Description
Carnival-style popcorn balls channel nostalgic Halloween memories from the Pioneer Woman’s kitchen. Marshmallow, corn syrup, and colorful sprinkles combine for a playful sweet treat you can easily create at home.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups (160 g) mini marshmallows
- 1 cup (170 g) candy corn
- ½ cup (100 g) sugar
- ½ cup (75 g) salted roasted peanuts
- 6 tbsps (90 ml) popcorn kernels
- 4 tbsps (57 g) unsalted butter
- 2 tbsps (30 ml) peanut oil
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Kernel Preparation: Heat a large pot over medium flame, adding kernels and peanut oil. Evenly distribute sugar across kernels, cover with a tight lid, and continuously agitate to prevent scorching.
- Popping and Transfer: Monitor popping sounds; once they diminish, swiftly transfer popped corn to a cooking spray-coated large bowl, completing the process in roughly 8 minutes.
- Ingredient Integration: Gently fold candy corn and peanuts into warm popcorn, ensuring uniform distribution of mix-ins.
- Marshmallow Fusion: Cleanse previous pot, return to medium heat. Melt marshmallows and butter, stirring consistently until transforming into a silky, glossy liquid within 5 minutes.
- Coating and Mixing: Pour molten marshmallow mixture over popcorn-nut blend, utilizing a silicone spatula to thoroughly coat each kernel, creating an adhesive, even layer.
- Shaping and Forming: Lightly spray hands with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Once mixture reaches a comfortable temperature, delicately mold into 3-inch spherical shapes.
- Setting and Cooling: Arrange formed popcorn balls on parchment paper, allowing them to set and solidify at room temperature, ensuring structural integrity.
Notes
- Prevent Popcorn Burning: Continuously shake the pot while kernels pop to distribute heat evenly and avoid scorching.
- Master Marshmallow Melting: Stir consistently and maintain medium heat to achieve a smooth, glossy liquid without burning or creating lumps.
- Spray Hands for Easy Shaping: Lightly coat hands with cooking spray to prevent sticky mixture from clinging and ensure smooth, uniform popcorn ball formation.
- Cooling is Crucial: Allow popcorn balls to set at room temperature on parchment paper, which helps them maintain their perfect spherical shape and firm consistency.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Snacks, Desserts
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 11
- Calories: 315
- Sugar: 36 g
- Sodium: 116 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 41 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg