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Quick Halloween Popcorn Balls – Easy 15-Minute Treat

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These quick Halloween popcorn balls with candy eyeballs are soft, sweet, and just ridiculous enough. Ready in 15 minutes with simple ingredients, they’re the perfect treat for Halloween parties and class events.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 cups popped popcorn (about 1 bag of microwave popcorn or 1/3 cup unpopped kernels)
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter (4 tablespoons)
  • 1 bag (10 oz) marshmallows (about 4 cups mini marshmallows)
  • 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup candy eyeballs (about 24–30 pieces)
  • Non-stick cooking spray

Instructions

  1. Pop your popcorn. If using microwave popcorn, pop one bag according to package directions. Open carefully and pour into your largest mixing bowl. Pick out any unpopped kernels. Let cool for about 2 minutes.
  2. Prep your workspace. Lay out a large sheet of parchment paper on your counter. Spray lightly with non-stick cooking spray. Fill a small bowl with water and set nearby. Spray your spatula with cooking spray.
  3. Melt the butter. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium-low heat until fully melted and just starting to bubble.
  4. Add the marshmallows. Pour in the entire bag of marshmallows. Stir constantly until completely melted and smooth, about 3-4 minutes. If using orange food coloring, add a tiny dab now and stir.
  5. Add vanilla and salt. Remove the pan from heat. Stir in vanilla extract and salt. The mixture will bubble up a little.
  6. Pour over popcorn. Immediately pour the marshmallow mixture over the popcorn. Use your spatula to scrape every last bit out of the pan.
  7. Mix it up. Fold the marshmallow mixture into the popcorn until every piece is coated, about 1 minute of gentle folding. Don’t stir too hard or you’ll crush the popcorn.
  8. Let it cool slightly. Let the mixture sit for about 2 minutes. It should be warm but not burning hot.
  9. Shape the balls. Lightly spray your hands with cooking spray or rub with butter. Dip your fingers in water. Grab a handful of the popcorn mixture, about the size of a tennis ball. Gently squeeze and shape into a round ball. Place each ball on the prepared parchment paper.
  10. Add the candy eyeballs. While the popcorn balls are still warm and slightly sticky, press 2-3 candy eyeballs onto each one. Push them in gently.
  11. Let them set. Allow the popcorn balls to cool completely on the parchment paper, about 10 minutes.

Notes

Don’t overheat the marshmallows or they’ll turn into hard candy. Work fast but don’t panic. Use wet hands to shape the balls. Don’t overmix. Test one ball before making all of them. Make the same day for best texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: Halloween popcorn balls, quick popcorn balls, candy eyeballs, easy Halloween treat, no-bake dessert, 15-minute recipe

Find it online: https://recipebelle.com/quick-halloween-popcorn-balls-easy-15-minute-treat/