Description
Sweet marshmallow Easter Popcorn Balls bring springtime cheer to snack time. Colorful mini marshmallows and festive sprinkles make these treats perfect for family gatherings where you can share delightful bites of seasonal joy.
Ingredients
Scale
Popcorn Base:
- 8 cups popped popcorn
Marshmallow Binding:
- 1 bag (10 ounces / 283 grams) mini marshmallows
- 6 Peeps marshmallows (any color/flavor), cut into small pieces
- 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) vanilla extract
Decorative Toppings:
- Easter-themed sprinkles
- Edible glitter
- Small Easter candies
Instructions
- Carefully transfer freshly popped popcorn into a spacious mixing vessel, meticulously removing any unpopped kernels to ensure a smooth eating experience.
- Slice the Peeps marshmallows into smaller fragments to facilitate even melting and vibrant color distribution.
- In a substantial saucepan over medium-low heat (around 275°F), gently dissolve butter until it transforms into a liquid state. Incorporate mini marshmallows and Peeps pieces, continuously stirring until the mixture achieves a seamless, uniform consistency with a vibrant hue.
- Immediately remove the saucepan from heat source and infuse the melted concoction with vanilla extract, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
- Cascade the molten marshmallow mixture over the popcorn, employing a spatula or butter-coated hands to delicately envelop each kernel without crushing the delicate structure.
- Lubricate hands with butter or cooking spray to prevent adhesion. Gather portioned coated popcorn and compress into compact spheres approximately 3-4 inches in diameter, ensuring a tight, cohesive shape.
- For additional festive embellishment, delicately roll the still-tacky popcorn orbs in colorful sprinkles, edible glitter, or gently press miniature confectionery decorations onto their surface.
- Transfer the freshly formed popcorn spheres onto parchment paper or a greased baking sheet, allowing them to stabilize and solidify for 15-20 minutes before presentation.
Notes
- Choose soft, fresh Peeps for the best melting and flavor integration, ensuring a smooth and vibrant marshmallow base.
- Keep hands lightly greased when shaping balls to prevent sticky mess and achieve uniform, compact shapes.
- Use low heat when melting marshmallows to avoid burning and maintain a silky, even texture that coats popcorn perfectly.
- Customize treats by experimenting with different Peeps colors or adding pastel-colored sprinkles for a festive Easter look.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Snacks, Desserts
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 80 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg