• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

The Short Order Cook

menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • Food & Fun
  • Travel & Dining
  • Meet Angela
  • Work with Me
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipes
    • Food & Fun
    • Travel & Dining
    • Meet Angela
    • Work with Me
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Home » Holidays

    Published: Aug 30, 2021 · Modified: Aug 17, 2022 by Angela · This post may contain affiliate links · 10 Comments

    Halloween Popcorn Balls

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    Halloween popcorn balls are the easy festive holiday treat that all ages will love.  This recipe shares two Halloween marshmallow popcorn ball ideas; both a green monster popcorn ball and an orange popcorn ball design. Both are sticky with gooey melted marshmallows and packed with M&M candies and other Halloween candies and sprinkles. If you love candy corn, add them to these popcorn treats and mix up a Candy Corn Martini.

    These two colored and decorated popcorn balls are so cute and scary; perfect for your next Halloween party. This no-bake recipe is quick, simple, and a lot of fun to make. So buy some Halloween candies, sprinkles, and candy eyeballs to make the best sweet popcorn dessert.  Now all you need to do is gather with your family and friends to make a batch of these popcorn balls for Halloween.  Great for those on a gluten-free diet too.

    Halloween Popcorn Balls PN1 a plate with 4 orange popcorn balls on it and two more on the counter to the side with a sprinkling of marshmallows and candy

    Ingredients for Halloween Popcorn Balls

    For this Halloween popcorn ball recipe, you will need freshly popped white popcorn to start. Then you will need butter and mini marshmallows which act as the tasty sweet glue that will hold these all together.  The popcorn balls will need a lot of melted marshmallows to stay round and hold all the candies.  This recipe does not include corn syrup.

    Of course, these popcorn balls are loaded with candy. For a Halloween theme, I recommend candy corn, M&Ms in Fall colors like brown, yellow, and orange, Reese's pieces, white chocolate chips, sprinkles, and eyeball candies for the monster ones.

    The combination I made today for the popcorn balls includes candy corn and chocolate.  Gel food coloring is also needed to make both orange popcorn balls and green monster popcorn balls. You can also leave out the food coloring and make white ghost popcorn balls with just some fun CANDY EYES added.

    Halloween Popcorn Balls ingredients in bowls on the table

    Prepping the Baking Pan for the Sticky Popcorn Balls

    Because the nature of this recipe is very sticky, having the right equipment ready before you begin is key.  You will need cooking spray to help with this recipe. It will be needed on your hands when forming the ball later.

    Also, begin by prepping a large baking sheet with some parchment paper.  If you are like me and get frustrated with your parchment paper constantly rolling back up before you get a chance to put food on it, here is my quick kitchen hack - binder clips. I seriously use a ton of binder clips in my kitchen as a bag clip, to hold potholders together and with parchment paper.  Simply place your parchment paper on the baking sheet pan and on each end fasten a binder clip on the pan edge to hold it down as seen below.   Viola!

    Halloween Popcorn Balls parchment paper clipped to the sheet pan

    How to Make Halloween Popcorn Balls

    To make colored marshmallow popcorn balls for Halloween, start by popping the popcorn. You will want white popcorn but if all you have are yellow kernels, that is fine too.  Pop your popcorn using your preferred method. You will want 10 cups of unsalted popcorn for this recipe.

    I am not a prepared microwave popcorn fan. I like both the stir-crazy and the microwave bowls for making popcorn from kernels.  See my favorites below and how much they cost.

    I measure out loosely rounded cups such as seen below and add them to a large mixing bowl that I have sprayed with cooking spray.   Use a bowl large enough that will hold all the ingredients including the added candies you will be using.

    Halloween Popcorn Balls popcorn measured out and some in the big mixing bowl

    Melt the Marshmallow Mixture

    On the stovetop on medium-low heat melt the butter in a large pot.  Once the butter has melted, add the marshmallows.  Using a rubber spatula, stir constantly until it is all melted together.  Turn immediately to the lowest setting once it is smooth.

    Once it is melted, the food coloring will need to be added quickly and stirred in.  YOu can make one or both of these two Halloween-themed popcorn ball ideas.  If you are making both, pour ½ of the marshmallow mixture into a bowl.  Then to the bowl add the green food coloring.  To the remaining marshmallow in the pot, add equal amounts of red and yellow to make orange.

    Halloween Popcorn Balls marshmallows in the pot

    For Monster Popcorn Balls

    To make monster popcorn balls, use the green-colored melted marshmallow mixture.  Add this to the popcorn and then quickly add the candies you will be using for this.   For our tasty little monster treats, I added blue M&M candies and sprinkles.   Using a rubber spatula, I mixed all the ingredients together evenly.

    Halloween Popcorn Balls add colored marshmallow mix to the popcorn

    How to Form Popcorn Balls

    I sprayed my hands with the cooking spray before forming the balls. Once my hands were prepped, I grabbed a handful of the popcorn mixture.  I shaped each into a ball and pressed my hands together firmly to make the popcorn balls as tight as possible.  I sprinkled a few additional sprinkles on the outside as well.  Finally,  I had the eyeball candies from Winton's that I pressed firmly on them at the end.    Once formed, they went on the parchment paper to set.

    Halloween Popcorn Balls closeup of green monster popcorn balls with blue m&ms sprinkles and googly candy eyes

    For Orange Popcorn Balls

    To make orange or pumpkin-themed popcorn balls, use the orange melted marshmallow mixture.  Add this to the popcorn and then quickly add the candies you will be using for this.   Add more yellow or red if your orange is not as deep as you want it to be for your treats.

    Halloween Popcorn Balls add gel food coloring to the melted butter and marshmallows

    For our orange-colored popcorn balls, I added yellow, brown, and orange M&M candies plus candy corn.  Using a rubber spatula, I mixed all the ingredients together evenly.

    Halloween Popcorn Balls candies ready and orange marshmallow added to the popcorn

    Once again, I sprayed my hands with the cooking spray before forming the balls. Once my hands were prepped, I grabbed a handful of the popcorn mixture.  I shaped each into a ball and pressed my hands together firmly to make the popcorn balls as tight as possible.

    Halloween Popcorn Balls close-up of orange popcorn ball with m&ms and candy corn

    Once all were formed, they go on the parchment paper to set.    They may start to fall apart and the chocolate candies may melt a bit. That is ok, as they cool go back with your sprayed hands and press them back together.  The popcorn balls will eventually cool enough to harden and be set.

    Halloween Popcorn Balls about a dozen popcorn balls lined up on a parchment paper lined baking sheet

    After about 20-30 minutes, the Halloween popcorn balls will be ready to eat.    They will be chewy, sticky, sweet, and rich. These are best to eat on the same day.  So if you are having a Halloween party and making treats for the kids, make the popcorn balls the same day you want to enjoy them.

    How to Store Popcorn Balls

    To store leftover popcorn balls, place them in an air-tight container in a single layer with parchment sheets between layers if you need to stack them.  This will ensure they do not stick together. They will keep for up to 2 days. Marshmallow popcorn balls do not freeze well.

    Happy Popcorn Ball Halloween! 

    Halloween Popcorn Balls closeup of orange popcorn balls ready to eat

    Other Fun Halloween Recipes -

    If you are having a party for Halloween, here are some other great recipes to make your ghoulish gathering festive.  Be sure to make some Halloween crafts with the kids to help decorate.

    Candy Corn Martini
    Sweet vodka cocktail that looks like just candy corn and is the ideal Halloween adult treat!
    Check out this recipe
    Candy Corn Martini two glasses
    Tootsie Roll Shots
    The Tootsie Roll shot is a sweet rum cocktail recipe that tastes just like the iconic candy.
    Check out this recipe
    3 shot glasses filled ready to drink and tootsie rolls candies
    Keto & Low-Carb Halloween Candy, Treats, & Drinks
    These are some of my favorite Halloween candies and recipes that are also keto-friendly, low-sugar, and great for a low-carb or diabetic diet.  
    Check out this recipe
    Keto & Low-Carb Halloween Candy, Treats, & Drinks PIN four recipe images for keto peanut butter cups, pumpki spice truffles, butter beer and lemon fat bombs
    Vegan Halloween Recipes
    For something spooky, cute, or creepy these vegan Halloween recipes are the best around. There are easy treats and drinks for a great Halloween party. Plus some fantastic fancy vegan Halloween desserts that everyone will want to eat. Includes gluten-free, healthy, and low-carb Halloween recipes too.
    Check out this recipe
    Vegan Halloween Treats & Drinks PN1 4 images for vegan pumpkin shaped cake, almond butter cups, a green and black cocktail and roasted veggies cut out like halloween shapes
    Dry Ice Cocktails
    The best dry ice cocktail recipe ideas are shared here. These drinks will be great for a creepy fun Halloween party. The dry ice effects are a special party trick for a spooky theme.
    Check out this recipe
    Dry Ice Cocktails PN1 4 images of cocktails including midori green two that are ruby red and a black potion all with dry ice smoking on our around them

    PIN FOR SAFEKEEPING & SHARING!

    Halloween Popcorn Balls PIN a plate with green monster popcorn balls in the background and a few orange popcorn balls in the foreground on a marble counter

    Halloween Popcorn Balls PINREDO a tray with orange popcorn balls and green monster popcorn balls

    Product Recommendations for this Recipe:

    The Short Order Cook is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.  If you click on a link and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission on the sale at no additional cost to you. This helps with the costs of running the blog. Thank you! 

    Halloween Popcorn Balls featured overhead of popcorn balls on a plate and some to the side with marshmallows and candy corn on the counter

    Halloween Popcorn Balls

    Angela
    Halloween popcorn balls are the easy festive holiday treat that all ages will love. This recipe is for both orange and monster treats. These marshmallow popcorn balls are loaded with fun candies and chocolate.
    5 from 5 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 5 mins
    Cook Time 5 mins
    Forming and Rest Time 10 mins
    Total Time 20 mins
    Course Dessert
    Cuisine American
    Servings 12 balls

    Equipment

    • popcorn maker
    • sheet pan
    • Parchment Paper

    Ingredients
      

    • ½ Cup unpopped white popcorn kernels ( for a total of 10 c popped popcorn)
    • ¼ Cup salted butter
    • 10 ounce mini marshmallows
    • ½ Cup candy corn
    • ½ Cup M&M candie
    • 2 Tablespoons sprinkles
    • gel food coloring - green, red, & yellow
    • Wilton's candy eyes
    • cooking spray

    Instructions
     

    • Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Fasten a binder clip on the pan edge to hold it down as seen above.
    • Pop your popcorn using your preferred method. You will want 10 cups of unsalted white popcorn for this recipe.
      Add it to a large mixing bowl that has been sprayed with cooking spray.   Use a bowl large enough that will hold all the ingredients including the added candies you will be using. If you are making two kinds, divide into two sprayed mixing bowls.
    • On the stovetop on medium-low heat melt the butter in a large pot.  Once the butter has melted, add the marshmallows.  Using a rubber spatula, stir constantly until it is all melted together.  Turn immediately to the lowest setting once it is smooth. 
    • Once it is melted, the food coloring will need to be added quickly and stirred in.  You can make one or both of these two Halloween-themed popcorn ball ideas. 
      If you are making both, pour ½ of the marshmallow mixture into a bowl.  Then to the bowl add the green food coloring.  Stir to combine. To the remaining marshmallow in the pot, add equal amounts of red and yellow to make orange. Stir to combine.
    • To make monster popcorn balls, use the green-colored melted marshmallow mixture.  Add this to the popcorn and then quickly add the candies you will be using for this. I used ¼ c blue M&Ms and sprinkles.
      To make orange or pumpkin-themed popcorn balls, use the orange melted marshmallow mixture.  Add this to the popcorn and then quickly add the candy corn & ¼ C M&Ms.
    • Spray your hands with the cooking spray before forming the balls. Grab a handful of the popcorn mixture & shape each into a ball. Be sure to press together with both hands firmly to make the popcorn balls as tight as possible. 
      For the Monster balls, sprinkle a few additional sprinkles on the outside as well.  Finally, add the eyeball candies from Wilton’s and press firmly.   
    • Once all were formed, they go on the parchment paper to set.    They may start to fall apart and the chocolate candies may melt a bit. That is ok, as they cool go back with your sprayed hands and press them back together. 
      After about 20-30 minutes, the Halloween popcorn balls will be ready to eat.  Enjoy!
    • These are best to eat the same day.  However, to store leftover popcorn balls, place them in an air-tight container in a single layer with parchment sheets between layers if you need to stack them.  They will keep for up to 2 days.

    Notes

    For the orange popcorn balls with candy corn & M&Ms - an approximate per ball
    Nutrition Facts
    Servings: 12
    Amount per serving  
    Calories 190
    % Daily Value*
    Total Fat 4.2g 5%
    Saturated Fat 2.5g 12%
    Cholesterol 10mg 3%
    Sodium 47mg 2%
    Total Carbohydrate 33.6g 11%
    Dietary Fiber 1g 4%
    Total Sugars 11.1g  
    Protein 1.1g  
    Vitamin D 3mcg 13%
    Calcium 2mg 0%
    Iron 0mg 1%
    Potassium 24mg 1%
    *The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calorie a day is used for general nutrition advice.
     
    For the Monster Popcorn Balls - 
    Nutrition Facts
    Servings: 12
    Amount per serving  
    Calories 160
    % Daily Value*
    Total Fat 4.2g 5%
    Saturated Fat 2.5g 12%
    Cholesterol 10mg 3%
    Sodium 47mg 2%
    Total Carbohydrate 21.9g 10%
    Dietary Fiber 1g 4%
    Total Sugars 11.1g  
    Protein 1.1g  
    Vitamin D 3mcg 13%
    Calcium 2mg 0%
    Iron 0mg 1%
    Potassium 24mg 1%
    *The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calorie a day is used for general nutrition advice.
    Keyword Autumn, candy, chocolate, decorate, dessert, easy, eerie, entertaining, fall, festive, food coloring, fun, green, Halloween, holiday, kid favorite, no bake, orange, party, scary, snacks, spooky, sprinkles, sweet

    Did you make this The Short Order Cook Recipe?

    Tag @theshortordercookblog (Instagram & Facebook) or @shortorder_cook (Twitter). 

    I would love to see your latest creations and kitchen adventures.

    « Keto & Low-Carb Halloween Candy, Treats, & Drinks
    Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop #434 »

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      Leave a Reply Cancel reply

      Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

      Recipe Rating




    1. Andrea Metlika says

      August 30, 2021 at 2:49 pm

      5 stars
      These are so fun and festive! I can't wait to make these with the grandkids.

      Reply
      • Angela says

        August 30, 2021 at 8:51 pm

        Have fun making these popcorn balls for Halloween with your grandkids. I hope they have fun with grandma and you all enjoy them.

        Reply
    2. Alison says

      August 30, 2021 at 2:51 pm

      5 stars
      These are so fun and cute! I love the monster themed ones. I think I'll make them as a treat to pass out to our trick-or-treaters this year!

      Reply
      • Angela says

        August 30, 2021 at 8:50 pm

        You have some lucky trick-or-treaters to get these homemade Halloween popcorn balls!

        Reply
    3. Teodora Grujic says

      August 30, 2021 at 3:17 pm

      5 stars
      This is so fun! I can't wait to try it this Halloween!

      Reply
      • Angela says

        August 30, 2021 at 8:49 pm

        Enjoy!

        Reply
    4. Jamie says

      August 30, 2021 at 3:21 pm

      5 stars
      I know my niece is going to LOVE making this with me! It's such a fun idea too!

      Reply
      • Angela says

        August 30, 2021 at 8:49 pm

        I love cooking with family. Have fun together and happy Halloween.

        Reply
    5. Megan Ellam says

      August 30, 2021 at 3:42 pm

      5 stars
      These look so great. I have bookmarked it for some fun Halloween cooking. Thanks so much for the inspiration!

      Reply
      • Angela says

        August 30, 2021 at 8:49 pm

        thank you for bookmarking it for later. I cannot wait to hear what you try out.

        Reply

    Primary Sidebar

    Angela the short order cook on a step stool reaching into the top kitchen cupboard.

    Hi, I'm Angela I’m Angela, a petite mom that loves to cook, eat, drink, & explore all things food. I have been cooking since I could pull up a stool to finally reach the counter. I still rely on my trusty stool every day. I am a former personal chef turned blogger that hopes you find something new & tasty to love while you are here.

    More about me →

    This site has links to products/services that may make us a commission. #ad

    Popular

    • Air Fryer Broccolini with Lemon & Parmesan
    • Toaster Oven Bacon
    • Best Pots & Pans for Gas Stove
    • Teriyaki Chicken on a Stick
    • Homemade Snickers Bars
    • Creamy Coconut Chicken 
    • 3-Ingredient Sloppy Joes (Gluten-Free)
    • Collard Greens Seasoning

    The Short Order Cook LLC is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com

    #ad The Short Order Cook LLC is an affiliate of ButcherBox. I have been a customer for years and cannot recommend it enough. Great prices & even better meat! Sign up today.

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Privacy Policy
    • Cookie Policy
    • Terms of Service
    • Disclosure Policy

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Contact

    • Contact
    • Work With Me
    • Meet Angela
    • Meet the Family

    Copyright © 2023 The Short Order Cook LLC All recipes, photos, and articles on this site are the property of The Short Order Cook LLC. You are welcome to share a photo ONLY with an accompanied do-follow link back to this site. Publishing any items as if they were your own is prohibited.

    This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish.AcceptReject Read Privacy Policy
    Privacy & Cookies Policy

    Privacy Overview

    This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
    Necessary
    Always Enabled
    Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
    Non-necessary
    Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
    SAVE & ACCEPT