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Halloween Popcorn Balls

Close-up of three homemade Halloween Popcorn Balls decorated with candy corn on a white plate.

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Create classic, sticky popcorn balls with a festive Halloween twist. These fun, hand-held treats are perfect for parties and trick-or-treaters.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 quarts popped popcorn
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup light corn syrup
  • 1/4 cup butter
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Orange food coloring (optional)
  • Candy corn, sprinkles, or chopped candy for decorating (optional)

Instructions

  1. Place popped popcorn in a large bowl. Remove any unpopped kernels.
  2. In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup, and butter.
  3. Cook over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves and butter melts.
  4. Bring the mixture to a boil and cook without stirring for 5 minutes.
  5. Remove from heat. Stir in vanilla extract and orange food coloring, if using.
  6. Carefully pour the hot syrup over the popcorn. Mix quickly with a buttered spoon until the popcorn is evenly coated.
  7. Butter your hands well to prevent sticking.
  8. Working quickly, shape the popcorn mixture into balls.
  9. If desired, press candy corn, sprinkles, or chopped candy into the balls for decoration.
  10. Let the popcorn balls cool completely on wax paper before serving.

Notes

  • Buttering your hands is essential for safely shaping the popcorn balls. Re-butter as needed.
  • For a chewy texture, use slightly less syrup. For a crispier ball, cook the syrup a minute longer.
  • These popcorn balls are a delightful alternative to traditional candy for trick-or-treaters.
  • Consider these for your fall festival snack table.

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