Irresistibly sweet and crunchy these Popcorn Snowballs are the ultimate snack! Perfect for parties or holiday celebrations, they’re a delightful treat everyone will love.
Popcorn Snowballs are a fun, nostalgic treat that combines the crunch of freshly popped popcorn with the gooey sweetness of melted marshmallows. Shaped into round, snowball-like clusters, they’re chewy on the inside with a light, crisp bite on the outside.
Popcorn snowballs can even be made a few days ahead to give you a jump start with any party prep. For more popcorn recipes you have to check out my White Chocolate Peppermint Popcorn, Kettle Corn, Black Pepper Parmesan Popcorn.
Table of Contents
Why We Love These Popcorn Snowballs
- They are great for any occasion. I made them for my niece’s Frozen Birthday party and these Frozen Popcorn Snowballs were a hit!
- You can decorate them however you want, making them a great treat for any gathering.
- These popcorn snowballs use simple ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen.
Recipe Ingredients
- Butter: Adds richness and a creamy texture.
- Mini Marshmallows: Give a gooey, sweet binding that holds the snowballs together while adding a soft chewiness.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and a warm flavor.
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
Variations
- Popcorn Choices: Any kind of popcorn can be used – even microwaved or air-popped. Ensure you use at least 12 cups of popped popcorn for this recipe.
- Candy Mix-Ins: Add your favorite candies to the Popcorn Snowballs. Skittles, gum drops, candy corn, and Reese’s pieces make fun, colorful additions.
How to Make Popcorn Snowballs
Step 1: Place a heavy-bottom Dutch oven or saucepan over medium heat. Add the oil and popcorn, stirring 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 the heat and place it into a large mixing bowl to cool.
Step 2: 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.
Step 3: Pour the marshmallow mixture over the popcorn and coat evenly. Add M&Ms, sprinkles, or nuts.
Step 4: 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.
Expert Tips
- Kernel Removal: Try to remove any un-popped kernels before adding the marshmallow mixture to your popcorn to avoid hard bits in the Popcorn Snowballs.
- Festive Coloring: Add a few drops of food coloring to the marshmallow mixture or use pastel-colored marshmallows for fun and festive tints.
FAQs
Yes, you can use microwave popcorn. Just ensure you have at least 12 cups of popped popcorn. Avoid flavored varieties to maintain the original taste of the Popcorn Snowballs.
Stir the popcorn gently but thoroughly when adding the marshmallow mixture. Use a large mixing bowl and a spatula to ensure all pieces are coated evenly for consistent flavor and texture.
Storage Info
To STORE Popcorn Snowballs, place them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to one week. For maximum freshness, keep them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
More Yummy Candy Treats to Try
Popcorn Snowballs Recipe
Recommended Products
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, stirring 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 the heat and place it 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 the marshmallow mixture 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.
These popcorn snowballs were so fun to make and tasted amazing!!!
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!