Classic Popcorn Balls (With Holiday Variations)
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These popcorn balls are what your holidays have been missing. Sweet, slightly salty, and oh-so-buttery, they have that perfect chew that makes them downright addictive. They’re easy to dress up to match any occasion, plus you can whip up a batch in just 25 minutes.
I like making festive treats that make kids’ eyes light up and grown-ups sneak seconds. Christmas tree Oreos have always been on top of the list, until I started making popcorn balls that I enjoyed from my childhood. This recipe was one of my Grandpa’s favorite treats, so this is an authentically vintage recipe.
This old-fashioned treat is crunchy, sweet, and just the right amount of sticky. The base is already delicious, made more fun with your own creative add-ins and flavors. They’re the perfect treat for holidays, parties, or a cozy night in. I never not make these for Halloween and Christmas celebrations, but they’re great for kids’ birthdays, too!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- 10-minute prep time
- Easy recipe: Made with simple pantry ingredients and no fancy tools beyond a candy thermometer.
- Crave-worthy: Sweet, buttery, and just the right mix of chewy and crunchy.
- Make-ahead friendly: They hold up beautifully, so you can prep them in advance for parties.
- Endlessly customizable: A classic treat you can keep traditional or dress up to match any holiday or party theme.
- Anytime, anywhere treat: Easy to pack, wrap, or gift, making them great for bake sales, lunchboxes, or as party favors.
How to Make Popcorn Balls
Popcorn balls are a nostalgic treat that my kids love to help make because it’s so fun and easy! With just popcorn and a few pantry staples, you can have them ready in less than 30 minutes. I also shared my Halloween and Christmas versions in the Variations section below. Enjoy!
Scroll to the bottom of this post for a printable recipe card with a full list of ingredients, measurements, and step-by-step instructions.
Ingredients You Need
- Sugar
- Light corn syrup: Gives the syrup its glossy, smooth finish and helps the popcorn balls hold their shape.
- Butter: I use unsalted butter since we will be adding salt separately. Add extra for greasing hands!
- Water
- Salt
- Vanilla extract
- Popped popcorn: I use freshly-popped popcorn which I keep warm in a large bowl in a 250 F oven while making the syrup. It’s important to keep the popcorn warm to help the syrup coat it more easily. You can also use bagged salted popcorn. I like how it contains few or no unpopped kernels!
Step-By-Step Instructions
Ready to make the best ever popcorn balls? The process is simple; just make the syrup, coat the popcorn, and shape into balls for a sweet, chewy holiday treat. Follow the steps below, and you’ll have a fun snack or dessert in minutes that’s as enjoyable to eat as it is to make.
Step 1: Make the syrup
In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar, corn syrup, butter, water, and salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture comes to a full boil.
Stop stirring and continue cooking until the temperature reaches 270 F (hard ball stage) on a candy thermometer.
Step 2: Add the vanilla
Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla.
Step 3: Coat the popcorn
Carefully pour the hot syrup over the warm popped corn and mix with a fork to coat evenly.
Step 4: Shape into balls
Let the mixture cool slightly until safe to handle, then quickly form into balls using lightly buttered hands.
Substitutions
Missing an ingredient? No biggie! These substitutions will make sure that your popcorn balls will turn out just as delicious:
- Sugar: White sugar works best, but you can use brown sugar for a deeper, caramel-like flavor. Honey or maple syrup can be used, though the texture will be softer.
- Light corn syrup: Golden syrup or honey can work, though honey may make the popcorn balls a little stickier.
- Butter: Substitute with margarine.
- Vanilla extract: Swap out with almond or maple extract.
- Popcorn: Swap plain popcorn with lightly salted or kettle corn for added sweetness. If using these, reduce the sugar in the syrup slightly so the balls don’t turn out overly sweet.
Variations
- Halloween mix: Allow the mixture to cool slightly. Then gently add in ½ cup Halloween colored M&M’s or mini candy corn and ¼ cup Halloween sprinkles to the bowl and mix to combine. Finish according to the base recipe.
- Christmas mix: Allow the mixture to cool slightly. Then gently add in 1 cup red and green M&Ms and ¼ cup Christmas sprinkles to the bowl, then mix to combine. Finish according to the base recipe.
Expert Tips
- Work quickly but carefully: Work quickly when shaping the balls, as the syrup firms up fast. Be mindful, though, it’s hot!
- Don’t overpack: Press the popcorn balls together firmly but gently. Too much pressure can make them dense instead of chewy.
- Add mix-ins before shaping: Stir in candy, sprinkles, marshmallows, chopped pretzel, nuts, and other add-ins just before shaping so they stick without melting into the hot syrup.
- Mix in batches if needed: If you’re making a large batch, pour the syrup over half the popcorn at a time so it coats evenly.
- Make them party-ready: Place popcorn balls in cupcake liners or small parchment squares so they’re easy to serve with less mess. You can also insert colorful paper straws, lollipop sticks, or skewers into each popcorn ball to turn them into festive grab-and-go party treats.
- Cool completely before storing: Let the coated popcorn set and harden fully before transferring to an airtight container. This keeps the treats crispy and fresh.
How to Store This Recipe
Cool completely, wrap each ball tightly in plastic wrap or parchment paper to keep them from sticking together, then place them in an airtight container or zip-top bag at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and chewy for several days. Keep them away from heat and humidity to prevent them from turning sticky or soggy.
What to Serve with Popcorn Balls
Popcorn balls are a treat that works well on their own, but they’re even more fun when paired with other festive snacks. Serve them alongside mugs of hot chocolate, spiced cider, or holiday coffees for a cozy holiday spread, or add them to a dessert table with cookies, fudge, or brownies for variety.
For parties, you can mix them into a snack buffet with savory finger foods like cheese platters, pretzels, or nuts to balance the sweetness. They make a great addition to a holiday charcuterie board. They also make a great edible party favor; just wrap them in cellophane bags with ribbon, and they’ll double as both dessert and decoration.
More Holiday Desserts To Try
Old-Fashioned Popcorn Balls Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup sugar
- ⅓ cup light corn syrup
- ¼ cup butter
- ⅓ cup water
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 8 cups popped popcorn keep warm in a large bowl in a 250 °F oven
- 1 portion butter for greasing hands
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar, corn syrup, butter, water, and salt.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture comes to a full boil.
- Stop stirring and continue cooking until the temperature reaches 270 °F (hard ball stage) on a candy thermometer.
- Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla.
- Carefully pour the hot syrup over the warm popped corn and mix with a fork to coat evenly.
- Let the mixture cool slightly until safe to handle, then quickly form into balls using lightly buttered hands.
Notes
- Work quickly when shaping the balls, as the syrup firms up fast.
- Don’t overpack when shaping the balls, as too much pressure can make them dense instead of chewy.
- Stir in add-ins just before shaping so they stick without melting into the hot syrup.
- If you’re making a large batch, pour the syrup over half the popcorn at a time so it coats evenly.
- For party-ready popcorn balls, serve them in cupcake liners or small parchment squares so they’re easy to serve with less mess. You can also insert colorful paper straws, lollipop sticks, or skewers into each ball to turn them into festive grab-and-go party treats.
- Let the coated popcorn set and harden fully before transferring to an airtight container. This keeps the treats crispy and fresh.
