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Popcorn Balls

Popcorn Balls
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Learn how to make perfect Popcorn Balls quickly with this easy and nostalgic recipe. These crunchy, airy popcorn treats are coated in a sweet, buttery syrup and come together in under 20 minutes, making them ideal for parties, snacks, or festive desserts. Customize with various mix-ins or toppings, and enjoy a mess-free, kid-friendly activity that results in deliciously sweet and crunchy popcorn balls.

Ingredients

Scale

Popcorn Base

  • 10 cups freshly popped plain popcorn (remove un-popped kernels)

Syrup Mixture

  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup light corn syrup
  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Popcorn: Start by popping about 10 cups of plain popcorn and remove any un-popped kernels to avoid chewing hazards. Place the popcorn in a large mixing bowl, ready to be coated.
  2. Make the Syrup Mixture: In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup sugar, 1/2 cup light corn syrup, and 1/2 cup butter. Heat over medium until the mixture comes to a boil, stirring frequently. Once boiling, stop stirring and let it cook for about 2 minutes until it reaches the soft ball stage (235°F to 240°F).
  3. Add Flavor Enhancers: Remove from heat and stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and 1/2 teaspoon baking soda. The mixture will bubble and become frothy, which is essential for fluffiness.
  4. Combine Syrup with Popcorn: Pour the syrup evenly over the popcorn and quickly but gently mix using a spatula to coat every piece without crushing the popcorn.
  5. Form the Popcorn Balls: With buttered hands or hands sprayed with cooking spray, scoop out portions and shape into balls about the size of a tennis ball. Place them on wax paper to cool and set completely.

Notes

  • Use fresh popcorn to ensure maximum crunch and freshness; avoid pre-packaged popcorn with additives.
  • Butter your hands or spray with cooking spray before shaping to prevent stickiness and make forming balls easier.
  • Work quickly when mixing and shaping, as the syrup hardens fast for best results.
  • Cooking syrup to the soft ball stage (235°F to 240°F) is critical for perfect texture—use a candy thermometer for accuracy.
  • Store Popcorn Balls in an airtight container to keep them fresh and crispy for up to five days.

Nutrition

Keywords: popcorn balls, popcorn snacks, sweet popcorn, party treat, kid-friendly dessert, easy popcorn recipe, gluten free snack

Find it online: https://mealsbylina.com/popcorn-balls/