Easy Popcorn Balls

4.86 from 7 votes

Popcorn balls are soft and chewy and stuffed with your favorite candies. These easy popcorn balls aren't just for Halloween, they're perfect for any season by swapping the candies for season-related colors.

Prep Time10

Cook Time4

Additional Time10

Total Time24

Course: Snack

Cuisine: American

Keyword: halloween, holiday, popcorn, popcorn balls, treats

Servings: popcorn balls

Calories: 287kcal

Ingredients

20 cups popped popcorn*
¼ cup butter
¾ light corn syrup
2 ¾ cups confectioner's sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 teaspoon cold water
1 cup mini marshmallows
1 cup candy corn
1 cup M&M's I used Ghoul's Mix

Instructions

Pop the popcorn either by popping bagged popcorn or using popcorn kernels.*
Remove any remaining popcorn kernels and place 20 cups in a large pot. Add candy mix in's and set aside.
Heat a medium saucepan over medium heat and add the butter, light corn syrup, water, confectioner's sugar, and mini marshmallows.
Stir using a rubber spatula and heat until 245° using a candy thermometer or boil for about 4-5 minutes.
Remove from the heat and add the vanilla extract.
Pour the hot mixture carefully over top of the popcorn, turning the popcorn and adding additional candy mixture.
Coat the popcorn well by stirring to combine.
Spray the inside of a measuring cup and hands with cooking spray.
Use a 1 cup measuring cup to scoop the popcorn mixture and place on parchment paper. Tap to remove balls from the cup.
Using hands, shape the mixture into balls.
Allow to cool and store in an airtight container or Ziploc bags.

Notes

*Pop popcorn kernels according to package directions.

Instant Pot popcorn directions

To make popcorn in your Instant Pot you will need:

1 ½ cups of popcorn kernels

3 tbsp. coconut oil

To pop popcorn in the Instant Pot you will set it on the SAUTE setting and allow it to reach the HOT setting. This setting will be reached once the oil has melted. It is important to use coconut oil for this to work!

After the pot reads HOT, add a few popcorn kernels and cover the Instant Pot with a lid. Once some of the kernels have popped, remove the add and add the remaining kernels to the pot. Use a spatula to evenly distribute the kernels and place the lid back on the pot.

Give the pot a shake every once in a while so that all the kernels have a chance to be popped.

Just like any other popcorn, once the popcorn has just a few seconds between pops the popcorn is ready. Remove and discard any remaining kernels before proceeding to make these easy popcorn balls.

Nutrition