Popcorn Balls
Sweet and crunchy popcorn balls are a fun and nostalgic treat, perfect for parties, holidays, or homemade gifts. They’re easy to make with simple ingredients and can be customized with colors or mix-ins.
- Author: sarra
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 popcorn balls 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
- 10 cups popped popcorn
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup light corn syrup
- 1/3 cup water
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: food coloring, candy, sprinkles
- Place popped popcorn in a large bowl and set aside.
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine sugar, corn syrup, water, butter, and salt. Stir constantly until mixture comes to a boil.
- Stop stirring and let the mixture boil until it reaches 235°F (soft-ball stage) on a candy thermometer.
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract and optional food coloring if using.
- Quickly pour the syrup over the popcorn and gently stir with a spatula until evenly coated.
- Allow the mixture to cool slightly until safe to handle, then grease your hands and shape the popcorn into balls.
- Place popcorn balls on a sheet of wax paper or a greased baking sheet to set.
- Once fully cooled, wrap individually in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container.
Notes
- Be careful when working with hot syrup—it can cause burns.
- Use greased hands or wear food-safe gloves when forming the balls to prevent sticking.
- For variety, add nuts, candies, or flavored extracts.
- Popcorn balls can be dyed with food coloring for festive occasions.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 popcorn ball
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 17g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: popcorn balls, sweet snack, party treat, homemade gift, popcorn recipe