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–+ servings
Several popcorn balls are arranged on a wooden plate, with a white bowl containing more popcorn in the background.

Old-Fashioned Popcorn Balls Recipe

Author: Jessica Haggard
Sweet, buttery, and perfectly chewy, these festive popcorn balls come together with just a handful of simple ingredients and are easy to customize for any holiday or occasion. Make a big batch for gifting, parties, or snacking, and switch up the colors and mix-ins to keep every batch feeling fresh and fun.
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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.
    A metal pan filled with bubbling yellow liquid sits on a white stovetop burner.
  • Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla.
    A stainless steel saucepan filled with brown gravy, viewed from above on a light textured surface.
  • Carefully pour the hot syrup over the warm popped corn and mix with a fork to coat evenly.
    A metal bowl filled with popped popcorn sits on a light-colored surface.
  • Let the mixture cool slightly until safe to handle, then quickly form into balls using lightly buttered hands.
    Two hands are forming a ball of popcorn over a metal bowl filled with more popcorn.

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.
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 on a charcuterie board.
Store: Let the coated popcorn set and harden fully before transferring to an airtight container. This keeps the treats crispy and fresh.
 
 

Nutrition

Serving: 1ballCalories: 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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