How to Make Popcorn Balls?

Use plain unbuttered popcorn to make popcorn balls.

Popcorn balls, made with ingredients to help the popcorn stick together, are a holiday favorite. You may string the balls and drape them over the Christmas tree, or eat them as a snack. Popcorn balls are best when made with freshly popped popcorn. Shape the popcorn into small or large balls, according to your preference. Placed in an airtight container, the popcorn balls stay fresh for a week or longer.

Things You'll Need

• Popcorn
• Large bowl
• Cookie sheet
• Non-stick butter cooking spray
• Pan
• 1 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup light corn syrup
• 2/3 cup water
• 1 tbsp. butter
• 1 1/4 cup brown sugar
• Thermometer
• Bowl
• Spoon
• Wooden spoon

Instructions

1. Pop 3 1/2 qt. of plain popcorn. Place the popcorn into a large bowl.

2. Spray a cookie sheet with a non-stick cooking spray.

3. Place 1 1/4 cups each of sugar and brown sugar into a pan. Add 1/2 cup light corn syrup and 2/3 cup water to the pan. Set the pan on a burner on the stove.

4. Turn the burner to a low- to medium-heat setting. Continuously stir the sugar mixture as it heats. After the sugar dissolves, add 1 tbsp. of butter.

5. Stir the mixture until it reaches 240 degrees Fahrenheit. If you do not have a thermometer, scoop a small amount onto a spoon and drop into a bowl of water. If it forms a soft ball, it has reached the correct temperature.

6. Remove the sugar mixture from the heat and pour over the popcorn. As you pour, toss the popcorn with a large wooden spoon to evenly distribute the mixture.

7. Spray hands with the butter non-stick cooking spray. Grab a handful of the popcorn and shape into balls. Lay the balls onto the greased cookie sheet and allow them to cool.

Tips & Warnings

• Wrap the cooled popcorn balls in plastic wrap or store in a large seal-top container to keep them fresh.

• Sprinkle mini-morsels or candy-coated chocolates on warm popcorn balls if desired.

References

• Old Recipe Book: How to Make Popcorn Balls