Who doesn't like popcorn? Served salted or sweetened, with butter or without, at sporting events or movies, popcorn is one of America's favorite snacks!
Our favorite here at Macaroni KID is the popcorn ball. Popcorn balls are a delicious snack that is fun to eat and make with your little ones.
Popcorn Balls
- 9 cups plain popped popcorn
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ⅓ cup light corn syrup
- ⅓ cup water
- 1½ teaspoons kosher salt
- 4 Tablespoons unsalted butter (half a stick), cut into small pieces
- ¾ teaspoon vanilla extract
Coat a large bowl with butter or cooking spray and place popped popcorn in the bowl; set aside.
Meanwhile, add sugar, corn syrup, water, and salt to a medium saucepan and stir over medium heat until the sugar is dissolved.
Bring to a boil, remove from heat, and stir in butter and vanilla until melted and smooth.
Drizzle sugar mixture over popcorn and stir continuously with a rubber spatula, scraping the bottom of the bowl, until popcorn is thoroughly coated and cool enough to handle.
Using buttered hands, tightly press the mixture (it may still be a bit warm) into 2-inch rounds. Place on waxed paper to cool completely.
Popcorn balls will keep for about five days if stored in an airtight container.
