This Halloween, try a handheld dessert that’s perfect for kids and adults. We’re stocking our Halloween parties with homemade marshmallow popcorn balls. Think them as a more sophisticated way to do candy corn. We dressed our treats up with a chocolate drizzle, but feel free to experiment. Dip them in sprinkles or throw a few candy corn in while the mixture is cooling.
Get the whole family in on the fun of shaping the marshmallow popcorn mixture into balls. Be sure to grease your hands with vegetable oil or butter first. If you don’t, things could get a little sticky!
Marshmallow Popcorn Ball Recipe
Cook Time: 15 to 25 minutes
Makes 12 to 15 popcorn balls
- 12 cups popped popcorn*
- 3 Tbsp butter
- 2 Tbsps honey
- 1 10-oz bag mini marshmallows
- ½ teaspoon salt (optional, see tip below)**
- Chocolate drizzle (optional, see subrecipe)
Pop the popcorn:
Pop the popcorn according to package directions. Transfer the popped popcorn to a large bowl, sifting through to remove any unpopped kernels. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper and set aside.
Melt the marshmallows:
In a medium pot, heat the butter on medium until melted. Add the honey and marshmallows and, if using, salt. Cook, stirring constantly, 3 to 5 minutes, or until the marshmallows have all melted and thoroughly combined.
Form the popcorn balls & serve your dish:
Pour the melted marshmallows over the popcorn and stir gently to coat without crushing the popcorn. Let cool slightly*** and grease your hands. Working quickly, use your hands to shape the coated popcorn into 2- to 3-inch balls. Place on the parchment-lined sheet pan. Let stand until cool. If desired, once all of the balls have been formed, drizzle with chocolate. Let stand until set. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Enjoy!
Chocolate Drizzle: Place about ⅓ of a cup of chocolate chips in a microwave safe bowl. Add 1 tablespoon of water. Working in 30 second increments, microwave on high, stirring in between, until melted and smooth. Use a spoon to drizzle the melted chocolate over the formed popcorn balls.
*Chef Tip: You can pop the popcorn on the stovetop or you can use a microwave bag of popcorn. 12 cups is about 1 bag of microwave popcorn. If you get microwave popcorn, avoid flavored popcorn and keep it simple with plain or lightly salted.
**Chef Tip: I used lightly salted popcorn to get the salty-sweet flavor. If your popcorn is already salted, you do not need the additional salt. If you’re using plain popcorn, add this salt.
***Chef Tip: The marshmallow mixture will start to set quickly, so as soon as the popcorn is cool enough to handle, quickly form the popcorn balls.
Can’t get enough dessert? Try making a candy cake with your leftover Halloween goodies.
