Popcorn Balls are a yummy and traditional Halloween snack. While the first recipe for popcorn balls was published in 1861, they were most popular in the 1950s, back when trick-or-treaters received homemade treats more frequently than packaged candy bars. While old-fashioned popcorn ball recipes called for cooking a syrup of molasses and sugar, we’re making the popcorn ball process even easier by using melted marshmallows instead. If you like these adorable Halloween ghost popcorn balls, you should also check out my Halloween Snack Mix and other Halloween Recipes! Halloween Taco Dip and Halloween Dirt Cupcakes are always a hit at parties.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Looking for a classic Caramel Popcorn Recipe? We have the best one!
Ingredients In Marshmallow Popcorn Balls
Complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card below.
Unsalted Butter: I like to use unsalted butter when I make popcorn balls, but they will work with salted butter if that’s what you have on hand. Miniature Marshmallows: Just like making Rice Krispie Treats, butter and marshmallows, melted together, make the best sticky coating. Vanilla: For delicious flavor. Popcorn: Pop fresh popcorn to make popcorn balls. You can use a popcorn maker, or make it on the stove. In a pinch, microwave popcorn will also work, but use a variety that is plain. Candy Wafers: To make ghosts, dip the popcorn balls into melted white candy wafers.Eyes: Pick up some candy eyes to make these spooky treats. These are easy to find around Halloween in the seasonal baking spot.
How To Make Marshmallow Popcorn Balls
Recipe Tips
Butter Your Hands. Trust me, you can not get away with skipping this step! The popcorn coated with marshmallow will be extremely sticky. Butter will help it from sticking to your hands. Remove Any Kernels. If there are unpopped kernels in your bowl, be sure to remove them before you pour in the coating. Nobody wants to bite down into a hard kernel that is inside of a popcorn ball!Make Ghosts or other Creatures. Use Green, Orange, or Purple colored candy melts to create monsters or pumpkins for Halloween instead. Popcorn Balls aren’t only for Halloween. Decorate them with sprinkles to match any occasion, like Christmas, birthdays, or Easter.
Storing Tips
Store marshmallow popcorn balls in an airtight container at room temperature. They are best eaten within 3 days. You can individually wrap these treats with cellophane too. They make great gifts that kids will love!
More Halloween Party Food
If you’re having a party for Halloween, be sure to have a mix of themed food and delicious finger foods. Bonus if the food you’re serving is both themed and delicious! Try these:
Halloween Taco DipCandy Corn Jello CupsApple Cider MargaritasPumpkin Spice FudgeAsian Chicken MeatballsPigs in a BlanketPizza Sliders
These adorable ghost marshmallow popcorn balls are going to be everyone’s favorite treat this year! Be sure to pin the recipe for later if needed – it’s best to make these the day of or the day before you want to serve them. © Little Sunny Kitchen
