Popcorn Balls

Classic old-fashioned popcorn balls — freshly popped corn coated in a light, sweet corn syrup caramel cooked to the firm-ball stage, then shaped by hand.

AmericanVegetarianIntermediate20 minBy Northstar

Ingredients

Servings
12
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 0.3 cup white corn syrup
  • 0.3 cup water
  • 0.3 cup butter
  • 0.8 tsp salt
  • 0.8 tsp vanilla extract
  • 3 quart freshly popped corn (about 12 cups)

Instructions

  1. 1

    Combine sugar, corn syrup, water, butter, and salt in a saucepan over medium heat. Cook, stirring, until sugar dissolves.

  2. 2

    Continue cooking without stirring until a candy thermometer reads 250°F (hard-ball stage).

  3. 3

    Remove from heat. Add vanilla and stir just enough to mix.

  4. 4

    Pour over popped corn in a large bowl. Mix quickly to coat all kernels.

  5. 5

    With buttered hands, shape the coated corn into balls while still warm. Place on waxed paper to cool. Optional: add food coloring with the vanilla for colored popcorn balls.

Tags

classicsweetamericansnackpopcorn ballscandyhalloween