy popcorn with sweet syrup.
The best part? This recipe is super easy to make and offers room for creativity! You can dress them up with colorful food coloring or sprinkle them with candy toppings, making them perfect for any occasion.
They’re not just a treat; they’re a fun activity you can share with loved ones.
Ingredients
10 cups popped popcorn
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup light corn syrup
1/4 cup butter
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional: food coloring or candy toppings
How to Make Popcorn Balls
Step 1: Prep the Popcorn
In a large bowl, place the popped popcorn. Make sure to remove any unpopped kernels to ensure a pleasant snacking experience.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine sugar, corn syrup, butter, and salt. Stir the mixture gently until it comes to a boil.
Step 3: Boil the Mixture
Allow the mixture to boil for 4-5 minutes without stirring. This is key to achieving the right consistency, so keep an eye on it!
Step 4: Add Flavor
Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. The aroma will fill your kitchen and make your mouth water!
Step 5: Coat the Popcorn
Pour the syrup over the popcorn and mix until all the popcorn is nicely coated. It’s okay if it gets a little sticky!
Step 6: Color It Up (Optional)
If you want to add a pop of color, now’s the time! Add food coloring and mix well to incorporate the color throughout.
Step 7: Shape the Balls
Once the mixture is cool enough to handle, butter your hands and shape the mixture into balls. Don’t worry about them being perfect; the homemade charm is part of their appeal!
Step 8: Cool Completely
Let the popcorn balls cool completely before serving. This way, they’ll hold their shape beautifully.
Tips & Variations
- Make it colorful! If you want to add a festive touch for parties, use food coloring or sprinkle edible glitter on top.
- Try different toppings: Consider adding candy pieces, chocolate chips, or nuts for extra flavor. Just mix them in when you coat the popcorn.
- Dietary adjustments: For a gluten-free option, ensure the corn syrup is certified gluten-free.
- Storage: Store your popcorn balls in an airtight container to keep them fresh for up to a week.
Delicious Variations
- Caramel Corn – A sticky, sweet alternative with rich caramel flavor.
- Chocolate-Covered Popcorn – Drizzled with melted chocolate for that extra indulgent touch.
- Trail Mix Popcorn – Mix in dried fruit and nuts to create a healthy snack option.
- Savory Popcorn Balls – Swap the sugar for cheese powder for a salty twist!
Serving Suggestions for Popcorn Balls
These popcorn balls are best enjoyed at room temperature.
Serve them in a colorful bowl for parties or wrap them in cellophane for cute, homemade gifts. They make a fun snack alongside a fruity punch or a hot cocoa apres-ski.
Try pairing them with my creamy hot chocolate recipe for a cozy, sweet treat combo!
Storage and Leftovers
To keep your popcorn balls fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
If you need to make them ahead of time, you can also refrigerate them, but let them come back to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
Helpful Questions
Can I use microwave popcorn instead of stove-popped?
Yes, microwave popcorn works well, just ensure it’s plain or lightly salted for this recipe.What should I do if the syrup hardens?
If that happens, gently reheat the syrup in a saucepan and stir until it becomes fluid again.Are popcorn balls safe for younger kids?
Yes! They’re generally safe, but be cautious with younger children as they can be chewy and may be a choking hazard.Can I make these popcorn balls vegan?
Absolutely! Substitute the butter with a vegan butter or coconut oil, and ensure your corn syrup is vegan.Why did my popcorn balls fall apart?
This usually happens if the syrup hasn’t cooled enough before forming the balls. Make sure to let the mixture cool slightly in the bowl first!
Enjoy making these delightful popcorn balls; they’re bound to bring smiles and delicious crunches to your snack time!
Print
Popcorn Balls
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious, sweet, and buttery popcorn balls that are fun to make and perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 10 cups popped popcorn
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light corn syrup
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: food coloring or candy toppings
Instructions
- In a large bowl, place the popped popcorn and remove any unpopped kernels.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine sugar, corn syrup, butter, and salt. Stir gently until it comes to a boil.
- Allow the mixture to boil for 4-5 minutes without stirring.
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
- Pour the syrup over popcorn and mix until all the popcorn is coated.
- If desired, add food coloring and mix well.
- Shape mixture into balls using buttered hands.
- Let the popcorn balls cool completely before serving.
Notes
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For gluten-free, ensure corn syrup is certified gluten-free.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
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