Popcorn Balls Recipe Without Corn Syrup

This easy marshmallow popcorn ball recipe is extremely fast & easy. No need to break out the candy thermometer or corn syrup to make these popcorn balls!

Popcorn Balls are an easy way to make everything from movie nights to parties to holiday celebrations more fun. And this easy popcorn ball recipe is a great basic recipe!

It's really similar to the recipe for cereal treats with a few tweaks and additions. The popcorn balls are delicious with candy added or as-is!

Popcorn marshmallows and butter in dishes.

Ingredients and substitutions

Butter: I use salted butter. If using unsalted butter, add a pinch or two of salt.
Marshmallows: Either mini or regular marshmallows.
Vanilla: The vanilla is optional and adds extra flavor. Another flavor could be used instead to add flavor to the popcorn balls.
Popcorn: This is about 1 microwave popcorn bag's worth.

How to make popcorn balls

In a large saucepan, melt butter.

Add marshmallows, and stir constantly until marshmallows have melted. Remove from heat, and stir in vanilla.

Melted marshmallow pouring into a bowl of popcorn.

Add popcorn, and fold into marshmallow mixture. When mixture is cool enough to handle, lightly spray your hands with nonstick cooking spray.

Marshmallow popcorn balls on a sheet of wax paper.

Scoop about 1 cup of the popcorn mixture and smoosh it into a ball.

Place on a sheet of waxed paper, parchment paper, or silicone baking mat to cool.

Tips

Have fun with the flavors of popcorn! I use plain (no butter, no salt) air-popped or microwave popcorn. Try out flavored popcorn like caramel, marshmallow, or kettle corn.
The popcorn mixture is very sticky. It's important to grease yours hands to shape the popcorn balls.
Be sure to take out any unpopped kernels before you add in the popcorn.
Press candies, chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or other treats to the outside of the popcorn ball.

Can I use different types of popcorn?

Yes! You can use air-popped or any other type of popcorn that you'd like to use. The amount of popcorn that you would need to use is in a note underneath the recipe.

Halloween popcorn balls

The popcorn balls makes a great Halloween treat! You can add candy eyes to the popcorn ball to mummy popcorn balls, or add Halloween-colored candies or sprinkles to the outside of the popcorn ball.

▢ ¼ cup butter
▢ 10 ounce bag marshmallows
▢ ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
▢ 8-9 cups unflavored popped popcorn

In a large saucepan, melt butter.
Add marshmallows, and stir constantly until marshmallows have melted.
Remove from heat, and stir in vanilla, if using.
Add popcorn, and fold into marshmallow mixture.
When mixture is cool enough to handle, lightly spray your hands with nonstick cooking spray.
Scoop about 1 cup of the popcorn mixture and smoosh it into a ball.
Place on a sheet of waxed paper, parchment paper, or silicone baking mat to cool.

Butter: I use salted butter. If using unsalted butter, add a pinch or two of salt.
Marshmallows: Either mini or regular marshmallows.
Vanilla: The vanilla is optional and adds extra flavor. Another flavor could be used instead to add flavor to the popcorn balls.
Popcorn: This is about 1 microwave popcorn bag's worth.
You can press candy pieces into the outside of popcorn balls.
Nutrition values are estimates.

Serving: 1 popcorn ball Calories: 184 kcal (9%) Carbohydrates: 33 g (11%) Protein: 2 g (4%) Fat: 6 g (9%) Saturated Fat: 3 g (15%) Polyunsaturated Fat: 1 g Monounsaturated Fat: 1 g Trans Fat: 1 g Cholesterol: 14 mg (5%) Sodium: 71 mg (3%) Potassium: 36 mg (1%) Fiber: 1 g (4%) Sugar: 18 g (20%) Vitamin A: 177 IU (4%) Calcium: 3 mg Iron: 1 mg (6%)

Originally published 10/16/13. Updated with new pictures and tips on 10/9/21.

Kate got her first cookbook when she was five years old, and she hasn't stopped cooking since then! Her delicious recipes have been featured on Food Network, MSN, Better Homes & Gardens, Buzzfeed, The Huffington Post, and more. When she's not cooking or baking, she can be found on her mini farm with her husband and her five kids.