These Popcorn Balls with Peanuts are amazing for any occasion but seem to be an autumnal treat made at Halloween or even Christmas. They are often requested in our house. They are like taking Peanut Butter Popcorn to the next level. Chewy, crunchy and so full of wonderful peanut flavor. They are a winner that you don’t want to miss!
Do you love popcorn and want more recipes? Then try our Olive Oil Popcorn or our Homemade Poppycock Recipe. Both are great recipes that we again make often.
Why Are Popcorn Balls So Good?
- They are chewy and crunchy
- A great individual treat
- Portable
- Great confection for Halloween and Christmas
- You can give them as gifts
- Ours have the goodness of peanut butter, popcorn, and peanuts
- Irresistible
Helpful Items For This Recipe
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6″x 9″, 50Pcs Bottom Gusset Bags, Clear Cello
What are Popcorn Balls Made of?
Sometimes, popcorn balls are made like a Rice Krispie treat with marshmallows, but we changed the game up and used peanut butter with the added goodness of salted peanuts to give you the sweet and salty pleasure.
Ingredients
Popped popcorn (lightly salted) – Use a good, trusted brand to get big fluffy popped kernels.
White sugar – This adds sweetness and makes a great syrup.
Light corn syrup – This is a must for making these popcorn balls so that they stick together.
Creamy peanut butter – Do not use natural peanut butter but a good quality creamy peanut butter.
Vanilla extract – Don’t use imitation, but real vanilla extract.
Salted peanuts – You can use unsalted but the salty/sweet combination is delicious.
Additional equipment
Cooking spray – This is used to keep the balls from sticking to your hands. Spray your hands as needed when rolling the balls.
Wax paper – This is for the finished balls while you make more.
Plastic wrap or cello bags – Use either of these to wrap or hold the balls in.
How are Popcorn Balls Made?
Pop your popcorn, lightly salt it, and set it aside in a large bowl.
In a small sauté pan, combine the sugar and white corn syrup. Heat over medium heat, stirring often until the mixture comes to a rolling boil.
Once boiling, remove from the heat and stir in the peanut butter and vanilla extract until well mixed.
Immediately drizzle the peanut butter mixture over the popcorn. Sprinkle with the peanuts and gently stir with a large wooden spoon until the popcorn is completely coated.
Spray your hands with cooking spray and form a handful of popcorn into a baseball-sized ball. Place the balls on a sheet of wax paper.
Repeat with the remaining caramel peanut popcorn.
Once you are finished, you can eat them immediately or wrap them in plastic wrap or cello bags to keep them fresh.
Popcorn balls were plentiful in the 1950s at Halloween when store-bought candy was not shared at Halloween time. Trick-or-treaters enjoyed homemade treats instead.
Recipe Pro Tips!
Do Popcorn Balls Need to be Refrigerated?
No, don’t refrigerate them, as they will get soft. There is nothing in them that needs to be refrigerated.
How long are popcorn balls good for?
Store at room temperature in an air-tight container or wrapped in cello or plastic wrap. They should be eaten within 2 – 3 days. (I doubt they will last that long!).
Are These Gluten-Free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, but always check your products that they are also gluten-free.
WANT MORE GREAT SNACKS AND TREATS?
We love to amp up a party with great snacks!! Here are some of our favorites.
Popcorn Balls with Peanuts
Video
Ingredients
- 12 cups popcorn lightly salted
- 1/2 cup white sugar
- 1/2 cup light corn syrup
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter do not use natural peanut butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup salted peanuts
Additional equipment:
- Wax paper
- Plastic wrap
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Pop your popcorn, lightly salt it and set it aside in a large bowl.
- In a small sauté pan, combine the sugar and white corn syrup. Heat over medium heat, stirring often until the mixture comes to a rolling boil.
- Once boiling, remove from the heat and stir in the peanut butter and vanilla extract until well mixed.
- Immediately drizzle the peanut butter mixture over the popcorn. Sprinkle with the peanuts and gently stir with a large wooden spoon until the popcorn is completely coated.
- Spray your hands with cooking spray and form a handful of popcorn into a baseball-sized ball. Place the balls on a sheet of wax paper.
- Repeat with the remaining caramel peanut popcorn.
- Once you are finished, you can eat them immediately or wrap them in plastic wrap to keep them fresh.
- Store at room temperature; they should be eaten within 2 – 3 days. (I doubt they will last that long!)
Comments & Reviews
Melanie says
These were perfect for our family get together! So easy to make and were a huge hit! Yum!
Tara Noland says
So glad you enjoyed them!