Peanut Butter Popcorn Balls
Calling all peanut butter lovers! These Peanut Butter Popcorn Balls are a delicious treat and so easy to make. Salty popcorn is perfectly paired with a creamy peanut butter marshmallow sauce, creating a scrumptious sweet and salty snack ideal for any occasion, from casual movie nights to festive gatherings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you can whip up these treats in no time.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s Halloween, birthday parties, or just a family movie night, these popcorn balls are sure to please.
- Gluten-Free Delight: Made without flour, these snacks cater to gluten-sensitive diets while still being delicious.
- Customizable Texture: You can adjust the crunchiness by varying the size of your popcorn pieces or adding extras like nuts or chocolate.
- Kid-Friendly Fun: Involve the kids in forming the popcorn balls for an enjoyable kitchen activity that ends with tasty rewards.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start making your Peanut Butter Popcorn Balls, gather your tools. Having the right equipment will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large bowl
- Saucepan
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Airtight container
Importance of Each Tool
- Large bowl: This gives you ample space to mix the popcorn with the peanut butter mixture without making a mess.
- Saucepan: Using this allows for even heating of your ingredients, ensuring everything melts together properly.
- Wooden spoon or spatula: These tools help you combine ingredients thoroughly and prevent sticking while mixing.
Ingredients
For the Peanut Butter Popcorn Balls
- 6 cups popped popcorn
- ½ cup honey
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
How to Make Peanut Butter Popcorn Balls
Step 1: Prepare Your Popcorn
- Place the popped popcorn in a large bowl.
Step 2: Make the Peanut Butter Mixture
- In a saucepan over medium heat, add the honey and peanut butter.
- Stir to combine until smooth.
- Add the mini marshmallows, cooking for 1-2 minutes or until melted.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
- Remove the saucepan from heat.
- Pour the melted mixture over the popcorn.
- Toss gently to coat all pieces evenly.
Step 4: Form into Balls
- Allow the mixture to cool for 15-20 minutes until it’s safe to handle.
- Once cool enough, form into approximately 10 balls with your hands.
Step 5: Serve or Store
- Enjoy right away or store in an airtight container until you’re ready to serve.
These Peanut Butter Popcorn Balls not only deliver on flavor but also offer simplicity that makes them a go-to recipe any time of year!
How to Serve Peanut Butter Popcorn Balls
Peanut Butter Popcorn Balls are not only a delightful treat, but they also make for a fun and interactive snack. Here are some creative ways to serve them that will impress your guests and family.
As Party Favors
- Wrap each popcorn ball in clear cellophane and tie with a colorful ribbon for festive party favors.
With Ice Cream
- Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a sweet and salty dessert experience.
At Movie Nights
- Place the popcorn balls in a bowl and enjoy them as a finger food during movie nights at home.
With Dips
- Pair with chocolate or caramel sauce for dipping, adding an extra layer of flavor to your snack.
For School Lunches
- Pack them in lunchboxes as a fun treat for kids, making lunchtime exciting.
As Halloween Treats
- Decorate with themed sprinkles or candy eyes to make them perfect for Halloween parties.

How to Perfect Peanut Butter Popcorn Balls
To ensure your Peanut Butter Popcorn Balls turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.
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Use fresh popcorn: Popping your own popcorn yields the best texture. Avoid stale popcorn for optimal taste.
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Measure accurately: Use precise measurements for honey and peanut butter to create the ideal consistency in your mixture.
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Cool before shaping: Allow the mixture to cool slightly before forming balls. This prevents burns and helps them hold their shape better.
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Coat hands with oil: Lightly oil your hands when shaping the popcorn balls. This prevents sticking and makes molding easier.
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Store properly: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness.
Best Side Dishes for Peanut Butter Popcorn Balls
Peanut Butter Popcorn Balls can be complemented with various side dishes to create a well-rounded snack table. Here are some great options:
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Fresh Fruit Skewers: Colorful skewers of seasonal fruits provide a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the popcorn balls.
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Veggie Platter: Crisp vegetables like carrots, celery, and bell peppers add crunch and balance out the sweetness.
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Cheese Cubes: A selection of cheese cubes offers savory bites that pair wonderfully with sweet snacks.
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Trail Mix: A custom trail mix with nuts, seeds, and dried fruits adds texture and variety to your snacking experience.
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Mini Sandwiches: Small sandwiches filled with meats or cheeses make for hearty pairing alongside lighter treats.
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Chocolate-Covered Pretzels: The salty-sweet combination enhances flavors while providing an additional crunchy option.
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Popcorn Variety: Offer different flavored popcorn like cheese or caramel for guests who enjoy diverse tastes.
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Rice Cakes: Light and crispy rice cakes can serve as an alternative base for enjoying peanut butter toppings.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Peanut Butter Popcorn Balls is simple, but there are a few common mistakes that can affect the outcome.
- Skipping the popcorn measurement: Always measure six cups of popped popcorn to ensure you have enough base for your treat.
- Not cooling the mixture: Allow the peanut butter marshmallow mixture to cool slightly before forming balls. This prevents burns and helps shape them better.
- Overheating the marshmallows: If you overheat the marshmallows, they can turn into a sticky mess. Keep an eye on them and remove from heat once melted.
- Using old popcorn: Make sure your popcorn is fresh for the best taste and texture. Stale popcorn can ruin the snack experience.
- Not storing properly: If not stored correctly in an airtight container, your Peanut Butter Popcorn Balls may become hard or lose their flavor.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store Peanut Butter Popcorn Balls in an airtight container.
- They can last up to 5 days in the fridge without losing freshness.
Freezing Peanut Butter Popcorn Balls
- Place them in a freezer-safe container or bag.
- They can be frozen for up to 3 months for long-term storage.
Reheating Peanut Butter Popcorn Balls
- Oven: Preheat to 300°F (150°C) and warm for about 5 minutes. This will refresh their texture.
- Microwave: Heat on low power for about 10-15 seconds. Be careful not to melt them too much.
- Stovetop: Place in a non-stick pan over low heat for a few minutes, stirring gently until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions people have about making Peanut Butter Popcorn Balls.
How do I make Peanut Butter Popcorn Balls gluten-free?
You can ensure your Peanut Butter Popcorn Balls are gluten-free by using certified gluten-free ingredients, especially the popcorn and peanut butter.
Can I add other ingredients to my Peanut Butter Popcorn Balls?
Absolutely! You can customize your Peanut Butter Popcorn Balls with chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruits for extra flavor and texture.
How long do Peanut Butter Popcorn Balls last?
When stored properly, these treats last up to 5 days in the refrigerator and can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Are Peanut Butter Popcorn Balls safe for kids?
Yes! Peanut Butter Popcorn Balls make a delightful snack for kids. Just monitor portion sizes due to sugar content.
Final Thoughts
These Peanut Butter Popcorn Balls are not only delicious but also versatile. Their sweet and salty flavor combination makes them perfect for any occasion. Feel free to customize with your favorite mix-ins like chocolate or sprinkles for added fun!

Peanut Butter Popcorn Balls
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: About 10 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the delightful combination of sweet and salty with these easy-to-make Peanut Butter Popcorn Balls. Perfectly popped popcorn is coated in a creamy peanut butter marshmallow sauce, creating a treat that’s not only delicious but also suitable for various occasions, from movie nights to festive gatherings. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal preparation time, you can whip up these scrumptious snacks that are sure to impress friends and family alike. Plus, they’re gluten-free, making them a great option for those with dietary restrictions. Enjoy them as a fun interactive treat or pack them for school lunches—these Peanut Butter Popcorn Balls are versatile enough to satisfy any craving!
Ingredients
- 6 cups popped popcorn
- ½ cup honey
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
Instructions
- Place the popped popcorn in a large bowl.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine honey and peanut butter, stirring until smooth.
- Add mini marshmallows, cooking until melted (1-2 minutes).
- Remove from heat and pour the mixture over popcorn; toss to coat evenly.
- Allow to cool for 15-20 minutes before forming into balls (about 10). Serve immediately or store in an airtight container.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No cooking required
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg