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Christmas Popcorn Balls with Marshmallows

Festive and sweet Christmas Popcorn Balls with marshmallows, butter, and holiday candies — a fun treat for snacking or gifting!
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Total Time50 minutes
Servings: 15 balls
Calories: 107kcal
Author: Lucy Brewer

Ingredients

  • 10-12 cups freshly popped popcorn
  • ¼ cup butter (salted or unsalted is fine - if using salted decrease the amount of salt to taste).
  • ⅓ cup light corn syrup
  • 1 cup mini-marshmallows
  • 1/4-1/2 cup sugar (optional)
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon salt (less if using salted butter).
  • Christmas candies/sprinkles

Instructions

  • Pop 10-12 cups freshly popped popcorn in a large bowl and set aside. Cover to keep it warm. You can even stick the bowl in a warming oven or drawer. Warm popcorn helps prevent the syrup from cooling too quickly.
    A bowl of plain popcorn sits on a white surface next to a metal bowl containing a light-colored sauce.
  • In a medium sauce pan, combine1/4 cup butter (salted or unsalted is fine - if using salted decrease the amount of salt to taste).r, 1/3 cup light corn syrup, and 1 cup mini-marshmallows. If the syrup is not sweet enough for your liking you can add 1/4-1/2 cup sugar (optional) starting with 1/4 cup. You can use a thermometer if you want it up to “candy” consistency and bring the syrup to 235 degrees.
    An empty saucepan, a glass bowl of sugar, a measuring cup of mini marshmallows, and a small bowl of water on a white surface.
  • Remove syrup from heat and add 2 teaspoons vanilla extract and 1 teaspoon salt (less if using salted butter)..
    A saucepan with a creamy mixture next to a wooden spoon with vanilla, a dish of salt, and a stick of salted butter on a white surface.
  • Pour the marshmallow mixture over the popcorn and mix well. Coat your hands with butter or oil, or grab some food-safe gloves, and start forming the popcorn mixture into balls. Don't compress the balls too much, which makes them hard to eat; however, you need to form them firmly enough that they will stick together.
    Two popcorn balls and a small bowl of red, green, and white holiday sprinkles on a white surface, with some sprinkles scattered nearby.
  • While the popcorn ball is still warm and sticky either sprinkle over or roll ball in candies. Gently press the candies to the balls to help them adhere.
    Two popcorn balls and a small bowl of red, green, and white holiday sprinkles on a white surface, with some sprinkles scattered nearby.

Notes

  • For the best texture, use freshly popped popcorn, as stale popcorn can make the balls chewy.
  • Lightly butter or spray your hands before shaping to prevent sticking, and be careful not to over-compress the popcorn balls so they remain light and airy. The corn syrup and marshmallow mixture gets very hot, so handle with caution when pouring and mixing.
  • You can adjust the sugar to taste depending on how sweet you like your popcorn balls. Adding vanilla and salt at the end enhances the flavor and balances the sweetness.
  • Work quickly when forming balls because the syrup hardens as it cools. Decorate with candies or sprinkles while the balls are still warm for the best adhesion. Let the popcorn balls cool completely before storing them in an airtight container to maintain freshness. I like to wrap them individually in plastic wrap so they don't stick together in the container.
  • These treats are perfect for gifting, holiday parties, or enjoying as a fun, festive snack at home. 
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