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Best Easy Spooky Halloween Popcorn Balls with Candy Eyes

Best Easy Spooky Halloween Popcorn Balls with Candy Eyes - featured image
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These spooky popcorn balls are a fun and easy Halloween treat made with popcorn, marshmallows, and candy eyes. They bring back childhood memories and are perfect for parties or a cozy night in.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 cups popped popcorn (about 1/2 cup unpopped kernels, or two 3-ounce bags of microwave popcorn)
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 (10-ounce) bag marshmallows (regular size, not mini)
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (pure, if possible)
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup candy eyeballs (e.g., Wilton brand)
  • 1/2 cup orange and black sprinkles (optional)
  • Food coloring gel in orange or purple (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pop your popcorn using stovetop or microwave method. Remove any unpopped kernels. Transfer to a large mixing bowl and set aside.
  2. Line your work surface with parchment paper or wax paper. Lightly grease your hands with butter or cooking spray.
  3. In a medium saucepan over medium-low heat, melt the 1/4 cup butter completely.
  4. Add the entire bag of marshmallows to the melted butter. Stir constantly with a rubber spatula until completely melted and smooth, about 5-7 minutes. Keep heat on low.
  5. Remove pan from heat. Stir in vanilla extract and salt. If using food coloring, add a few drops and stir until evenly distributed.
  6. Let the marshmallow mixture cool for about 2 minutes before pouring over the popcorn.
  7. Pour the warm marshmallow mixture over the popcorn. Gently fold with a greased rubber spatula until every kernel is coated, about 2-3 minutes.
  8. Sprinkle about 3/4 cup of the candy eyes over the coated popcorn and fold them in gently. Reserve the rest for decorating the outside.
  9. With well-greased hands, grab about 1 cup of the popcorn mixture and gently press into a ball shape (3-4 inches in diameter). Place on parchment paper. Repeat with remaining mixture.
  10. While the balls are still warm and tacky, press extra candy eyes onto the surface. Optionally roll in sprinkles. Work quickly as the marshmallow sets fast.
  11. Let the popcorn balls cool completely on the parchment paper, about 20-30 minutes, until firm.

Notes

Keep hands greased between shaping each ball. Work fast but don’t panic; the marshmallow mixture sets quickly. Don’t overmix to avoid dense popcorn balls. Use fresh popcorn for best results. Avoid making on hot, humid days as the coating may not set properly.

Nutrition

Keywords: Halloween popcorn balls, spooky popcorn balls, candy eyes popcorn, easy Halloween treat, popcorn balls recipe

Find it online: https://freshforkful.com/best-easy-spooky-halloween-popcorn-balls-with-candy-eyes/