Go Back
–+ servings
Close-up of popcorn balls coated with white syrup and sprinkles, arranged on a white plate with festive decorations in the background.

Old-Fashioned Popcorn Balls Recipe

Author: Jessica Haggard
These popcorn balls are what your holidays have been missing. Sweet, chewy, and endlessly customizable, they’re perfect for snacking or parties. Try the holiday variations to make each batch feel brand-new! Make a batch in just 25 minutes.
No ratings yet
Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save Recipe
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.
  • 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.
Serve: Pair with seasonal drinks for a cozy holiday spread, or add to a dessert table with other festive treats. For parties, mix into a snack buffet with savory bites, or include on a holiday charcuterie board.
Store: Cool completely, wrap each ball tightly in plastic wrap, 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.

Nutrition

Calories: 537kcalCarbohydrates: 105gProtein: 12gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 142mgPotassium: 305mgFiber: 14gSugar: 25gVitamin A: 120IUCalcium: 8mgIron: 3mg
Did you make this recipe?Please leave a review and share your experience with us! Your feedback means a lot to the entire community.