Best 12 The Best Popcorn Balls Recipes

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When it comes to classic snacks with a nostalgic charm, popcorn balls hold a special place in our hearts. These bite-sized treats, often associated with fairs, festivals, and movie nights, evoke fond memories for people of all ages. Cooking the best popcorn balls is a culinary pursuit that brings joy to both the maker and the eater. With the right recipe and a few simple ingredients, you can create popcorn balls that are irresistibly fluffy, perfectly sweet, and bursting with buttery flavor. Whether you prefer the traditional method with corn syrup or want to explore variations using honey or marshmallows, there's a popcorn ball recipe out there to satisfy your craving. So let's embark on a delightful journey of discovering the secrets behind crafting the best popcorn balls that will leave your taste buds dancing with happiness.

Here are our top 12 tried and tested recipes!

TRADITIONAL POPCORN BALLS



Traditional Popcorn Balls image

Kids of all ages enjoy this popcorn ball recipe as an old-fashioned holiday treat. One batch goes a long way. -Cathy Karges, Hazen, North Dakota

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Desserts

Time 20m

Yield 20 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 8

7 quarts popped popcorn
1 cup sugar
1 cup light corn syrup
1/4 cup water
1/4 teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Food coloring, optional

Steps:

  • Place popcorn in a large baking pan; keep warm in a 200° oven. , In a heavy saucepan, combine the sugar, corn syrup, water and salt. Cook over medium heat until a candy thermometer reads 235° (soft-ball stage). , Remove from the heat. Add the butter, vanilla and food coloring if desired; stir until butter is melted. Immediately pour over popcorn and stir until evenly coated. , When mixture is cool enough to handle, quickly shape into 3-in. balls, dipping hands in cold water to prevent sticking.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 177 calories, Fat 6g fat (2g saturated fat), Cholesterol 5mg cholesterol, Sodium 203mg sodium, Carbohydrate 31g carbohydrate (18g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 1g protein.

GRANDPA'S POPCORN BALLS



Grandpa's Popcorn Balls image

Great, Great Grandpa Apell had a huge farm in Illinois with prize-winning corn. He made Popcorn Balls for all the Grandkids at Christmastime. He lived to be 106 and claimed workin' the farm and eatin' corn was the secret! This recipe is delicious!

Provided by 3KIDS5

Categories     Desserts     Candy Recipes     Popcorn Candy Recipes     Popcorn Ball Recipes

Time 25m

Yield 10

Number Of Ingredients 8

2 cups white sugar
1 cup light corn syrup
½ cup butter
¼ cup water
salt to taste
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon distilled white vinegar
5 quarts popped popcorn

Steps:

  • In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the sugar, corn syrup, butter and water. Stir and heat to hard-crack stage or 300 degrees F (150 degrees C). Remove from heat, add vanilla or vinegar; mix well.
  • Pour slowly over popped popcorn while stirring. Wait 5 minutes and shape into 3 inch round balls.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 457.7 calories, Carbohydrate 75.1 g, Cholesterol 24.4 mg, Fat 18.7 g, Fiber 1.8 g, Protein 1.7 g, SaturatedFat 7.3 g, Sodium 317 mg, Sugar 48.9 g

THE BEST POPCORN BALLS



The Best Popcorn Balls image

I have tryed many recipes over the years for popcorn balls when my son was small, these *are* the best and easy to make, they remain soft and chewy --- they are perfect for a children's Halloween party or for the holidays, I usually get about 25-30 good-sized balls with this recipe :)

Provided by Kittencalrecipezazz

Categories     Candy

Time 10m

Yield 25 balls

Number Of Ingredients 7

3/4 cup light corn syrup
1/4 cup butter or 1/4 cup margarine
2 teaspoons cold water
2 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar, plus
2 tablespoons confectioners' sugar
1 cup mini marshmallows, packed (can use large marshmallow, chopped into small pieces)
5 quarts plain popped popcorn

Steps:

  • Line a large baking sheet/s with waxed paper.
  • Place the popped popcorn into a large heat-proof bowl.
  • In a saucepan over medium heat combine the corn syrup, butter or margarine, cold water, 2-1/2 cups plus 2 tablespoons confectioners sugar and marshmallows; heat and stir until the mixture comes to a boil; remove from heat then carefully pour the hot mixture in with the popped popcorn.
  • Mix with a wooden spoon to combine, carefully coating each kernel.
  • Grease your hands with vegetable shortening.
  • Working as quickly as possible shape the coated popcorn mixture into balls.
  • Make certain that the balls are completely cooled then wrap each ball with cellophane or plastic wrap and store at room temperature (use coloured wrap for the holidays).
  • Place on a baking sheet.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 125.5, Fat 2.2, SaturatedFat 1.2, Cholesterol 4.9, Sodium 21.7, Carbohydrate 27.1, Fiber 0.9, Sugar 16.3, Protein 0.9

SALTY AND SWEET POPCORN BALLS



Salty and Sweet Popcorn Balls image

Provided by Duff Goldman

Categories     dessert

Time 1h20m

Yield 12 servings

Number Of Ingredients 11

Cooking spray
10 cups lightly salted popped popcorn
1 cup salted mini pretzels, lightly crushed
1 1/2 cups peanut butter chips
1 1/2 cups milk chocolate chips
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 1/4 cups confectioners' sugar
1/3 cup light corn syrup
1 cup mini marshmallows
1/2 cup white chocolate chips
3/4 cup crushed potato chips

Steps:

  • Light coat a 12-cup muffin tin with cooking spray.
  • Combine the popcorn, pretzel pieces, 1 cup of the peanut butter chips and 1 cup of the milk chocolate chips in a large bowl. Toss to distribute evenly.
  • Melt the butter, confectioners' sugar, corn syrup and marshmallows in a large microwave-safe bowl in 15 second intervals, stirring between each interval, until completely melted.
  • Pour the melted marshmallow mixture over the popcorn mixture and stir until evenly coated. Quickly, but gently form twelve 2 1/2-to-3-inch-diameter balls with either your hands or a large cookie scoop lightly coated with cooking spray. Pretend you're making snowballs, but don't pack them too hard. Place each of them in a well of the prepared muffin tin so they hold their shape as they cool.
  • When the popcorns balls are cool, melt the remaining 1/2 cup peanut butter chips, the remaining 1/2 cup milk chocolate chips and the white chocolate chips in each of 3 small microwave-safe bowls in 15 second intervals, stirring occasionally. Transfer the melted chips to each of 3 small piping bags or resealable bags. Snip the tips and drizzle over the popcorn balls. Top evenly with the crushed potato chips and let set, about 30 minutes, before serving.

BEST EVER POPCORN BALLS



Best Ever Popcorn Balls image

Sweet, crunchy balls of popcorn.

Provided by TABKAT

Categories     Desserts     Candy Recipes     Popcorn Candy Recipes     Popcorn Ball Recipes

Time 20m

Yield 20

Number Of Ingredients 6

¾ cup light corn syrup
¼ cup margarine
2 teaspoons cold water
2 ⅝ cups confectioners' sugar
1 cup marshmallows
5 quarts plain popped popcorn

Steps:

  • In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the corn syrup, margarine, cold water, 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.
  • Grease hands with vegetable shortening and quickly shape the coated popcorn into balls before it cools. Wrap with cellophane or plastic wrap and store at room temperature.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 190.5 calories, Carbohydrate 32.8 g, Fat 7 g, Fiber 0.9 g, Protein 0.9 g, SaturatedFat 1.1 g, Sodium 151.7 mg, Sugar 20.9 g

POPCORN BALLS



Popcorn Balls image

Provided by Duff Goldman

Categories     appetizer

Time 50m

Yield 18 to 24 balls

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 gallon plus 1 quart (that?s 20 cups) plain popped popcorn
1 3/4 cups peanut butter chips
1 3/4 cups milk chocolate chips
1 stick unsalted butter
2 1/2 cups confectioners? sugar
3/4 cup light corn syrup
1 cup mini marshmallows
Cooking spray

Steps:

  • In a big bowl, combine the popcorn and 11/4 cups each of the peanut butter chips and chocolate chips. Toss to distribute evenly.
  • In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt the butter, sugar, corn syrup and marshmallows, stirring constantly to keep the mixture from burning.
  • When the sugar mixture boils, pour it over the popcorn mixture and stir to evenly coat, then quickly but gently form balls in the size you like. Place them in small bowls or the wells of a muffin tin that have been lightly coated with cooking spray so they hold their shape as they cool. Pretend you?re making snowballs but don?t pack them too hard.
  • In two separate small saucepans over low heat, melt the remaining 1/2 cup each peanut butter chips and milk chocolate chips (or microwave in two small bowls) and drizzle the two over the cooled popcorn balls.

POPCORN BALLS



Popcorn Balls image

Provided by Alton Brown

Time 35m

Yield 10 to 12 popcorn balls

Number Of Ingredients 13

1 recipe Perfect Popcorn, butter omitted, recipe follows
1/4 cup cocoa nibs
7 1/2 ounces light corn syrup, approximately 2/3 cup
7 ounces granulated sugar, approximately 1 cup
4 1/4 ounces molasses, approximately 1/3 cup
1/3 cup water
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Unsalted butter, for shaping
3 tablespoons peanut oil
3 ounces popcorn kernels
1/2 teaspoon popcorn salt
3 tablespoons unsalted butter

Steps:

  • Combine the popcorn and cocoa nibs in a very large mixing bowl. Make sure to remove any unpopped kernels.
  • Combine the corn syrup, sugar, molasses, water, salt, and vanilla in a 3 1/2-quart saucepan and put it over medium heat. Cover and bring to boil, about 2 to 3 minutes. Remove the lid and clip on a candy thermometer. Continue to cook until the mixture reaches 250 degrees F. Take the pan off the heat, remove the candy thermometer and immediately pour the mixture over the popcorn. Stir to coat the popcorn evenly. Cool until the mixture can be handled safely, about 2 to 3 minutes.
  • Using a large ice cream disher, scoop the popcorn mixture into 3-inch rounds onto a parchment lined half sheet pan, smoothing with buttered hands as needed. Cool completely. Wrap individually in plastic wrap or put them in an airtight container. Store for up to 2 days.
  • Put the oil, popcorn and salt in a large, 6-quart, metal mixing bowl. Cover with heavy-duty aluminum foil and poke 10 slits in the top with a knife. Put the bowl over medium heat and shake constantly using tongs to hold the bowl. Continue shaking until the popcorn finishes popping, approximately 3 minutes. Remove the bowl from the heat and carefully remove the foil. Stir in any salt that is on the side of the bowl. Melt the butter in the microwave. Slowly drizzle over the popcorn, while spinning the bowl. Serve immediately.

GRAMMY CARL'S POPCORN BALLS



Grammy Carl's Popcorn Balls image

Provided by Nancy Fuller

Categories     dessert

Time 50m

Yield 16 servings

Number Of Ingredients 5

10 cups (4.4 ounces) popped popcorn
1 cup molasses
1 cup sugar
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, plus more for coating hands
1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar

Steps:

  • Line a baking sheet with wax paper; set aside. Place the popcorn in a large bowl; set aside.
  • In a heavy medium pot, stir to combine the molasses, sugar, butter and vinegar. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a simmer and cook until the mixture reaches 260 degrees F (hard ball stage) on a candy thermometer, 5 to 8 minutes. Let cool for about 5 minutes, then pour over the popcorn; fold and mix to coat using a rubber spatula. Let the popcorn cool slightly.
  • Coat your hands well with butter and form the popcorn mixture into 1/2-cup balls, squeezing to keep the popcorn together. Place on the prepared baking sheet and let sit until completely cooled and hardened, about 20 minutes.

POPCORN BALLS



Popcorn Balls image

No tricks, only treats here! This classic kid-friendly snack is made with just four ingredients-popcorn, melted buttered, marshmallows, and light brown sugar. Feel free to mix in additional sweet ingredients such as dried fruit, toffee bits, or chopped chocolate to these popcorn balls.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Dessert & Treats Recipes

Yield Makes about 12

Number Of Ingredients 5

1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, plus more for buttering hands
1 package miniature marshmallows (10 ounces)
1/4 cup light brown sugar, firmly packed
3 quarts popped popcorn
1 cup dried cranberries, or English toffee bits, optional

Steps:

  • Melt butter in a large heavy pot over low heat. Add marshmallows and brown sugar and stir until melted. Remove from heat.
  • Pour popcorn and cranberries, or English toffee bits if using, into pot; toss well. With buttered hands, shape into 2 1/2-inch balls. Set on parchment lined baking sheet to dry slightly.

MARSHMALLOW POPCORN BALLS



Marshmallow Popcorn Balls image

These are very easy popcorn balls to make. The marshmallows make them similar to crispy rice cereal bars that are so popular. Made with marshmallows, these are sweet, crispy, and chewy. Everyone's favorite combination!

Provided by Kory H.

Categories     Desserts     Candy Recipes     Popcorn Candy Recipes     Popcorn Ball Recipes

Time 30m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 4

1 tablespoon vegetable oil
½ cup unpopped popcorn
6 tablespoons butter
5 cups miniature marshmallows

Steps:

  • Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. Set aside.
  • Add vegetable oil to a 4 quart saucepan, and heat over high heat. When oil is hot, add popping corn. Keep pan moving constantly. When corn stops popping, remove from heat. Put popcorn in prepared pan.
  • Melt butter In a medium saucepan over low heat. Stir in marshmallows and cook until melted, stirring constantly. Pour marshmallow mixture over popcorn and mix with spoon to coat evenly.
  • Let mixture cool slightly. Smear butter on your hands or spray with non-stick cooking spray. Mix popcorn with your hands so that it is evenly coated.
  • Form popcorn into 8 balls.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 237.2 calories, Carbohydrate 34.7 g, Cholesterol 22.9 mg, Fat 11 g, Fiber 1.9 g, Protein 2.2 g, SaturatedFat 5.8 g, Sodium 86.7 mg, Sugar 18.2 g

FAVORITE POPCORN BALLS



Favorite Popcorn Balls image

Here is a recipe my family has used for years. We make the colored kind in red and green for Christmas!

Provided by Hannah

Categories     Desserts     Candy Recipes     Popcorn Candy Recipes     Popcorn Ball Recipes

Yield 14

Number Of Ingredients 6

2 cups unpopped popcorn
4 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 tablespoon butter
1 cup white sugar
1 cup molasses
½ teaspoon salt

Steps:

  • Add 1 tablespoon of the oil to a 4 quart saucepan, and heat over high heat. When oil is hot, add 1/2 cup of popping corn. Keep pan moving constantly. When corn stops popping, remove from heat. Repeat until all corn has been popped. Place popped corn into a buttered bowl.
  • In 2 quart saucepan, melt butter. Stir in sugar, molasses, and salt. Insert a candy thermometer in saucepan and boil sugar mixture on medium heat until the thermometer reads 260 degrees F(126 degrees C).
  • Pour syrup over corn, while stirring popcorn thoroughly. Butter hands lightly. Shape popcorn into 12 to 14 balls.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 271.2 calories, Carbohydrate 52.9 g, Cholesterol 2.2 mg, Fat 6.2 g, Fiber 4.2 g, Protein 3.5 g, SaturatedFat 1.2 g, Sodium 98.4 mg, Sugar 27.7 g

OLD-FASHIONED POPCORN BALLS



Old-Fashioned Popcorn Balls image

Popcorn always make a crowd-pleasing snack...but you can make it into a chewy, sweet delight with this classic recipe.-American Pop Corn Co., Sioux City, Iowa

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Snacks

Time 35m

Yield 1 dozen.

Number Of Ingredients 7

2 quarts popped popcorn
1 cup sugar
1/3 cup light or dark corn syrup
1/3 cup water
1/4 cup butter
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Steps:

  • Place popcorn in a baking pan and keep warm in a 200° oven. Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, stir together the sugar, corn syrup, water, butter and salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture comes to a boil. , Continue cooking without stirring until the temperature reaches 270° on a candy thermometer. Remove from the heat. Add vanilla; stir just enough to mix. Slowly pour over the popcorn. Cool just enough to handle. Shape with buttered hands.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 161 calories, Fat 6g fat (3g saturated fat), Cholesterol 10mg cholesterol, Sodium 213mg sodium, Carbohydrate 28g carbohydrate (21g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 1g protein.

Tips:

  • Use fresh popcorn kernels for the best flavor and texture. Avoid using old or stale kernels, as they will not pop as well and will result in tough popcorn balls.
  • Make sure the corn syrup is hot before adding it to the popcorn. This will help to prevent the syrup from crystallizing and will make it easier to mix with the popcorn.
  • Be careful not to overcook the popcorn balls. If the syrup is too hot or the popcorn balls are cooked for too long, they will become hard and brittle.
  • Add your favorite mix-ins to the popcorn balls for a fun and unique twist. Some popular mix-ins include nuts, dried fruit, chocolate chips, and marshmallows.
  • Store the popcorn balls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. You can also freeze the popcorn balls for up to 2 months.

Conclusion:

Popcorn balls are a classic treat that is perfect for any occasion. They are easy to make and can be customized to your liking. With a few simple ingredients and a little bit of time, you can create delicious and festive popcorn balls that everyone will enjoy.

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