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Easy Irresistible Chewy Caramel Popcorn Balls Recipe for Perfect Snacks

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These chewy caramel popcorn balls combine buttery caramel with fresh popcorn for a nostalgic, quick, and delicious snack perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1/2 cup popcorn kernels (yields about 12 cups popped popcorn, no unpopped kernels)
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 cup packed brown sugar (preferably dark brown sugar)
  • 1/2 cup light corn syrup
  • 1/4 cup honey (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • Optional add-ins: chopped pecans or walnuts, mini chocolate chips

Instructions

  1. Pop the popcorn using your preferred method (air popper or stovetop). Measure about 1/2 cup kernels to yield roughly 12 cups popped popcorn. Remove any unpopped kernels and set popcorn aside in a large bowl.
  2. In a large heavy-bottomed saucepan, melt 6 tablespoons unsalted butter over medium heat. Stir in 1 cup packed brown sugar, 1/2 cup light corn syrup, and 1/4 cup honey if using. Bring to a gentle boil, stirring constantly.
  3. Cook the mixture until it reaches 240°F (115°C) on a candy thermometer (soft-ball stage), about 5 to 7 minutes.
  4. Remove from heat and quickly stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. The mixture will bubble up.
  5. Immediately pour the hot caramel over the popped popcorn. Gently fold and stir with a wooden spoon or heat-resistant spatula to coat the popcorn evenly without crushing it.
  6. Wait 1 to 2 minutes until the caramel cools enough to handle but is still pliable. Lightly butter your hands, scoop about 1/2 cup of the mixture, and press firmly into a ball shape. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Repeat until all popcorn is shaped.
  7. Let the popcorn balls cool completely at room temperature for about 30 minutes to set while remaining chewy.

Notes

Use a candy thermometer to reach the soft-ball stage (240°F) for perfect chewy texture. Butter your hands before shaping to prevent sticking. Avoid overcooking caramel to prevent hardness. If caramel cools too much before shaping, warm your hands under hot water and dry thoroughly. Store in airtight container at room temperature up to 3 days or refrigerate up to a week (may firm up). Freeze individually wrapped for longer storage.

Nutrition

Keywords: caramel popcorn balls, chewy popcorn balls, caramel snack, easy caramel popcorn, homemade popcorn balls, sweet snack, party snack

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