Gooey Smores Popcorn Balls Recipe

Gooey S’mores Popcorn Balls Recipe: Campfire Joy in Every Bite

Sticky marshmallow s’mores popcorn balls combine the campfire classic with a snackable twist that sparks joy in every bite.

Graham crackers crumble into the mix, adding a delightful crunch to this sweet treat.

Chocolate melts perfectly between layers of popcorn, creating irresistible pockets of gooey goodness.

The classic summer flavors dance together in a handheld snack that brings nostalgic memories flooding back.

Kids and adults alike will devour these playful morsels in mere moments.

Melted chocolate, toasted marshmallows, and crisp popcorn create a dessert that feels like a fun celebration.

Whip up a batch and watch smiles spread faster than the marshmallow drizzle.

Ingredients for Building S’mores Popcorn Balls

For Base:
  • Popcorn: Provides the light, airy foundation for the treat, choose freshly popped or air-popped for best texture.
  • Golden Grahams Cereal: Adds a delightful graham cracker crunch and nostalgic s'mores flavor, look for crisp, unbroken pieces.
For Binding:
  • Butter: Creates a rich, golden base that enhances the overall flavor, select high-quality unsalted butter for best results.
  • Marshmallows: Acts as the sticky glue that holds everything together, opt for fresh, soft marshmallows for smooth melting.
  • Vanilla Extract: Brings a warm, aromatic depth to the sweet mixture, choose pure vanilla for the most authentic taste.
For Topping:
  • Mini Semisweet Chocolate Chips: Delivers the classic s'mores chocolate element, select high-quality chips that melt easily and provide a rich chocolate burst.
  • Nonstick Cooking Spray: Ensures easy handling and prevents mixture from sticking to hands, choose a neutral-flavored spray.

Tools to Mold S’mores Popcorn Balls Easily

  • Large saucepan: Perfect for melting butter and marshmallows smoothly.
  • Wooden spoon or spatula: Essential for stirring and folding ingredients without scratching the pan.
  • Measuring cups: Helps get precise amounts of popcorn and cereal.
  • Nonstick cooking spray: Keeps hands from sticking when shaping popcorn balls.
  • Waxed paper or parchment paper: Great for cooling and preventing sticky mess.
  • Mixing bowl: Optional, useful for preparing ingredients before combining.

Steps to Create S’mores Popcorn Balls at Home

Campfire Treat Adventure

  • Buttery Golden Base A rich, caramel-like butter gets transformed into a heavenly sauce that becomes the magical glue for our popcorn creation.
  • Marshmallow Magic Fluffy white clouds of sweetness melt into a silky smooth mixture that will bind all our delicious ingredients together.
  • Flavor Fusion Crisp popcorn and crunchy graham cereal dance together, getting completely embraced by the marshmallow coating.
  • Shaping Excitement Gently form clusters with your hands, transforming the sticky mixture into perfectly round bite-sized treasures.
  • Chocolate Sprinkle Finish Scattered chocolate chips create a glistening exterior that makes each popcorn ball look like a delectable work of art.
  • Cooling Station Let your beautiful treats rest and solidify on a clean surface, allowing them to become firm and ready for munching.

Ideas for Customizing S’mores Popcorn Balls

  • Replace semisweet chips with dark, milk, or white chocolate varieties for unique flavor profiles.
  • Dampen hands slightly with cold water before forming balls to prevent sticky mixture from clinging and create smoother, more uniform shapes.
  • Store popcorn balls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  • Drizzle melted chocolate over finished popcorn balls or sprinkle crushed graham crackers for extra crunch and s'mores authenticity.

Serving Suggestions for Popcorn Ball Treats

  • Campfire Memories Party Platter: Create a nostalgic dessert display with popcorn balls arranged on a rustic wooden board, surrounded by graham crackers and chocolate bars to capture classic s'mores vibes.
  • Sweet Movie Night Treat: Package these popcorn balls in clear cellophane bags tied with colorful ribbons, perfect for sharing during family film marathons or kids' birthday parties.
  • Picnic Perfect Snack Pack: Wrap individually in wax paper for an easy-to-transport outdoor treat that brings summer camp memories to life during beach trips, park outings, or backyard gatherings.
  • Dessert Table Centerpiece: Stack popcorn balls in a pyramid on a decorative cake stand, dusted with extra chocolate chips and drizzled with melted chocolate for an eye-catching party dessert display.

Storage Plans for S’mores Popcorn Creations

  • Snack Storage Smarts: Keep these delightful popcorn balls in an airtight container at room temperature for maximum freshness, ensuring they stay deliciously crisp for 2-3 days.
  • Chill & Protect Strategy: Wrap individual popcorn balls in plastic wrap before storing to maintain their shape and prevent them from sticking together, keeping each ball perfect and ready to enjoy.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the popcorn balls up to 24 hours in advance, which helps the flavors meld and makes party prep super simple and stress-free.
  • Quick Refresh Technique: If popcorn balls become slightly soft, pop them in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes to help them regain their firm texture and delightful crunch.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Calories: 200 kcal

Servings: 13

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Gooey Smores Popcorn Balls Recipe

Gooey Smores Popcorn Balls Recipe


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4.8 from 22 reviews

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 13 1x

Description

Gooey marshmallow s’mores popcorn balls combine classic campfire flavors with a playful twist. Graham cracker crumbs and chocolate chips elevate this sweet snack for summer gatherings and movie nights you’ll want to share.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 10 oz (283 g) mini marshmallows
  • ¼ cup (57 g) butter
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract
  • 8 cups popped popcorn
  • 2 cups Golden Grahams cereal
  • 1 cup mini semisweet chocolate chips

Instructions

  1. Kernel Preparation: Pop corn kernels to achieve a light, fluffy texture that will serve as the base for the s’mores popcorn balls.
  2. Butter Transformation: Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat, allowing it to develop a rich, golden-brown color that enhances the overall flavor profile.
  3. Marshmallow Fusion: Introduce marshmallows to the heated butter, stirring continuously until they transform into a smooth, glossy mixture that will bind the ingredients together.
  4. Flavor Infusion: Remove from heat and blend in vanilla extract, creating a subtle aromatic undertone that complements the s’mores essence.
  5. Ingredient Integration: Fold popped corn and crushed Golden Grahams into the marshmallow base, ensuring each element is thoroughly and evenly coated for maximum flavor distribution.
  6. Shaping Technique: After allowing the mixture to cool slightly, spray hands with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking, then carefully form compact, uniform spheres by gently compressing the popcorn mixture.
  7. Chocolate Embellishment: Delicately press miniature semisweet chocolate chips across the surface of each popcorn ball, creating a decorative and indulgent exterior that captures the classic s’mores flavor.
  8. Cooling and Setting: Arrange the completed popcorn balls on waxed paper or a silicone mat, permitting them to cool completely and solidify into their final shape.

Notes

  • Prevent Sticky Hands: Spray hands with nonstick cooking spray before shaping popcorn balls to ensure smooth, effortless molding without messy residue.
  • Maintain Even Coating: Stir marshmallow mixture thoroughly to guarantee each popcorn kernel and cereal piece receives consistent, delectable coverage.
  • Control Cooling Temperature: Allow mixture to cool slightly before shaping to prevent burning fingers and help balls hold their structured form.
  • Chocolate Placement Tip: Press chocolate chips gently into surface while popcorn balls are still warm to help chips adhere perfectly and create delightful melted pockets.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 13
  • Calories: 200
  • Sugar: 12g
  • Sodium: 80mg
  • Fat: 8g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 15mg
Mia Reynolds

Mia Reynolds

Food Writer & Home Cooking Specialist

Expertise

Easy Home Baking, Recipe Writing and Storytelling, Local and Seasonal Ingredients, Baking for Beginners

Education

New England Culinary Institute (NECI), Montpelier, Vermont

  • Certificate: Baking and Pastry Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Hands-on baking skills, pastry basics, and creating delicious, approachable baked goods.

Community College of Vermont, Winooski, Vermont

  • Degree: Certificate in Food and Beverage Management
  • Focus: Essential knowledge of recipe development, ingredient sourcing, and food business basics.

Mia Reynolds fell in love with baking as a teenager experimenting in her family kitchen. Her passion took her to New England Culinary Institute, where she learned practical pastry techniques, and later to Community College of Vermont to deepen her understanding of food management.

Mia combines clear, simple baking instructions with heartwarming stories, making home baking approachable for everyone.

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