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 combined with a creamy peanut butter marshmallow sauce for a scrumptious, sweet and salty snack that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re preparing for a party, Halloween, or simply craving something delightful, these popcorn balls will stand out with their unique flavor combination.

Remember it later

Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!

PIN IT NOW!

PIN THIS!PIN THIS!

Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Popcorn Balls
• How to Make Peanut Butter Popcorn Balls
• Step 1: Prepare the Popcorn
• Step 2: Melt the Mixture
• Step 3: Combine Ingredients
• Step 4: Form the Balls
• Step 5: Serve or Store
• How to Serve Peanut Butter Popcorn Balls
• For Movie Nights
• At Parties
• For Halloween Treats
• How to Perfect Peanut Butter Popcorn Balls
• Best Side Dishes for Peanut Butter Popcorn Balls
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Peanut Butter Popcorn Balls
• Reheating Peanut Butter Popcorn Balls
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Can I use crunchy peanut butter?
• How do I make these Peanut Butter Popcorn Balls vegan?
• What can I add to my Peanut Butter Popcorn Balls?
• Are Peanut Butter Popcorn Balls gluten-free?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up this tasty treat in no time.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of salty popcorn and creamy peanut butter creates a mouthwatering experience.
• Versatile Snack: Perfect for parties, movie nights, or as an after-school treat.
• Kid-Friendly: Kids will love helping you shape the popcorn into fun balls!
• Customizable: Feel free to add chocolate chips or nuts for extra flavor and texture.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start making your Peanut Butter Popcorn Balls, gather your tools. Having everything on hand will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large bowl
• Saucepan
• Skillet
• Spoon for stirring

Importance of Each Tool

• Large bowl: This is essential for mixing the popped popcorn with the peanut butter mixture without spilling.
• Saucepan: Needed to melt the honey, peanut butter, and marshmallows together evenly.

Ingredients

For the 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 the Popcorn

1. Place the popped popcorn in a large bowl.

Step 2: Melt the Mixture

1. In a saucepan on the skillet over medium heat, add the honey and creamy peanut butter.
2. Stir to combine the ingredients thoroughly.
3. Add the mini marshmallows, cooking for 1-2 minutes or until they have melted completely.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

1. Remove from heat once melted.
2. Pour the mixture over the popcorn, tossing gently to coat all pieces evenly.

Step 4: Form the Balls

1. Wait 15-20 minutes for the mixture to cool enough to handle.
2. Once cool, form into 10 round popcorn balls with your hands.

Step 5: Serve or Store

1. Serve within 1 hour for optimal freshness.
2. Alternatively, store in an airtight container until you’re ready to enjoy!

With these easy steps, you’ll have delightful Peanut Butter Popcorn Balls that everyone will love!

How to Serve Peanut Butter Popcorn Balls

Peanut Butter Popcorn Balls make a delightful treat for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a cozy movie night, serving these popcorn balls can add fun and flavor to your gathering.

For Movie Nights

• Pair with Hot Cocoa: The creamy peanut butter complements the warmth of hot cocoa perfectly.
• Serve with Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream adds an extra layer of sweetness and creaminess.

At Parties

• Create a Snack Station: Set up a station with Peanut Butter Popcorn Balls alongside other snacks like chips and dips.
• Wrap as Party Favors: Individually wrap popcorn balls in clear plastic bags tied with ribbons for guests to take home.

For Halloween Treats

• Decorate with Sprinkles: Add festive sprinkles on top for a Halloween-themed snack.
• Use Ghost-shaped Molds: Shape the popcorn balls into ghosts or other spooky figures for added fun.

PIN THIS!

How to Perfect Peanut Butter Popcorn Balls

To ensure your Peanut Butter Popcorn Balls turn out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.

• Use Fresh Popcorn: Ensure the popped popcorn is fresh for the best texture and taste.
• Melt Slowly: Heat the peanut butter and honey mixture slowly to prevent burning and ensure even melting.
• Cool Before Shaping: Allow the mixture to cool slightly before forming the balls; this helps avoid burns and makes shaping easier.
• Keep Hands Wet: Lightly wet your hands while forming the balls to prevent sticking.
• Store Properly: Keep them in an airtight container to maintain freshness and avoid them becoming too hard.

Best Side Dishes for Peanut Butter Popcorn Balls

Peanut Butter Popcorn Balls pair well with various side dishes that enhance their flavor. Here are some great options that complement this delicious treat:

1. Veggie Platter: Crisp vegetables like carrots and celery provide a refreshing crunch against the sweet popcorn balls.
2. Fruit Skewers: Colorful fruit skewers add natural sweetness and vibrant colors to your table setting.
3. Cheese Board: A selection of cheeses offers a savory contrast that balances the sweetness of the popcorn balls.
4. Pretzels: Salty pretzels create a delightful sweet-and-salty combination when served alongside popcorn balls.
5. Chips and Salsa: This classic pairing gives diners a choice between sweet and spicy flavors during snack time.
6. Mini Sandwiches: Bite-sized sandwiches provide a hearty option that complements the lightness of the popcorn balls.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Peanut Butter Popcorn Balls can be simple, but small mistakes can ruin your treat. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid for perfect popcorn balls.

• Using stale popcorn: Always use fresh popped popcorn. Old popcorn may not hold together well and will affect the texture.
• Overheating the mixture: Heat the honey and peanut butter gently. Overheating can scorch the mixture and change the flavor.
• Not coating evenly: Ensure you thoroughly mix the marshmallow sauce with popcorn. Uneven coating leads to some balls being too dry or sticky.
• Skipping cooling time: Allow the mixture to cool adequately before forming balls. Handling it too soon can result in a mess.
• Storing improperly: Use airtight containers for storage. This keeps your popcorn balls fresh and prevents them from becoming hard.

PIN THIS!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Keep in a cool, dry place to maintain texture.

Freezing Peanut Butter Popcorn Balls

• Wrap each popcorn ball tightly in plastic wrap.
• Place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.

Reheating Peanut Butter Popcorn Balls

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Warm for about 5 minutes to regain softness.
• Microwave: Heat on low power for 10-15 seconds. Be careful not to overheat.
• Stovetop: Place in a covered pan over low heat, stirring occasionally until warm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Peanut Butter Popcorn Balls:

Can I use crunchy peanut butter?

Yes! Crunchy peanut butter will add a delightful texture to your popcorn balls.

How do I make these Peanut Butter Popcorn Balls vegan?

Substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar and ensure marshmallows are vegan-friendly.

What can I add to my Peanut Butter Popcorn Balls?

You can mix in chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit for added flavor and texture.

Are Peanut Butter Popcorn Balls gluten-free?

Absolutely! This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free ingredients.

Final Thoughts

These Peanut Butter Popcorn Balls are not just easy to make; they are also incredibly versatile. Customize them with your favorite mix-ins like chocolate or nuts for a personal touch. Enjoy this delightful treat any time of year!