Candy Corn Popcorn Balls

Candy Corn Popcorn Balls

Candy Corn Popcorn Balls

Candy Corn Popcorn Balls take me way back!  Is there anybody that doesn’t remember sinking their teeth into one and getting a visit from the Tooth Fairy later that night?  These are sweet, sticky and chewy, just the way I like them.  Beware though if you have permanent teeth, it’s much more of a trick than a treat, seeing the dentist for Halloween!

Candy Corn Popcorn Balls

Sometimes good old-fashioned sticky treats are still the best. These popcorn balls are kicked up with colorful candy corn, wrapped in cellophane bags, ribboned and ready for Halloween at my house!

Candy Corn Popcorn Balls

Begin by popping 4 quarts of popcorn.  I like using an air popcorn maker. It’s great because I don’t have to add any fat, and here’s a tip, air popped corn is great for packing your packages too.  I fill bags with popcorn and tuck it around whatever I’m sending.  I’ve even gotten a few “thank you’s,” from recipients over the years who have used it for this very purpose, popcorn balls!

Pop your corn into a big bowl that will allow plenty of room for mixing and stirring.  You will need to work quickly once you pour the syrup over the popcorn.  Be so careful, please.  I learned a hard lesson when I was first beginning to cook.  I was pouring and stirring at the same time and poured right over my pointing finger.  I got a horrible burn and have a scar to this day.  Make sure to use a hot pad and pour all of your syrup over the popcorn.  Then start to mix it.

To make the syrup, bring sugar, water, corn syrup, vinegar, and food coloring, (if desired), to a boil over medium high heat, stirring constantly, about 6 minutes. Add cream of tarter and turn heat down to medium heat.  Boil syrup and bring to 250 degrees on a candy thermometer, about 20 minutes.  Remove from heat and add butter, vanilla, and soda. Stir well and pour over the popcorn.  Mix well and then stir in candy corn.  Let it cool until it’s hot, but not too hot to burn your hands.

Candy Corn Popcorn Balls

Wash your hands well and then rub them with a little butter.  Mold candied popcorn into balls, about the size of an apple, and let them cool.  Wrap your popcorn balls in a pretty cellophane bag and tie with a ribbon for all of your special trick-or-treaters.

Candy Corn Popcorn Balls

5 from 1 reviews
Candy Corn Popcorn Balls
 
Prep time
Cook time
Total time
 
Sweet and sticky, Candy Corn Popcorn Balls are a delightful treat for all of your favorite Fall holidays.
Author:
Recipe type: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Serves: about 24
Ingredients
  • 4 quarts popped popcorn
  • 2 cups sugar
  • ⅔ cup boiling water
  • ⅔ cup corn syrup
  • 2 tablespoons vinegar
  • 2 teaspoons cream of tarter
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla
  • ⅛ teaspoon soda
  • 1-2 cups candy corn
Instructions
  1. Pop 16 cups, (4 quarts) of popcorn, in a large mixing bowl, remove any un-popped kernels and set popcorn aside.
  2. Combine sugar, water, corn syrup, vinegar, and food coloring, in a saucepan, stirring constantly and bring to a boil over medium-high heat, about 6 minutes Add cream of tarter. Clip on a candy thermometer and lower heat to medium. Bring syrup to 250 degrees, hard ball stage, on a candy thermometer, about 20 minutes.
  3. Remove from heat and add butter, vanilla, and soda. Stir well and pour over popped corn. Mix well and add candy corn. Let cool a little.
  4. Wash and butter your hands and form popcorn balls, about apple size.
  5. Let cool and wrap.

I’m loving the chilly nights, changing leaves, and getting ready for Halloween, are you?  What are you planning for treats at your house?  I’d love to hear.  As always, thanks for your visit to Cheery Kitchen.

Candy Corn Popcorn Balls

About The Author

Renée

Renée is passionate about making and sharing ALL things delicious! Her happy place really is her kitchen where she loves whipping up memories with her family and friends. Raised in sunny Southern California she's spent her adulthood in Idaho, both sides of her great state. She's married to an amazing man, and together they have 5 children, who gave them five more, and now they have 28 grandchildren. So there’s always a reason to cook and celebrate around their place!

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Welcome to CK!

We're Alison and Renée, and we're so glad you've joined us! Our kitchens are our happy place, where we're whipping up memories. Get comfy and check things out. We hope you find inspiring dishes and ways to better your life. Feeling optimistic, trying new things and sharing with those we love brings joy in all we do. It's time to cook, create and celebrate. CHEERS! Read More…

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