Basic Popcorn Balls Recipe
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A holiday classic—be it for eating or decorating—popcorn balls are so simple to make that even the kids can help shape and decorate them.
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
- 1/2 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 is 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 and vanilla until melted and smooth.
- Immediately drizzle sugar mixture over popcorn and 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.
My Mother used to make these every Halloween - GREAT memories of a delicious treat!!!!!
I think these lack caramel flavor. Next time I will use brown sugar instead of white. Also, I would recommend using a small deep saucepan as the recipe makes a small batch.
Even without the candy thermometer these turned out wonderfully, and a bunch of French children enjoyed their first popcorn balls today.
Sounds good! I will probably add some cinnamon.