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Easy Halloween Popcorn Balls with Spooky Candy Eyes

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These easy Halloween popcorn balls with spooky candy eyes are crunchy, chewy, and just the right amount of sweet—with wiggly candy eyes staring up at you. Perfect for Halloween parties, classroom treats, or just because you want to feel like a kid again.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 cups popped popcorn (about 1/2 cup unpopped kernels)
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 bag (10 oz) marshmallows
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Candy eyes (about 2-3 per ball)
  • Orange and black sprinkles
  • Pretzel sticks (broken in half)
  • Black licorice strings (cut into small pieces)

Instructions

  1. Pop 12 cups of popcorn using your preferred method. Remove any unpopped kernels. Spread the popcorn on a large baking sheet and pick out any half-popped pieces.
  2. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or wax paper. Lightly spray the paper with cooking spray. Set aside your candy eyes, sprinkles, and any other decorations.
  3. In a large pot over medium-low heat, melt the 1/4 cup butter. Once fully melted, add the entire bag of marshmallows. Stir constantly with a silicone spatula until the marshmallows are completely melted and smooth, about 5-7 minutes.
  4. Remove the pot from heat. Stir in the 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract until glossy and stretchy.
  5. Let the marshmallow mixture sit for exactly 2 minutes. Set a timer.
  6. Pour the marshmallow mixture over the popcorn. Use a silicone spatula to gently fold everything together, working from the bottom up until every piece of popcorn is coated. Do not overmix.
  7. Lightly coat your hands with cooking spray or butter. Grab about 1/2 cup of the popcorn mixture and gently press it into a ball shape. Place each ball on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining mixture to make about 10-12 balls.
  8. While the popcorn balls are still warm and sticky, press in the candy eyes and any other decorations.
  9. Allow the popcorn balls to cool completely at room temperature, about 20-30 minutes. Alternatively, refrigerate for 10 minutes.
  10. Once set, serve immediately or store in an airtight container.

Notes

Keep your hands greased with cooking spray or butter between each ball to prevent sticking. Work in batches if the mixture hardens; reheat on low for 30 seconds. Do not overpack the balls—loose, airy balls are better. Freshly popped popcorn works best. Add food coloring for colored popcorn balls. Do not double the recipe in one pot.

Nutrition

Keywords: Halloween popcorn balls, spooky candy eyes, easy popcorn balls, Halloween treats, marshmallow popcorn balls

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