Description
These Halloween Popcorn Balls are a sweet, spooky, and kid-friendly treat that’s perfect for parties or trick-or-treat gatherings! Made with gooey marshmallows, popcorn, and candy eyeballs, they’re easy to make and endlessly customizable. Whether you decorate them with sprinkles, candy corn, or edible glitter, these popcorn balls are guaranteed to steal the show at your Halloween table.
Ingredients
Scale
Essentials:
- 16 cups popped popcorn (about 1 standard bag; plain or lightly salted works best)
- 10 oz mini marshmallows
- 1/4 cup (57g) butter
- 1 bag Wilton bright white candy melts
- Candy eyeballs (for decoration)
Optional Add-Ons:
- Halloween sprinkles or edible glitter
- Mini chocolate chips
- Crushed candy corn
Substitutions & Shortcuts:
- Popcorn: Use air-popped for a lighter option or microwave popcorn for convenience.
- Butter: Swap with coconut oil or any neutral-flavored oil for a dairy-free option.
- Candy melts: Substitute white or dark chocolate chips if you prefer — just adjust the melting time.
- Always check labels if you’re avoiding pork or alcohol in your ingredients.
Instructions
- Prepare the Popcorn: Place the popped popcorn in a large mixing bowl (or divide into two bowls for easier coating).
- Melt Marshmallows and Butter: In a large saucepan over medium heat, combine the mini marshmallows and butter. Stir gently for 5–7 minutes until the mixture becomes smooth and gooey.
- Combine with Popcorn: Pour the marshmallow mixture over the popcorn. Stir gently with a spatula until all the popcorn is evenly coated.
- Shape the Popcorn Balls: Butter your hands to prevent sticking. Scoop a handful of the coated popcorn and press it together firmly into a ball. Repeat until all popcorn is shaped.
- Cool the Balls: Place them on a parchment- or silicone-lined baking sheet and let cool for 30–60 minutes to firm up.
- Melt the Candy Melts: Follow the package directions to melt the white candy melts. Add a touch of vegetable shortening or oil if needed for smoother dipping consistency.
- Dip and Decorate: Dip the tops of the cooled popcorn balls into the melted candy. Let them sit for a minute, then press on candy eyeballs (and sprinkles or candy pieces, if using).
- Final Cooling: Allow the candy coating to fully harden before serving. Store any leftovers in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
- Serve and Display: Arrange on a tray filled with Halloween candies, or add fake cobwebs and spiders for a spooky presentation!
Notes
- To make multi-colored popcorn balls, divide the mixture and add food coloring to each portion before shaping.
- If you prefer less sweetness, skip the candy melts and simply drizzle with melted chocolate instead.
- Popcorn balls stay fresh for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Halloween Treats
- Method: Stovetop + No Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 popcorn ball
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: undefined
- Trans Fat: undefined
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: undefined
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: halloween popcorn balls, marshmallow popcorn balls, spooky treats, halloween desserts, no bake halloween snacks, halloween party food, kid friendly halloween recipes, candy eyeball popcorn balls