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Delicious Homemade Popcorn Balls Recipe

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4.1 from 9 reviews

Popcorn Balls are a fun and delicious seasonal treat that are easy to make and customizable with endless flavor combinations. This classic recipe combines warm, sweet syrup with crispy popcorn to create perfectly shaped, festive popcorn balls that are ideal for celebrations and snacks.

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 12 popcorn balls

Ingredients

Popcorn

  • 3 quarts popped popcorn (approximately 12 cups)

Syrup Mixture

  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup Karo® Light or Dark Corn Syrup
  • ¼ cup butter or margarine
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda

Optional

  • 3 tablespoons festive sprinkles

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Popcorn: Spray a large roasting pan lightly with nonstick cooking spray and add the popped popcorn. Place the pan in a 300ºF oven until the popcorn is warm, about 5 minutes, stirring gently to ensure even warming.
  2. Make Syrup Mixture: In a heavy 2-quart saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup, butter, and salt. Stir constantly over medium heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Continue boiling and stirring for 2 minutes to fully dissolve sugar and blend flavors.
  3. Add Flavorings: Remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in the vanilla extract and baking soda; this will cause the syrup to foam slightly, helping to aerate the mixture for a light texture.
  4. Coat the Popcorn: Pour the syrup mixture over the warm popcorn in the roasting pan. Stir gently but thoroughly to coat all the popcorn evenly. If using, add festive sprinkles and mix to combine.
  5. Shape Popcorn Balls: Allow the popcorn mixture to cool just enough to handle safely but still warm. Spray your hands with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking. Shape the coated popcorn into twelve 3-inch balls quickly before the mixture hardens.
  6. Cool and Store: Place the shaped popcorn balls on a flat surface to cool completely and set. Once cooled, wrap each ball individually in plastic wrap to keep fresh for serving or gifting.

Notes

  • Use fresh popped popcorn for the best texture; avoid microwave popcorn with added flavorings or oils.
  • Spraying your hands with nonstick cooking spray is essential for shaping without sticking.
  • You can customize these popcorn balls by adding chocolate chips, nuts, or different sprinkles for various occasions.
  • Store wrapped popcorn balls at room temperature for up to one week.
  • If the syrup mixture cools too much before shaping, it will harden and become difficult to mold; work efficiently.
  • Author: admin
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Snack
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://avascooking.com/delicious-homemade-popcorn-balls-recipe/