
Fall always puts me in the mood for popcorn balls! A traditional caramel popcorn recipe could have you fussing with a thermometer and standing over the stove stirring for what might seem like forever, which is why I adore this shortcut recipe. The secret is the marshmallows — this is as easy to make as rice krispy treats and incredibly delicious.
STRESS-FREE CARAMEL POPCORN BALLS
:: 2 sticks butter
:: 1 cup brown sugar
:: 1/2 bag (10.5 oz.) mini marshmallows
:: 2 bags microwave popcorn
Pop both bags of popcorn (do you know our microwave popcorn trick?!), then pour into a large mixing bowl. Be careful to leave out any un-popped kernels. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter then stir in brown sugar and marshmallows. Continue stirring until marshmallows have melted and the ingredients are well combined. Pour the caramel mixture over the popcorn and mix well.
Once cooled shape into balls or as darling corn cobs like we did here. After washing and drying your hands, coat fingers with a tiny bit of vegetable oil to prevent sticking. Grab a couple heaping handfuls of popcorn mixture and press together to form your balls or cobs.
Of course you can also just eat up the Caramel Popcorn right then and there — since this recipe is quick and uses ingredients we always have on hand, it’s our go-to family game night treat!

And her are some more fun Halloween ideas from our archive… click a photo to get the details!




I love caramel popcorn balls especially in the fall. I did not think of using marshmallows. I will definitely give this recipe a try (with help from my little ones).
Perfect timing! There’s a school bake sale coming up in two days, I’m going to make little individual packages.
Should I make it the day of the sale, or can I make it the night before?
As with anything fresher is always better, but I’ve made popcorn balls up the day before and they still tasted great!
How many individual balls do you normally get out of a batch?
I came across this recipe on pintrest and we LOVE it! Super easy to make and has a great taste! Thank you!
How many balls does this recipe make around? I have to make 100! Thank you :)
How many balls does this recipe make? I need to make 24 for my daughters class!