Halloween popcorn balls are simple and quick delicious treats to make for school parties, Halloween get-togethers, or scary movie nights! These adorable popcorn balls are made with marshmallows, butter, M&M's, candy corn, and Halloween sprinkles (no corn syrup here)! In only 10 minutes, you will have a perfectly sweet and salty no-bake treat that everyone will love!
2packsmicrowave popcorn(popped and cooled slightly)
8cupsminiature marshmallows(*see note)
½cupbutter(1 stick or 8 tablespoons, cut into pieces)
1cupM&M's candies(sorted into Halloween colors - brown, yellow, orange)
1cupcandy corn(whole or chopped)
Halloween sprinkles(optional, assorted)
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Instructions
Pop your popcorn and spread it on a baking sheet to let the unpopped kernels rest on the baking sheet. Transfer the popped popcorn into a large mixing bowl then discard the unpopped kernels and line your baking sheet(s) with parchment paper.
Combine marshmallows and the butter pieces in a large microwave-safe bowl or in a large saucepan.In the microwave: Heat in 30-second increments, stirring between each heating cycle. Once mostly melted, stir vigorously to combine.On the stove top: Melt over medium-low heat, stirring constantly while the marshmallows are heating. Remove from heat once the marshmallows are mostly melted and stir vigorously.
If you would like to color the popcorn balls with orange, yellow, or purple gel food coloring (*see notes), this is when you can add it.
Pour the melted marshmallow mixture over the popcorn and stir gently to coat all of the popcorn evenly. Add the Halloween color M&M's candies and candy corn then stir to coat and evenly distribute the candies throughout the popcorn.
Spray your hands with non-stick cooking spray, or coat with softened butter, to handle and shape the popcorn balls. Re-apply the spray or butter as needed if your hands get tacky from the melted marshmallows.
Squeeze generous handfuls of the popcorn mixture gently into ball shapes, then roll in optional Halloween sprinkles. Set aside on parchment paper lined baking sheet(s) or in a cupcake liner until cooled and set. *You may need to give a squeeze to help them hold their shape while cooling.
Notes
Each 1 cup of mini marshmallows equals approximately 1.66 oz, so you will need about 13.25 ounces of marshmallows.
To color your Halloween popcorn balls, use gel food coloring rather than liquid food coloring drops for the best results. Use candy corn colors like orange or yellow, or some purple coloring for a Hocus Pocus theme!
A small amount of vanilla extract or your preferred flavoring can be added to the popcorn balls. However, your popcorn balls will hold their shape better without any extract added (in my experience).
I usually add quite a bit of candy to my popcorn balls, so a pinch of salt in the mix would help to balance the sweetness out. It is optional.