Looking for an inexpensive and sweet way to show someone you care? Why not make up some festive Valentine’s Day Popcorn Balls to share! I love sprinkling M&Ms in with my popcorn and adding them to a popcorn ball is even better! I added some red food color and Valentine’s M&Ms to make these popcorn balls really POP!
(Was that too corny? hehe)
Ingredients:
1 bag of marshmallows (approx. 10 oz)
1/2 c butter (1 stick)
1 tsp vanilla
popped popcorn
food coloring (optional)
1 c M&Ms or other candy
non stick baking spray
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 200 degrees. Spray a 9×13 baking dish with non-stick spray or coat with butter.
2. Pop enough popcorn to fill a 9×13 baking dish. Pop a couple extra cups so you can add to the mix if needed. It’s important to keep the popcorn warm in the oven while completing the following steps.
3.Melt the butter and marshmallows together in a large pot.
4. Once the marshmallows are fully melted, turn off the heat and add in the vanilla and food coloring. I started with a couple drops of red and then added more until I got the color I wanted.
5. Pull the baking dish full of popcorn out of the oven. Drizzle the marshmallow and butter mixture over the popcorn.
6.Use your hands or a wooden spoon to mix up the popcorn and marshmallow mixture so that the popcorn is evenly coated. If you are using your hands (I do), spray your hands with the baking spray or cover them in butter – this is to protect your hands from the heat AND to keep the marshmallow mixture from sticking to you. After the popcorn and marshmallow mixture are thoroughly combined and cooled slightly, add in the M&Ms. You need to wait or the candy will melt and turn your popcorn balls brown from the chocolate.
7. Recoat your hands and grab a handful of popcorn and start forming it into a ball. You will need to squeeze firmly while making the balls. Make them any size you want to but make sure they are pressed together well or they will fall apart.
Wrap the balls in plastic wrap or bag them up – they’re yummy no matter what you do! Enjoy!
Valentine's Day Popcorn Balls
Ingredients
- 10 oz marshmallows 1 bag
- 1/2 cup butter 1 stick
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 2.75 oz popcorn 1 bag
- food coloring optional
- 1 cup M&Ms or other candy
- non stick baking spray
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 200 degrees. Spray a 9x13 baking dish with non-stick spray or coat with butter.
- Pop enough popcorn to fill a 9x13 baking dish. Pop a couple extra cups so you can add to the mix if needed. It's important to keep the popcorn warm in the oven while completing the following steps.
- Melt the butter and marshmallows together in a large pot.
- Once the marshmallows are fully melted, turn off the heat and add in the vanilla and food coloring. I started with a couple drops of red and then added more until I got the color I wanted.
- Pull the baking dish full of popcorn out of the oven. Drizzle the marshmallow and butter mixture over the popcorn.
- Use your hands or a wooden spoon to mix up the popcorn and marshmallow mixture so that the popcorn is evenly coated. If you are using your hands (I do), spray your hands with the baking spray or cover them in butter - this is to protect your hands from the heat AND to keep the marshmallow mixture from sticking to you. After the popcorn and marshmallow mixture are thoroughly combined and cooled slightly, add in the M&Ms. You need to wait or the candy will melt and turn your popcorn balls brown from the chocolate.
- Recoat your hands and grab a handful of popcorn and start forming it into a ball. You will need to squeeze firmly while making the balls. Make them any size you want to but make sure they are pressed together well or they will fall apart.
- Wrap the balls in plastic wrap or bag them up - they're yummy no matter what you do! Enjoy!
Nutrition
For more Valentine’s Day fun check out these fun projects:
Valentine’s Day Fingerprint Frames
Bring on the Bling Valentine Ring
Linking up here, Home Stories A2Z, and My Repurposed Life.
Erin says
I’ve been looking for a good idea for Valentine treats for my son to take to pre-school. These are PERFECT! Thanks for the great idea and detailed instructions.
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
You bet Erin! I hope the kids enjoy them 🙂
Christie says
These look like so much fun for the kids!
gail says
would you believe I’ve never had a popcorn ball? 🙂
looks yummy!
gail
Cornerstone Confessions says
My daughter would like this very much! Thank you for the idea! Popcorn balls, here we come!
Natural-Nesters says
This is awesome! We have a link party ending tonight… would you like to add it to our link party too? You could be featured next week!
-Newest Follower
Allison @ Alli 'n Son says
What a fun idea! I love easy snacks that the kids can get involved with.
Stacey says
Trish –
Those looks really awesome! Love the colors and my Ana would go bananas! Thanks for linking up to our party – please come and visit me at Embracing Change and follow along! I would love to have you and will be starting my first linky party next week – would love to have you link up!
Stacey of Embracing Change
Tamika Rybinski says
yummy! I want to make these tomorrow!
http://www.notimefortea.com
Amanda says
Really Neat Idea, I love that it is simple and cheap!! It reminds me of Rice Crispy Treats. Check out http://www.newlifeovernight.blogspot.com for some more cheap valentines day ideas.
Tina @ Babycakes Blog says
Those look super cute! I love the pink and the M&M’s in them. I found you via the Somewhat Simple Link Party.
Sue @ Cakeballs, cookies and more says
this is going on my bucket list, I have never ever made or eaten a popcorn ball, and I so want to try!
Clairejustine says
Wow great idea 🙂
Someday I'll Learn says
Those are SO clever!!
Dorothy @ Crazy for Crust says
Those are so pretty! My daughter would flip for them. 🙂
Kristin says
I remember my mom making popcorn balls as a kid. These are very festive for a Valentine sweetheart!