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–+ servings
A bowl of popcorn balls mixed with candy corns and decorated with small candy eyeballs, set in front of a red striped cloth.

Easy Halloween Popcorn Balls

Author: Jessica Haggard
Who needs another bag of candy when you can make these spooky-cute Halloween popcorn balls? Sweet, salty, chewy, and ready in 25 minutes, they’re perfect for parties, trick-or-treat swaps, or spooky movie nights.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Desserts, Snacks
Cuisine American
Servings 12 servings
Calories 537 kcal

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.
  • Allow the mixture to cool slightly. Then gently add in ½ cup mini candy corn and ¼ cup candy eyeballs to the bowl and mix to combine.
  • Let the mixture cool just until safe to handle, then quickly form into balls using lightly buttered hands.

Notes

  • Work quickly to shape the balls while the syrup is still warm, and butter your hands to keep them from sticking.
  • Press the popcorn just enough to hold together. If you press too tightly, they’ll turn hard instead of chewy.
  • If doubling, coat half the popcorn at a time so everything gets covered evenly.
  • Let the syrup cool a bit before adding candy corn, M&M’s, or sprinkles so they don’t melt.
  • Use orange, black, purple, or green sprinkles for a fun Halloween look.
  • Wrap in festive cellophane or parchment, add candy eyes, or pop in lollipop sticks for easy, cute treats.
Serve: Serve with festive sweets like candy apples, chocolate pretzels, or mini cupcakes, or pair them with fall bakes and cozy pumpkin drinks.
Store: Wrap cooled popcorn balls individually, then store in an airtight container or bag at room temperature; they’ll stay fresh and chewy for several days if kept away from heat and humidity.

Nutrition

Calories: 537kcalCarbohydrates: 105gProtein: 12gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 142mgPotassium: 305mgFiber: 14gSugar: 25gVitamin A: 120IUCalcium: 8mgIron: 3mg
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