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Easy Halloween Popcorn Balls with Candy Eyes

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These Easy Halloween Popcorn Balls with Candy Eyeballs are a fun, nostalgic treat that’s quick to make and perfect for Halloween parties. With a crispy-chewy texture and spooky candy eyes, they’re a crowd-pleaser that kids and adults will love.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 cups popped popcorn (about 1/2 cup unpopped kernels, or one standard bag of microwave popcorn)
  • 1 (10-ounce) bag marshmallows (miniature or regular)
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt (if using unsalted butter)
  • 1/2 cup candy eyeballs
  • Non-stick cooking spray

Instructions

  1. Pop your popcorn. If using kernels, pop them in an air popper or on the stovetop. If using microwave popcorn, pop one standard bag. You should end up with about 12 cups of popped popcorn. Spread it out on a large baking sheet and pick out any unpopped kernels.
  2. Prepare your workspace. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or wax paper. Lightly spray it with non-stick cooking spray. Set aside.
  3. Melt the butter. In a large pot or saucepan over medium heat, melt the 1/4 cup of unsalted butter. Swirl the pan occasionally so it melts evenly. This takes about 2 minutes. Watch it closely — you want it melted, not browned.
  4. Add the marshmallows. Pour the entire bag of marshmallows into the pot with the melted butter. Stir constantly with your rubber spatula or wooden spoon until the marshmallows are completely melted and the mixture is smooth. This usually takes about 4-5 minutes. The mixture will look glossy and stretchy when it’s ready.
  5. Add vanilla and salt. Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract and the 1/4 teaspoon of salt (if using). The mixture will bubble up a little — that’s normal. Stir until everything is well combined.
  6. Combine with popcorn. Pour the marshmallow mixture over the popcorn in your large bowl. Use your rubber spatula to gently fold everything together. Work carefully — you want to coat the popcorn evenly without crushing it. This takes about 2-3 minutes of gentle folding. The popcorn should look evenly coated but still have some texture.
  7. Let the mixture cool slightly. Let the mixture sit for exactly 2 minutes. It will still be warm, but it won’t be scorching hot.
  8. Grease your hands. Spray your hands generously with non-stick cooking spray. Reapply as needed throughout the shaping process.
  9. Shape the popcorn balls. Grab a handful of the popcorn mixture — about the size of a tennis ball — and gently press it into a round shape. Don’t squeeze too hard. You want them to hold together but still feel light and airy. Place each shaped ball on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat until all the mixture is used. You should get about 10-12 popcorn balls, depending on size.
  10. Add the candy eyeballs. While the popcorn balls are still warm and slightly sticky, press 3-4 candy eyeballs into each one. Arrange them in funny patterns. If the popcorn balls cool too much and the eyeballs won’t stick, dab a tiny bit of marshmallow mixture on the back of each eyeball to use as glue.
  11. Let them set. Allow the popcorn balls to cool completely on the baking sheet, about 20-30 minutes. They will firm up as they cool.
  12. Serve or store. Once completely cool, your Halloween popcorn balls are ready to eat. Or you can wrap them individually in plastic wrap for later.

Notes

Let the popcorn mixture cool for exactly 2 minutes before shaping to avoid burning your hands. Keep hands well-greased with cooking spray. Use a light touch when shaping to keep the balls airy. Do not refrigerate; store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For best results, make fresh and serve within a day.

Nutrition

Keywords: Halloween popcorn balls, candy eyeballs, easy Halloween treat, popcorn balls recipe, spooky snacks, Halloween party food, no-bake dessert

Find it online: https://sparklechew.com/easy-halloween-popcorn-balls-with-candy-eyes/