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Cozy Halloween Popcorn Balls with Candy Eyeballs

Halloween popcorn balls with candy eyeballs - featured image
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These fun and easy Halloween popcorn balls are coated in a buttery marshmallow mixture and decorated with candy eyeballs. Perfect for parties, movie nights, or a cozy autumn treat.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 10 cups popped popcorn (about 1/2 cup unpopped kernels)
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter (56 grams)
  • 1 package (10 ounces) regular marshmallows (about 40 large or 4 cups mini)
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1–2 tablespoons vegetable oil or coconut oil (for greasing)
  • 1/2 cup candy eyeballs (about 24–30 pieces)
  • Optional: orange and black sprinkles
  • Optional: edible glitter or luster dust

Instructions

  1. Pop your popcorn. Pop about 1/2 cup of kernels to get 10 cups of popped popcorn. Remove any unpopped kernels and let the popcorn cool completely in a large bowl (about 10 minutes).
  2. Prepare your workspace. Lay out a large sheet of wax paper on your counter or a baking sheet. Lightly grease it with a thin layer of vegetable oil or coconut oil. Set aside the candy eyeballs and any other decorations.
  3. Melt the butter. In a large pot over medium-low heat, melt the 1/4 cup unsalted butter, stirring occasionally, until fully melted (about 2 minutes).
  4. Add the marshmallows. Pour the entire 10-ounce bag of marshmallows into the pot with the melted butter. Stir constantly until the marshmallows are completely melted and the mixture is smooth and glossy (about 5-7 minutes). Keep the heat on medium-low to avoid scorching.
  5. Add vanilla and salt. Remove the pot from heat. Stir in the 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract and 1/4 teaspoon salt until well combined. The mixture will bubble slightly.
  6. Combine with popcorn. Pour the marshmallow mixture over the cooled popcorn in the large bowl. Use a rubber spatula to gently fold everything together until every kernel is coated. Fold, don’t stir, to avoid crushing the popcorn.
  7. Let it cool slightly. Let the mixture sit for 2-3 minutes until it is cool enough to handle but still warm and pliable.
  8. Grease your hands. Rub a thin layer of vegetable oil or coconut oil all over your hands. Keep a small bowl of water nearby to dip your hands between shaping each ball.
  9. Shape the popcorn balls. Scoop up about 1/2 cup of the popcorn mixture and gently press it into a ball shape, about 3 inches in diameter. Place it on the prepared wax paper. Repeat with the remaining mixture to make 10-12 popcorn balls.
  10. Add the candy eyeballs. While the popcorn balls are still warm and sticky, press 2-3 candy eyeballs into each one. Work quickly so the marshmallow holds them in place.
  11. Cool completely. Let the popcorn balls sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes until fully set.
  12. Optional decorations. If using sprinkles or edible glitter, sprinkle them over the popcorn balls while the marshmallow is still slightly tacky.

Notes

Use fresh marshmallows for best results. Avoid making on humid days as the marshmallow coating can become sticky. Work quickly once the marshmallow mixture is combined with the popcorn. If the mixture cools and becomes stiff, microwave for 10-15 seconds to soften.

Nutrition

Keywords: Halloween popcorn balls, candy eyeballs, marshmallow popcorn balls, Halloween treats, easy popcorn balls

Find it online: https://elaraeats.com/cozy-halloween-popcorn-balls-with-candy-eyeballs/