Cocoa-Cayenne Popcorn Balls Recipe
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A little hot, slightly citrusy, and nice and chocolaty, these popcorn balls have flavor that just won’t quit.
Special equipment: You’ll need a reliable candy/fat thermometer for this recipe. We like this one by CDN.
Game plan: The popcorn balls will last up to 5 days when stored at room temperature in an airtight container.
This recipe was featured as part of our Popcorn Balls for the Holidays project.
INGREDIENTS
- 9 cups plain popped popcorn
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup light corn syrup
- 1/3 cup water
- 1 teaspoon distilled white vinegar
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (1/2 stick), cut into small pieces
- 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- Zest of 1 medium orange
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
INSTRUCTIONS
- Coat a large heatproof bowl with butter, vegetable oil, or cooking spray and place popcorn in the bowl.
- Place sugar, corn syrup, water, vinegar, and salt in a medium saucepan and stir to combine. Place over high heat, stirring until sugar has dissolved, about 2 minutes. Bring to a boil and cook until mixture registers 260°F on a candy/fat thermometer, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in butter, cocoa, orange zest, cayenne, and vanilla until melted and smooth.
- Immediately drizzle sugar mixture over popcorn. Stir continuously with a rubber spatula, scraping the bottom of the bowl, until popcorn is thoroughly coated and cool enough to handle, about 3 minutes.
- Using buttered or oiled hands, tightly press mixture (it may still be a bit warm) into 3-inch rounds. Place on waxed or parchment paper to cool completely, about 15 to 20 minutes.
I made these (and the curry coconut) for Halloween this year and I must say they're divine. After reading the reviews for the best popcorn to use, I tried Black Jewell, much to my dismay. The popcorn was tiny and really hard. I will try to make another batch with something fluffier next time though!
Amazing flavor out of regular pantry items.
I didn't have an orange lying around, so added a few drops of orange oil + 1/2 tsp crystallized orange juice (True Orange). Smashing! a big hit with teens.
Definitely getting a starring role on my holiday gift plates. I'm going to test out chipotle instead of cayenne. Thinking the smoke will enhance the cocoa, like boutique chocolates. Anyway, THANKS!
This recipe is amazing! I found that if I let the candy cool a little bit after pouring it on the popcorn, the balls formed better. Next time I think I will leave out the orange zest and try cinnamon instead.
The recipe tasted great the only thing is I couldn't get the balls to stick together so I ended up with really tasty caramel (sort of) corn. Not sure what I did wrong, I used the candy thermometer and everything. Regardless, in any shape the popcorn was a big hit for Halloween.