Description
Bring back the magic of childhood with these nostalgic Popcorn Balls — sweet, crunchy, and fun to make! Perfect for parties, holidays, or a walk down memory lane, these treats are easily customizable with food coloring, candies, and sprinkles.
Ingredients
10 cups popped popcorn
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/3 cup light corn syrup
• 1/3 cup water
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp salt
• Food coloring (optional)
• Candies or sprinkles for decorating
Instructions
-
Prep Popcorn:
Place popcorn in a large mixing bowl, discarding any unpopped kernels. -
Cook Syrup:
In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup, water, butter, vanilla extract, and salt.
Cook over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves. -
Heat to Soft-Crack Stage:
Continue cooking without stirring until the mixture reaches 270°F (132°C) on a candy thermometer. -
Combine with Popcorn:
Quickly and carefully pour the hot syrup over the popcorn. Stir to coat evenly. Add food coloring if desired. -
Shape Balls:
With greased or buttered hands, shape the coated popcorn into balls.
Press candies or sprinkles onto each for decoration. -
Cool & Set:
Let the popcorn balls cool completely and firm up before serving.
Notes
Work fast once the syrup is poured — it sets quickly.
• Use disposable gloves with butter to avoid sticky hands.
• Great for wrapping individually as party favors or Halloween treats.
• Store in airtight containers to keep them fresh and crisp.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American