Ingredients
Popcorn Mixture
- Nonstick cooking spray, for prepping and shaping
- 3 quarts popped popcorn
- 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) butter or margarine
- 3 cups miniature marshmallows
- 1/2 cup cinnamon-flavored candies
Decorations
- Red and blue confection stars
- Red licorice string
Instructions
- Prepare the Work Surface: Spread a large sheet of plastic wrap on your work surface and spray it lightly with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Popcorn Base: Lightly spray a large mixing bowl with nonstick cooking spray, then place the popped popcorn inside the bowl to ready it for coating.
- Melt Marshmallow Mixture: In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Add the miniature marshmallows and stir continuously until they melt completely and the mixture becomes smooth. Remove from heat.
- Combine Popcorn and Candies: Pour the melted marshmallow mixture over the popcorn in the bowl. Add the cinnamon-flavored candies and stir thoroughly until all popcorn pieces are evenly coated with the sticky mixture.
- Form Popcorn Balls: Spray your hands lightly with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking. Quickly shape the popcorn mixture into 24 balls by pressing gently and evenly.
- Decorate: Gently press the red and blue confection stars onto each popcorn ball for a festive touch. Finish by placing a piece of red licorice string on top of each ball as a handle or decoration.
Notes
- Using nonstick cooking spray on hands and surfaces helps prevent the sticky marshmallow mixture from adhering.
- Work quickly when forming balls, as the marshmallow mix can harden as it cools.
- Store popcorn balls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.
- For a different flavor, cinnamon candies can be substituted with other flavored hard candies.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
