Sweet, crunchy and gooey popcorn snowballs are a delicious snack. They make great party favors or holiday treats!
Popcorn snowballs can even be made a few days ahead to give you a jump start with any party prep. Easy Microwave Toffee, Homemade Peppermint Bark, and Homemade Peanut Brittle are great additions to any gift plate or holiday party spread!
Edible Snowballs
I’m usually not very adventurous when it comes to popcorn. I prefer butter, kettle or my aunt’s famous caramel corn. However, I thought I’d get a little creative and make something new. These popcorn snowballs seemed like a perfect treat for the party.
For these popcorn snowballs I added a pinch of salt and some vanilla extract. I find those ingredients to be essential in any type of baking or “candy making.” They add both depth and flavor.
Since I wanted to make them extra festive, I went with blue sanding sugar, jumbo snowflake sprinkles and a variety of blue M&M’s.
They’re crunchy, gooey and sweet- perfect for any occasion! Place them in cupcake liners and package them in cellophane bags for a great holiday gift. Or serve them at a party as a fun little treat!
How to make popcorn snowballs
POPCORN. Place a heavy bottom dutch oven or saucepan over medium heat. Add the oil and popcorn and stir the kernels so that they are evenly coated. When the oil becomes hot and sizzles, add the sugar. Shake the pot or pan until the first few kernels pop.
Place the lid on top and continue gently shaking back and forth while the remaining kernels pop. Once the popcorn stops, remove from heat and place into a large mixing bowl to cool.
SAUCE. In a small saucepan over medium heat, add the butter and marshmallows. Stir continuously until the marshmallows are melted. Remove from heat and add the salt and vanilla extract.
COMBINE. Pour over the popcorn and coat evenly. Add M&Ms, sprinkles or nuts.
FORM + COOL. Cover your hands with a light layer butter or coconut oil. Form the popcorn mixture into 3″ balls. Set them on a piece of wax (or parchment) paper to cool completely, about 30 minutes.
Tips + Storing Info
Here are a few tips when making them:
- Try to remove any un-popped kernels before adding the marshmallow mixture to your popcorn.
- Add a few drops of food color to the marshmallow mixture or use pastel colored marshmallows for some fun and festive tints.
- Any kind of popcorn can be used – even microwaved or air popped. You will want to use at least 12 cups of popped popcorn for this recipe.
- Add in any candies that you like to your popcorn balls – skittles, cut up gum drops, candy corns, and Reese’s pieces would all be fun additions.
STORE cooled popcorn balls wrapped tightly in plastic wrap at room temperature for up to 5 days.
More Yummy Candy Treats:
- Mint Overload Bark
- Salted Caramel Peanut Clusters
- Easy Microwave Toffee
- Homemade Peppermint Bark
- Homemade Peanut Brittle
Popcorn Snowballs Recipe
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Ingredients
- 3 Tbsp canola oil
- 1/2 cup popcorn kernels
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 4 Tbsp butter
- 5 cups mini marshmallows
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup M&Ms
- sprinkles or peanuts optional
Instructions
- Place a heavy bottom dutch oven or saucepan over medium heat. Add the oil and popcorn and stir the kernels so that they are evenly coated. When the oil becomes hot and sizzles, add the sugar. Shake the pot or pan until the first few kernels pop. Place the lid on top and continue gently shaking back and forth while the remaining kernels pop. Once the popcorn stops, remove from heat and place into a large mixing bowl to cool.
- Next, in a small saucepan over medium heat, add the butter and marshmallows. Stir continuously until the marshmallows are melted. Remove from heat and add the salt and vanilla extract.
- Pour over the popcorn and coat evenly. Add M&Ms, sprinkles or nuts.
- Cover your hands with a light layer of butter or coconut oil. Form the popcorn mixture into 3" balls. Set them on a piece of wax (or parchment) paper to cool completely, about 30 minutes.
NOTES
Nutrition
Recipe Source: adapted from The Pioneer Woman, Popcorn Balls
Thank you so much for sharing this amazing popcorn snowballs recipe! Will surely have this again! It’s really easy to make and it tasted so delicious! Highly recommended!
I’m planning on using microwave popcorn. Can you tell me approx. how much or how many bags I may need to use?
I’d say about 12 cups, maybe a little more. Hope that helps!
Thank you!
Is there any reason why mini milk chocolate balls wouldn’t work in place of the M&Ms? I’m having trouble finding the blue M&Ms for a reasonable price, but I’ve found pretty shimmer blue & white mini chocolate balls on Amazon for a reasonable price. Thank you!
You could definitely use anything!