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Marshmallow Popcorn Balls
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Remember popcorn balls? Make them popular again with this simple recipe. You can decorate or color them as desired. Or, use decorative wrapping to dress them up. They can be fun for any holiday by varying the color scheme.
serves/makes:
ready in:
under 30 minutes
under 30 minutes
4 reviews
1 comment
ingredients
1 package (16 ounce size) marshmallows
1/2 cup butter or margarine
food coloring (optional)
14 cups popped popcorn
directions
Combine the marshmallows and butter in a large microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high for one minute or until just melted. Stir until completely smooth. You can add food coloring at this time if desired (add a few drops at a time while stirring).
Gradually fold the popcorn into the warm marshmallow mixture. Add enough until the popcorn isn't too sticky and it's fully coated.
Let cool enough to handle and then place one cup of the popcorn mixture in the center of a 10-inch piece of plastic wrap. Form the popcorn into a ball and then twist the plastic wrap around it and secure with a twist tie or ribbon. Repeat with remaining popcorn mixture.
Cook's Note: You can decorate the popcorn balls by adhering small candies or sprinkles to the sides before wrapping.
recipe tips
Use fresh marshmallows for best results, as they melt more easily than stale ones.
Experiment with flavored extracts, such as vanilla or almond, to boost the marshmallow flavor.
If you want to avoid food coloring, try using colorful toppings like sprinkles or nuts for decoration instead.
Make sure to coat your hands with butter or cooking spray when forming the balls to prevent sticking.
Use festive plastic wrap or decorative ribbons to dress up popcorn balls for gifts or parties.
For a fun twist, shape the popcorn mixture into shapes other than balls, such as stars or hearts.
common recipe questions
What type of popcorn should I use?
You can use any type of popcorn, but air-popped popcorn or stovetop popcorn without added seasonings is ideal to keep the sweetness balanced. Avoid microwave popcorn as it may contain unwanted flavors or additives.
Can I freeze popcorn balls?
Yes, popcorn balls can be frozen. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container. They can be frozen for up to a month; thaw them at room temperature before serving.
How long can I store the popcorn balls?
Store them at room temperature for up to 1 week as long as they are well wrapped in plastic.
What should I do if my popcorn balls are too sticky?
If your popcorn balls are too sticky to handle, allow them to cool for a bit longer before shaping them. You can also lightly grease your hands with cooking spray or butter to reduce sticking.
Can I add other ingredients to the popcorn balls?
You can mix in other ingredients like chocolate chips, nuts, or small candies.
How do I color the popcorn balls?
You can gradually add food coloring to the melted marshmallow mixture, stirring until it's the desired shade of color. Divide the mixture and color them differently for multicolored popcorn balls.
What happens if the marshmallow mixture cools too much before mixing in the popcorn?
If the mixture cools too much, it may become difficult to combine with the popcorn. You can gently reheat it in the microwave for a few seconds to make it easier to mix.
tools needed
Large Microwave-Safe Bowl: For combining the marshmallows and butter and melting them in the microwave. It must be large enough to accommodate the volume of the ingredients as they expand when melted.
Mixing Spoon or Spatula: Used for stirring the melted marshmallow and butter mixture until smooth and for folding in the popcorn.
Popcorn Popper or Large Pot: For popping the popcorn. Alternatively, a microwave-safe popcorn popper can be used if making popcorn in the microwave.
Plastic Wrap: To form and shape the popcorn balls. Each ball is wrapped in plastic wrap individually.
Twist Ties or Ribbon: Used to secure the plastic wrap around each formed popcorn ball.
what goes with it?
Candy Coating: Dip the popcorn balls in melted chocolate or candy melts for a sweet, crunchy shell.
Sprinkles Galore: Cover the popcorn balls in colorful sprinkles to make them festive.
Themed Decorations: Wrap the popcorn balls in themed colors for holidays or events (red and green for Christmas, pastels for Easter).
Peanut Butter Drizzle: Drizzle warm peanut butter over the popcorn balls for a savory twist. The nutty flavor complements the sweetness of the marshmallows.
Mini Candies: Stick mini chocolate candies, gummy bears, or M&M's into the sides for fun bites.
Hot Fudge Sauce: Serve with a side of warm hot fudge for dipping. The rich, warm chocolate pairs nicely with the sweetness of the marshmallow.
Cupcake Liners: Present the popcorn balls in colorful cupcake liners for a cute display if not wrapping them in plastic.
nutrition data
303 calories, 14 grams fat, 46 grams carbohydrates, 2 grams protein per serving.
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reviews & comments
October 4, 2016
I didn't measure how much extra popcorn I needed to add but yeah, it needs just a little more than 14 cups (I just kept adding as needed it was maybe 1-2 cups at max). Kids had fun helping and it's not super healthy but I feel like it's better than a lot of treats.
September 19, 2014
I agree this needed more popcorn. Thankfully I had more than 14 cups after popping it all. We tinted them pink for a princess themed birthday party for my niece.
December 24, 2010
Great recipe. My only tip would be to use about 20 cups instead of 14. Tastes really good! We like making them for Christmas :)
Good recipe. I think a couple more cups of popcorn would make it a little less gooey.
October 29, 2009
My kids and I loved making this together! I also put in some pepermint flavor and YUMMY!!! you can add any kind you want to !!!xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxox