Oh, the joy of **Marshmallow Popcorn Balls**! They just *smell* like childhood, don’t they? I’m Anna Kowalska, and here in my kitchen, I love sharing recipes that are made with heart and bursting with flavor – the kind that make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside. These classic treats are one of those gems. They’re so simple to whip up, and the smiles they bring are just priceless. Get ready to relive some sweet memories!
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Why You’ll Love These Marshmallow Popcorn Balls
Seriously, these **Marshmallow Popcorn Balls** are a total winner, and I bet you’ll love them just as much as we do! They’re the perfect blend of crunchy popcorn and sweet, gooey marshmallow that just melts in your mouth. Plus, they’re ridiculously easy to make, which is always a win in my book. Kids absolutely adore helping with these, and honestly, who can resist a classic treat that brings back so many happy memories? They’re just pure, simple fun in ball form!
Quick and Simple Preparation
The best part? You can have these delicious **Marshmallow Popcorn Balls** ready in under 30 minutes! It’s seriously that fast. Minimal fuss, maximum flavor – that’s my kind of recipe. You’ll be amazed at how quickly they come together.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether it’s a birthday party, a holiday gathering, a school bake sale, or just a Tuesday afternoon that needs a little sparkle, these **Marshmallow Popcorn Balls** are the perfect answer. They’re crowd-pleasers that travel well and always bring a smile.
Essential Ingredients for Marshmallow Popcorn Balls
Alright, let’s talk about what goes into making these fantastic **Marshmallow Popcorn Balls**! It’s all about simple, good-quality ingredients that come together beautifully. You probably have most of these in your pantry already, which makes them even better, right?
| Ingredient | Amount | Preparation |
| Cooking spray | For greasing | Use to grease the baking dish and your hands. |
| Vegetable oil | 1 tablespoon | For popping the popcorn kernels. |
| Popcorn kernels | ½ cup | Use standard popping corn. |
| Butter | 6 tablespoons | Unsalted is best, but salted works too. |
| Miniature marshmallows | 5 cups | Using mini ones makes melting so much easier! |
Ingredient Clarity and Notes
When you’re making these **Marshmallow Popcorn Balls**, a few little details make a big difference. Definitely grab those *miniature marshmallows*; they melt down so much smoother and faster than the big ones, giving you that perfect gooey coating. For popping the corn, just a tablespoon of *vegetable oil* is all you need to get those kernels fluffy and ready. And don’t forget the *cooking spray* – it’s your best friend for keeping things from sticking to the dish and, more importantly, to your hands when you’re shaping the balls!
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Marshmallow Popcorn Balls
Alright, let’s get down to business and make some fantastic **Marshmallow Popcorn Balls**! It’s a super straightforward process, and honestly, it’s kind of fun. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a batch of nostalgic goodness ready in no time. Don’t worry if it gets a little sticky; that’s part of the charm!
Popping the Perfect Base
First things first, we need some fluffy popcorn! Grab a 4-quart saucepan and add that tablespoon of vegetable oil. Get it nice and hot over high heat – you want it sizzling! Toss in your ½ cup of popcorn kernels. Cover it up, but keep shaking the pot gently. This is key to making sure every kernel pops and nothing burns on the bottom. Once the popping slows down to just a few pops here and there, carefully pour all that lovely popcorn into your greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Set it aside for a moment.
Creating the Sweet Marshmallow Coating
Now for the magic binder! In a medium saucepan, melt your 6 tablespoons of butter over low heat. Seriously, keep it low – we don’t want browned butter here, just smooth, melted goodness. Once the butter is all liquid, toss in your 5 cups of miniature marshmallows. Stir them constantly as they melt. It’ll look like a gooey, sticky wonderland! Keep stirring until it’s completely smooth and there are no marshmallow lumps left. This usually takes just a few minutes.
Forming and Shaping Your Marshmallow Popcorn Balls
This is where the fun really begins! Let that glorious marshmallow-popcorn mixture cool in the baking dish for just a few minutes. You want it warm enough to shape but not so hot that it burns your fingers. Grab your cooking spray and give your hands a good coating – this is your secret weapon against stickiness! Take about 1/8th of the mixture and gently, but firmly, shape it into a ball. It might feel a bit awkward at first, but you’ll get the hang of it. Repeat this with the rest of the mixture, spraying your hands again as needed. You should get about 8 lovely **Marshmallow Popcorn Balls**!
Tips for Perfectly Rolled Marshmallow Popcorn Balls
Making these **Marshmallow Popcorn Balls** is a blast, but a little insider know-how can make them even better. Trust me, I’ve learned a thing or two in my kitchen! Following these simple tips will help you achieve that perfect, classic look and taste every single time. You’ll be a pro popcorn ball maker in no time!
Preventing Stickiness
Okay, the stickiness is real with these **Marshmallow Popcorn Balls**, but your cooking spray is your superhero here! Make sure you spray your hands generously *before* you start shaping, and then again *every time* you grab more mixture. A light coating on your spoon helps too when you’re mixing everything together.
Achieving Uniform Size
To get all your **Marshmallow Popcorn Balls** looking like they came from the same batch, use a measuring cup or even just a mental “eyeball” for portioning. Divvy up the popcorn-marshmallow mixture into 8 equal parts *before* you start rolling. This ensures they all bake and set evenly, and they look super neat when you serve them!
Frequently Asked Questions about Marshmallow Popcorn Balls
Got questions about whipping up these delightful **Marshmallow Popcorn Balls**? I’ve got you covered! These little bites of happiness are pretty forgiving, but here are a few things folks often wonder about:
Can I make Marshmallow Popcorn Balls ahead of time?
Oh yes, you absolutely can! These **Marshmallow Popcorn Balls** are actually best made a day in advance. This gives the marshmallow coating a little time to set up properly, making them easier to handle and less sticky. Just make sure you let them cool completely before storing them.
How do I store Marshmallow Popcorn Balls?
To keep your **Marshmallow Popcorn Balls** fresh and delicious, the best way is to wrap each one individually in plastic wrap. Then, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Avoid the fridge, as it can make them hard and chewy instead of delightfully gooey. They usually stay good for a good 2-3 days this way.
Are Marshmallow Popcorn Balls a good option for a school bake sale?
Absolutely! **Marshmallow Popcorn Balls** are a total hit at school bake sales. They’re inexpensive to make, easy to transport, and kids (and adults!) just love them. Just make sure they’re individually wrapped for hygiene and ease of grabbing. They always disappear fast!
Estimated Nutritional Information for Marshmallow Popcorn Balls
Whipping up these **Marshmallow Popcorn Balls** is a sweet adventure, and it’s always good to have an idea of what you’re enjoying! Please keep in mind that these numbers are estimates, as they can vary a bit depending on the exact brands of ingredients you use and how perfectly you shape each ball. But this gives you a pretty good ballpark figure for one delicious ball! For more information on general nutritional guidelines, you can refer to resources like the MyPlate website.
| Nutrient | Amount (per ball) |
| Calories | 237 |
| Fat | 11g |
| Saturated Fat | 6g |
| Carbohydrates | 35g |
| Sugar | 18g |
| Protein | 2g |
| Sodium | 87mg |
Sharing Your Marshmallow Popcorn Ball Creations
I just adore seeing your creations! If you’ve made these **Marshmallow Popcorn Balls**, I’d be thrilled to hear all about it. Leave a comment below, share your thoughts, or even tag me on social media with a picture. Your feedback truly makes my day! You can find more of my recipes, including other sweet treats, right here on my site.
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Easy Marshmallow Popcorn Balls: 8 Yummiest Treats
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 balls 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Marshmallow Popcorn Balls are a classic sweet treat. These easy-to-make balls are perfect for parties, holidays, or just a fun snack.
Ingredients
- Cooking spray
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- ½ cup popcorn kernels
- 6 tablespoons butter
- 5 cups miniature marshmallows
Instructions
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray; set aside.
- Heat oil in a 4-quart saucepan over high heat. Add popcorn kernels to hot oil. Cover the pan and cook until popping ceases, shaking the pot occasionally. Remove from heat and pour popcorn into the prepared dish.
- Melt butter in a medium saucepan over low heat. Cook and stir marshmallows in hot butter until melted. Pour marshmallow mixture over popcorn, then use a spoon to mix thoroughly until evenly coated.
- Allow mixture to cool enough to handle. Spray your hands with cooking spray. Shape popcorn with your hands into 8 equal balls.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ball
- Calories: 237
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 87mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 23mg


