Grinch Popcorn Balls

We love making Grinch themed desserts during the holidays. These Grinch Popcorn balls are perfect to make to while watching Christmas movies. The kids will love this perfect snack because of the fun green color.

If you love Grinch desserts as much we do, this grinch popcorn recipe is the one to make. The next time you have Grinch Stole Christmas movie night, make a batch of these popcorn balls.

What are Popcorn Balls?

Popcorn balls make a great gift idea. Popped popcorn is combined with a marshmallow mixture to created a delicious treat. They are a staple holiday treat and perfect for holiday parties.

These popcorn balls are chewy, sticky, and full of flavor. They can be made with a variety of colors and sprinkles. Make them year round for the perfect holiday dessert.

Popcorn balls are the perfect sweet and salty treat.

Ingredients

Scroll to the bottom for the full recipe in the recipe card.

Variations Ideas

• Green Candy Melts – Instead of using green food coloring, use green candy melts. Candy melts come in a variety of colors so feel free to change the color.
• Drizzle White Chocolate – You can drizzle white chocolate over the top of the popcorn balls for a fun and festive look. Green Melting chocolate in a microwave safe bowl is easy to do. I like to melt with coconut oil.
• Popcorn – We used already popped corn, but feel free to make microwave popcorn. Popping popcorn is easy to do, if you prefer.
• Add in flavor – Feel free to add in vanilla extract or drizzle with caramel syrup.
• Sprinkles – If you can’t find red heat sprinkles, fee free to use a tablespoons of red sprinkles.

How to Make Grinch Popcorn Balls

• Step 1 – Popped Corn – Place the popcorn in a large bowl and set aside. 

Step 2 – Melt Butter and Marshmallows – In a small pot, melt the butter over medium low heat.  Once it’s fully melted, stir in the cups of mini marshmallows. Heat on low, stirring often until melted and smooth. 

Step 3 – Add Green Food Coloring – Add the neon green food coloring until the mixture is a vibrant green color.  

Step 4 – Pour over popcorn – Pour this mixture over the cups of popcorn. Then gently stir to coat the popcorn with the mixture. Mix the ingredients together in a large pot.

Step 5 – Shape into balls – Once the mixture has cooled slightly and is able to be touched. Spray your hands with nonstick cooking spray. Working quickly, shape the mixture into twelve 3-inch popcorn balls. 

• Step 6 – Top with heart sprinkle – Place the popcorn balls on a baking pan lined with parchment paper or wax paper.  Then immediately press a large heart sprinkle into the center of each of the popcorn balls. Sprinkle the green sugar sprinkles over them.  
• Step 7 – Serve and Enjoy – Cool completely.  Then the popcorn balls are ready to serve and enjoy! We like to serve on a Christmas platter.

Recipe Tips

• Melting Marshmallow Mixture – Melt butter and the marshmallow mixture in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Make sure to stir until well melted and blended.
• Forming the Balls – Before rolling the popcorn into balls, we recommend spraying hands with non stick cooking spray. This helps to prevent the popcorn mixture from sticking to your hands. You can even use wax paper instead.
• Scoop – If you have a large scoop, you could use it to scoop the popcorn mixture. This helps you to easily form into popcorn balls.
• Un-popped kernels – Make sure to remove any un-popped kernels from the popped corn.
• Prepare Baking Sheet – Line baking sheet with wax paper or parchment paper. This makes for an easy cleanup for the fun treat.

How to Store Leftover Popcorn Balls

Store the popcorn balls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5-7 days. 

Frequently Asked Questions