Marshmallow popcorn balls are a fun and easy treat that just take a few minutes and a few ingredients. Dip them in chocolate and top them with sprinkles for an extra festive and delicious treat!
Soft and sweet marshmallow goodness combined with the salty crunch of popcorn makes these popcorn balls a fabulous treat. Of course a dunk in a chocolate bath and a smattering of colorful sprinkles makes them even more fun.
They are easy enough to be a just because treat and festive enough to be served at a party.
Popcorn Treats
Popcorn is a near perfect snack. You can make it quickly and there are so many fun variations.
It is hard to go wrong with the classic butter and salt. Then there’s cheesy popcorn or popcorn with ranch seasoning.
There’s kettle corn and supposedly my dad makes great sugar corn, but he is yet to spill his secrets.
Caramel corn has a special enough place in our hearts that I have two recipes for it on the blog. Both are crunchy, buttery and sweet.
My husband’s grandma finishes her caramel corn in the microwave. My aunt’s sister-in-law does her caramel corn in the oven. Both are absolutely amazing!
But today we are going to talk about the party darling of the popcorn world, popcorn balls. They are super fun to make and fun to give too.
For some reason they make me think of Halloween, but after making these I want to start making them year round. I already have another version coming your way next month and I just thought of another fun idea while typing this post.
I’m thinking we may make this the year of popcorn balls! Check out my collection of sweet popcorn recipes for even more ideas.
Prepping Your Popcorn For Popcorn Balls
Be sure to remove all of the kernels from your popcorn. I find the easiest way to do that is to use 2 large bowls. Place all of the popcorn in one bowl and give it a few shakes to allow the kernels to drop to the bottom.
Then move most of the popcorn off the top to the second bowl, using your hands. (Pouring risks transferring the kernels to the second bowl.)
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The kernels should all be at the bottom of the first bowl, just pick them out. Your teeth will thank you!
You can use freshly popped corn or make a couple of bags of microwave popcorn. Either way they will turn out delicious.
The Marshmallows
You can use whatever marshmallows you have on hand for these treat. Regular or mini mini marshmallows work.
This is a great way to use a bag of marshmallows that humidity got the best of. That sticky clump of sweetness may not be great for s’mores anymore but they’ll certainly work for these!
Even marshmallows that look a little dried out will work. You may want to add just a tiny bit of extra butter to soften them up.
Tips for making marshmallow popcorn balls
Melt the butter a bit before you add the marshmallows to the bowl. If your butter is cold from the fridge it will take longer to melt than the marshmallows.
Grease your hands early and often. Use shortening, butter or spray them with oil. Just keep them greased or the popcorn and marshmallow goo will want to stick to you.
Add a few sprinkles if you want. They are not necessary, but do make the popcorn balls even more fun.
Be careful when melting your chocolate. There is nothing worse than ruining perfectly good chocolate by scorching it. Warm it in small spurts and stir it well between each trip to the microwave. As soon as it stirs smooth, stop!
For the best longevity, wrap your popcorn balls tightly. Ours never last more than a few days, but they stay good for at least that long.
You can use saran wrap to keep your popcorn balls fresh. Or put them in a cellophane bag and tie them with a fun ribbon to make them extra cute.
Frequently Asked Questions
When were popcorn balls popular?
Popcorn balls had their heyday in the 1950s. It was common for trick-or-treaters to get homemade treats on Halloween rather than store bought candies. They are still a fun treat today.
What ingredients are used to make marshmallow popcorn balls?
You only really need 3 simple ingredients to make these popcorn balls: popcorn, marshmallows and butter. We like adding sprinkles and melted chocolate too, but they are totally optional.
Chocolate Dipped Marshmallow Popcorn Balls
Ingredients
- 12 cups popped popcorn about 1 cup unpopped or 2 bags of microwave popcorn
- 10 ounces marshmallows
- 4 Tablespoons butter
- 8 ounces chocolate
- Sprinkles
Instructions
- Be sure to pick out all of the kernels out of the popcorn.
- In a large microwave safe bowl, melt the butter for about 10-15 seconds. Then add the marshmallows and cook on high for 25-35 second or until they puff up big.4 Tablespoons butter, 10 ounces marshmallows
- Stir well. If it stirs smooth, move on to the next step. If not, microwave a little longer until it does.
- Pour melted marshmallow mixture over popcorn and stir to coat.12 cups popped popcorn
- Grease your hands well and form baseball sized balls with the warm marshmallow coated popcorn.
- Place on a sheet of wax paper and add sprinkles if desired.
- Once set, warm the chocolate until just melted. Dunk the bottom half of the popcorn balls in the chocolate and place on wax paper to set up.8 ounces chocolate
- Wrap in cellophane bags or plastic wrap. They are best served within the first few days after making.
Notes
Video
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What a fun treat! I love every part of these!
They were a huge hit at family dinner!
Hi Carlee, it's when I see recipes like this that I wish the children were still small. I really can't justify making a batch for myself… Or can I?
xx
You definitely can! I wouldn't even think twice about it 😉
They look delicious! Thanks for sharing the recipe!
Ellie
Ellibelle's Corner
Thank you!
These look fun and delish! What a great gift or treat favor idea! I love it!!
They are both for sure! Thank you!