Marshmallow Popcorn Balls
When I think of childhood memories, one of the first things that comes to mind is making Marshmallow Popcorn Balls with my family during the fall season. It was a delightful ritual that brought us all together, filling the house with the sweet scent of melting marshmallows and warm popcorn. As a kid, I loved the hands-on experience of molding those gooey treats into perfect little balls, each one a little masterpiece of sugar and crunch. We often made them for Halloween parties or cozy movie nights, sharing laughter and stories as we created these delicious snacks. The joy of biting into one of these treats, with the crispness of the popcorn and the sugary sweetness of the marshmallow, is something I cherish. I want to share this joy with you, as I believe everyone deserves a taste of this nostalgic wonder.
Recipe Snapshot
30 mins
20 mins
10 mins
Medium
210 kcal
2 g
Gluten-Free, Low FODMAP
10 g
Cutting Board, Frying Pan, Wooden Spoon, Chef’s Knife, Mixing Bowl, Baking Sheet
What We Adore About This Marshmallow Popcorn Balls
A Family Tradition
Making Marshmallow Popcorn Balls is more than just a recipe; it’s a cherished family tradition. I remember gathering around the kitchen with my siblings, excitedly waiting for the melted marshmallow mixture to be ready. Each of us would take turns greasing our hands and forming the popcorn into those iconic shapes. It was a joyful mess, with bits of popcorn sticking everywhere, and laughter echoing throughout the house. The best part was sharing them with friends and family, each bite bursting with flavor and memories.
Versatile Treats for Any Occasion
These delightful treats aren’t just for Halloween; they can be enjoyed year-round! Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting a movie night, or simply looking for a fun treat to make with the kids, Marshmallow Popcorn Balls fit the bill perfectly. You can even customize them based on the season or occasion by adding different mix-ins, like festive candies for Christmas or colorful sprinkles for birthdays.
Perfect for Sharing
Nothing beats the joy of sharing homemade goodies. I often wrap the Marshmallow Popcorn Balls in clear treat bags with a festive ribbon to give as gifts. Friends and family always appreciate this sweet gesture, and it feels wonderful to spread joy through something I’ve made with love.
Easy and Fun to Make
One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to make, even for novice cooks. In just a few simple steps, you can whip up a batch of these delightful snacks. The process of melting the marshmallows and mixing them with popcorn is a fun activity that kids love. Plus, it introduces them to the joy of cooking and creating something special.
What’s In This Marshmallow Popcorn Balls
Making Marshmallow Popcorn Balls is all about the ingredients coming together in harmony. The key players are the fluffy popped corn, which serves as the base, and the melted marshmallows that bind everything together in a sweet embrace. The optional peanuts and gumdrops add a delightful twist, providing texture and flavor that elevates these treats to the next level.
- 14 cups popped corn (stovetop popcorn or air-popped is best – I like to use white popcorn kernels)
- 10 ounces miniature marshmallows
- ½ cup unsalted butter, plus another tablespoon for greasing your palms when rolling the balls, if desired
- 1½ cups dry roasted and salted peanuts, optional
- 1½ cups diced orange gumdrops or orange slices, optional
The Method for Marshmallow Popcorn Balls
Making Marshmallow Popcorn Balls is an adventure in your kitchen that brings everyone together. The smell of melting butter and marshmallows is enough to get anyone excited. Follow these steps closely to create the perfect treats.
- Start by placing the popped corn in a very large bowl, ensuring you remove any unpopped kernels to prevent any surprises later on. The popcorn should be light and airy, forming the perfect base for your sweet mixture.
- In a medium pan over medium heat, melt ½ cup of the butter and all the miniature marshmallows together. Stir frequently to prevent the marshmallows from scorching. If they start to bubble too much, turn the heat down slightly. Once the marshmallows are almost fully melted, remove the pan from heat and stir until completely smooth. The mixture should be glossy and ooey-gooey.
- Carefully pour half of the melted marshmallow mixture over the popped corn. Gently fold the popcorn to coat it evenly with the marshmallow. You want to be careful not to crush the popcorn; it should remain fluffy and light.
- Pour the remaining marshmallow mixture over the coated popcorn and fold again, ensuring every piece of popcorn is well-coated. If you’re adding the optional dry roasted peanuts, do so now, and fold them in gently.
- For an extra burst of flavor, sprinkle the optional diced orange gumdrops or slices over the top of the mixture. Fold them in carefully to incorporate the colors and flavors evenly throughout.
- While the mixture is still warm, lightly grease your palms with the remaining tablespoon of butter. Gather up about a generous half cup of the marshmallow popcorn mixture and press it together gently but firmly to mold into a ball shape, about 2½ to 3 inches in diameter. Be careful not to compact them too tightly, as this will make them hard to eat once they set.
- Place the formed balls onto parchment paper or waxed paper to cool. As they cool, the mixture will firm up, holding its shape beautifully.
- If you’re planning to give them as treats, wrap each cooled popcorn ball in plastic wrap or place them in small clear treat bags tied with a festive ribbon. This makes for a charming gift that everyone will love!
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll remain fresh and delightful for several days, though I doubt they’ll last that long!
Things Worth Knowing
- Tip 1: Always melt the butter and marshmallows over medium heat. This prevents burning and allows for smooth melting.
- Tip 2: If the mixture becomes too sticky to handle, slightly wet your hands with water before shaping the balls.
- Tip 3: For a fun twist, try adding different types of candy or nuts to the mixture!
- Tip 4: Make sure to store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh for longer.
Recipe Variations about Marshmallow Popcorn Balls
There are countless ways to put your own spin on Marshmallow Popcorn Balls. Here are some ideas to spark your creativity!
- Storage: To keep your popcorn balls fresh, store them in an airtight container. They’ll stay good for about a week.
- Freezing: You can freeze the formed popcorn balls for longer storage. Just make sure they’re well-wrapped to prevent freezer burn.
- Flavor Variations: Experiment with different flavored marshmallows or add in crushed candies for unique flavors.
- Seasonal Add-ins: Tailor your mix-ins to the season. Try adding crushed candy canes for a winter treat or pastel candies for Easter.
- Presentation: Use colorful ribbons or themed bags to package your popcorn balls for parties or gifts.
Serve This Marshmallow Popcorn Balls With
These delightful Marshmallow Popcorn Balls are perfect for various occasions. Here’s how you can serve them:
- Halloween Parties: Serve them as a sweet treat during your Halloween celebrations. They’re sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike!
- Movie Nights: Pair these popcorn balls with your favorite movie, creating a fun and nostalgic snack experience.
- Birthday Celebrations: Use them as party favors or incorporate them into birthday treats. Kids will love the fun shapes!
- Holiday Gatherings: These popcorn balls can be themed for any holiday. Use festive colors and flavors to match the occasion.
- Picnics or Outdoor Events: They’re easy to transport and make for a great outdoor snack. Just wrap them up and enjoy the great weather!
FAQ
Conclusion
Making Marshmallow Popcorn Balls is not just about creating a sweet treat; it’s about making memories and sharing joy with loved ones. With their delightful combination of textures and flavors, these treats are sure to be a hit at any gathering. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and experience the joy of making and sharing these delicious popcorn balls!
Marshmallow Popcorn Balls
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Start by placing the popped corn in a very large bowl, ensuring you remove any unpopped kernels to prevent any surprises later on. The popcorn should be light and airy, forming the perfect base for your sweet mixture.
- In a medium pan over medium heat, melt ½ cup of the butter and all the miniature marshmallows together. Stir frequently to prevent the marshmallows from scorching. If they start to bubble too much, turn the heat down slightly. Once the marshmallows are almost fully melted, remove the pan from heat and stir until completely smooth. The mixture should be glossy and ooey-gooey.
- Carefully pour half of the melted marshmallow mixture over the popped corn. Gently fold the popcorn to coat it evenly with the marshmallow. You want to be careful not to crush the popcorn; it should remain fluffy and light.
- Pour the remaining marshmallow mixture over the coated popcorn and fold again, ensuring every piece of popcorn is well-coated. If you're adding the optional dry roasted peanuts, do so now, and fold them in gently.
- For an extra burst of flavor, sprinkle the optional diced orange gumdrops or slices over the top of the mixture. Fold them in carefully to incorporate the colors and flavors evenly throughout.
- While the mixture is still warm, lightly grease your palms with the remaining tablespoon of butter. Gather up about a generous half cup of the marshmallow popcorn mixture and press it together gently but firmly to mold into a ball shape, about 2½ to 3 inches in diameter. Be careful not to compact them too tightly, as this will make them hard to eat once they set.
- Place the formed balls onto parchment paper or waxed paper to cool. As they cool, the mixture will firm up, holding its shape beautifully.
- If you’re planning to give them as treats, wrap each cooled popcorn ball in plastic wrap or place them in small clear treat bags tied with a festive ribbon. This makes for a charming gift that everyone will love!
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll remain fresh and delightful for several days, though I doubt they’ll last that long!
Notes
- Tip 1: Always melt the butter and marshmallows over medium heat. This prevents burning and allows for smooth melting.
- Tip 2: If the mixture becomes too sticky to handle, slightly wet your hands with water before shaping the balls.
- Tip 3: For a fun twist, try adding different types of candy or nuts to the mixture!
- Tip 4: Make sure to store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh for longer.
