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A popcorn ball coated with green sprinkles and small candy eyes, with candy corn pieces scattered nearby on a blue surface.

Easy Popcorn Balls (With Holiday Variations)

Author: Jessica Haggard
Think of these popcorn balls as the new life of the party! These sweet and chewy treats just need 15 minutes of cook time. Make them colorful for birthdays, themed for holidays, or classic for family movie nights.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Appetizers, Desserts
Cuisine American
Servings 12 servings
Calories 537 kcal

Ingredients
 
 

  • 1 cup sugar
  • ⅓ cup light corn syrup
  • ¼ cup butter
  • ⅓ cup water
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 8 cups popped popcorn keep warm in a large bowl in a 250 °F oven
  • 1 portion butter for greasing hands

Instructions
 

  • In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar, corn syrup, butter, water, and salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture comes to a full boil.
  • Stop stirring and continue cooking until the temperature reaches 270 °F (hard ball stage) on a candy thermometer.
  • Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla.
  • Carefully pour the hot syrup over the warm popped corn and mix with a fork to coat evenly.
  • Let the mixture cool slightly until safe to handle, then quickly form into balls using lightly buttered hands.

Notes

  • The syrup hardens fast, so shape the balls right away, but be careful because it’s hot.
  • Press just enough to hold them together without packing too tightly.
  • Mix in sprinkles, candy, nuts, or pretzels before shaping so they stick without melting.
  • If you’re making a big batch, coat half the popcorn at a time so everything gets covered.
  • Drop each ball into a cupcake liner or wrap in parchment, and add lollipop sticks or straws for a fun touch.
  • Let them set completely so they stay crisp and don’t stick together.
Serve: They pair well with festive treats and drinks, and make fun party favors when wrapped in cellophane with ribbon.
Store: Wrap each cooled popcorn ball in plastic or parchment, then store in an airtight container or bag at room temperature for several days in a cool, dry place.

Nutrition

Calories: 537kcalCarbohydrates: 105gProtein: 12gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 142mgPotassium: 305mgFiber: 14gSugar: 25gVitamin A: 120IUCalcium: 8mgIron: 3mg
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