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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Provided by Alton Brown
Time 35m
Yield 10 to 12 popcorn balls
Number Of Ingredients 13
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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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