Classic Popcorn Balls

By Kids Cooking Activities

• Classic Treat
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 3 minutes
• Yield: About 10–12 popcorn balls

Ingredients

• 1 cup sugar
• ¼ cup molasses
• ¾ cup light corn syrup
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 gallon popped popcorn (about 16 cups)

Instructions

1. Place popped popcorn in a very large mixing bowl.
2. In a saucepan combine sugar, molasses, corn syrup, salt, and butter.
3. Cook over medium heat for about 3 minutes, stirring until smooth.
4. Carefully pour the hot syrup mixture over the popcorn.
5. Stir until popcorn is coated evenly.
6. Butter your hands lightly and shape the popcorn mixture into balls.
7. Place on a greased baking sheet and allow to cool.

Chocolate Drizzled Popcorn Balls

• Melt ½ cup chocolate chips in the microwave in 20-second intervals.
• Drizzle the melted chocolate over the cooled popcorn balls.
• Let the chocolate set before serving.

Easy Marshmallow Popcorn Balls

This quick variation is great when you want a faster recipe.

• Pop a large bowl of popcorn.
• Add mix-ins like pretzels, nuts, dried fruit, candies, chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, or teddy grahams.
• Melt one package of marshmallows in a saucepan or microwave.
• Pour the melted marshmallows over the popcorn mixture and stir until coated.
• Shape into popcorn balls or simply leave it in a bowl for everyone to enjoy.

Seasonal Mix-In Ideas

• Pretzel sticks, knots, or yogurt-covered pretzels
• Peanuts, almonds, or cashews
• Dried fruit like raisins or cranberries
• Candy pieces or sprinkles
• Chocolate or peanut butter chips
• Teddy grahams or mini cookies

Helpful Tips

• The syrup mixture is very hot, so adults should help younger kids.
• Butter your hands or use gloves to keep popcorn from sticking while shaping.
• Mini popcorn balls are great for kids parties.
• Store popcorn balls in an airtight container for several days.
• See this idea on making popcorn balls into a snowman.