Popcorn Balls
User Reviews
4.5
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Prep Time
20 mins
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Total Time
20 mins
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Servings
12 popcorn balls
Popcorn Balls
Description
The Popcorn Balls recipe uses freshly popped popcorn warmed in the oven before mixing it with a hot syrup of sugar, corn syrup, butter, and salt boiled to a specific temperature. Vanilla and baking soda are added after removing the syrup from heat, creating a foamy mixture that helps soften and bind the popcorn coating. The syrup-coated popcorn is then shaped by hand into balls once cool enough to handle, preventing stickiness.
The result is a sweet, chewy popcorn snack with a balanced sweetness and a smooth texture thanks to the syrup mixture. Adding festive sprinkles is optional and adds a colorful appearance to the popcorn balls. Wrapping them individually maintains freshness and keeps them from sticking together.
These popcorn balls are suitable for parties, snacks, or holiday treats. The step of warming the popcorn briefly ensures syrup coats evenly and helps retain a crisp texture beneath the coating.
Ingredients
- 3 quarts Popcorn 12 cups, popped
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup corn syrup Karo® brand, light or dark
- ¼ cup butter or margarine
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract pure
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 3 tablespoons Sprinkles optional, festive
Instructions
- Spray large roasting pan sprayed lightly with nonstick cooking spray; add popcorn and place in 300ºF oven until warm.
- Combine sugar, corn syrup, butter and salt in a heavy 2-quart saucepan. Stirring constantly, bring to boil over medium heat. Continue stirring and boil 2 minutes.
- Remove syrup mixture from heat; stir in vanilla and baking soda.
- Pour syrup mixture over warm popcorn stirring to coat well. Add in sprinkles and mix to combine.
- Once mixture has cooled slightly and is able to be touched, spray your hands with nonstick cooking spray. Working quickly to shape twelve 3-inch popcorn balls.
- Cool completely. Wrap individually in plastic wrap.
Notes
- Spray your hands with nonstick cooking spray before shaping to prevent the mixture from sticking.
- Cool and wrap popcorn balls individually in plastic wrap to keep them fresh and separated.
- Warming the popcorn in the oven helps the syrup coat evenly and maintain texture.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.5
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