Popcorn balls! What kid would turn one of these down? Actually, what sane adult would? They just say fun! They are really the perfect treat. Single wrapped servings, easy to transport and share, and so yummy. This is our go-to treat for school birthdays and soccer games as well. Kids love to get in on the making of these balls too.... sticky hands making balls like you would a snowball - oh yes! These aren't your average caramel popcorn balls either..... they have a special gooey marshmallow concoction that keeps it all together. Doesn't your kiddo deserve this perfect kid treat?!
Marshmallow Popcorn Balls
Yields 15 popcorn balls
3/4 cup butter (1 1/2 sticks)
1 1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
5 cups miniature marshmallows or 48 jumbo marshmallows
2 teaspoons vanilla
1 cup un-popped corn
In a large microwavable bowl, add the butter, sugars, marshmallows, and vanilla. Microwave on high for 1 minute intervals, stirring in between, until completely melted and combined. Cook popcorn according to manufacturer's instructions. Sift out the un-popped kernels. Pour the marshmallow mixture over the popcorn and carefully stir to coat. Using wet hands, form into balls and place on parchment paper to set up.
Step-by-step tutorial:
Gather your ingredients. You need popcorn kernels, butter, brown sugar, white sugar, marshmallows, and vanilla.
In a large microwavable bowl, add 3/4 cup butter, 1 1/2 cups sugar, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 5 cups marshmallows, and 2 teaspoons vanilla. Microwave on high in 1 minute intervals, stirring in between, until it is completely melted and smooth.
If you let it come to a boil for a bit, the sugars will be more dissolved. We like the grittiness of the sugar by just melting this mixture and not bringing to a boil. You can also do this on a stove top.
Cook you popcorn. You will need to do 1 cup kernels, which for my popping machine meant two stages of popping. Do your best to sift out the unpopped kernels.
Pour the hot marshmallow mixture over the popcorn.
With a spatula, carefully stir until most of the popcorn is coated.
A great trick to making these into balls without them sticking to your hands is to wet your hands in between each ball. Make them a good snowball size, then put them on parchment paper to set up. These sticky balls won't last long!
Wrap them in bags to keep fresh and make serving easy. You could add candies or food coloring to the balls if you like.
Super easy and a favorite of all!
Recipe Source: Shanna's recipe box