Description
Spooky, sweet, and perfectly chewy, these Halloween Popcorn Balls are a festive treat that’s fun to make and even more fun to eat! Perfect for trick-or-treaters or a Halloween party.
Ingredients
Scale
- 6 quarts popped popcorn (about 1/2 cup unpopped kernels)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light corn syrup
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Orange and black food coloring (gel or liquid)
- Halloween-themed sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare your popcorn and place it in a very large bowl. Remove any unpopped kernels.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, light corn syrup, butter, and salt.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the butter is melted and the sugar is dissolved. Bring the mixture to a boil and continue to boil for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Divide the syrup mixture into two smaller bowls. Add a few drops of orange food coloring to one bowl and black food coloring to the other. Stir well to combine.
- Working quickly, drizzle the colored syrup over the popcorn, alternating colors. You can use a spoon or a silicone spatula to distribute the syrup evenly. If using, sprinkle Halloween-themed sprinkles over the popcorn.
- Lightly butter your hands or spray them with non-stick cooking spray. Gently press the popcorn mixture into balls, about 3-4 inches in diameter.
- Let the popcorn balls cool completely on wax paper or parchment paper before handling or packaging.
Notes
- For easier handling, you can lightly butter or spray your hands with non-stick cooking spray before forming the balls.
- If the syrup becomes too stiff to work with, you can gently warm it over low heat for a minute or two.
- These popcorn balls can be wrapped individually in plastic wrap or cellophane for individual treats.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: PT20M
- Cook Time: PT10M
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 popcorn ball
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg