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Holiday Maple Popcorn Balls

These Holiday Maple Popcorn Balls are soft, chewy, and full of warm maple flavor. They’re made by coating freshly popped popcorn in a buttery maple–marshmallow mixture, then shaping it into festive snack-sized balls perfect for parties, gifting, or holiday movie nights. Each one can be customized with add-ins like crushed candy canes, chocolate chips, M&Ms, or sprinkles
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 12 Popcorn balls
Course: Dessert, Snack
Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients
  

  • 10 cups Popped popcorn about ½ cup kernels
  • ½ cup (1 stick) Unsalted butter
  • 1 cup Granulated sugar
  • ½ cup Pure maple syrup
  • ½ tsp Salt
  • 1 tsp Vanilla extract
  • 4 cups Mini marshmallows
Optional Add-Ins/Decorations
  • Holiday M&Ms
  • Mini chocolate chips
  • Crushed candy canes
  • Festive sprinkles
  • Chopped pretzels

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Large pot or saucepan
  • Rubber spatula or wooden spoon
  • Measuring cups & spoons
  • Parchment paper

Method
 

  1. Prepare the popcorn
    Place popped popcorn in a large bowl. Remove any unpopped kernels.
  2. Make the maple marshmallow syrup
    In a large pot over medium heat, melt the butter. Add sugar, maple syrup, and salt, stirring until combined. Bring to a gentle simmer.
    Reduce heat to low and stir in the marshmallows until smooth and fully melted. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
  3. Coat the popcorn
    Pour the warm syrup over the popcorn. Quickly stir to coat evenly. Let the mixture cool for 2–3 minutes so it’s easier to handle but still sticky.
  4. Shape the popcorn balls
    Grease your hands lightly with butter or cooking spray. Scoop and press popcorn into balls about 3 inches wide. Place on parchment paper to set completely (about 20 minutes).
    Optional: Press in chocolate chips, M&Ms, or sprinkles while the balls are still warm.
  5. Package for gifting
    Wrap each popcorn ball in a clear cellophane bag or in 1 layer or parchment paper and one layer of tissue paper like a bon bon.