Description
Delight in these crunchy and sweet Peanut Butter Popcorn Balls, a nostalgic treat combining the rich creaminess of peanut butter with the satisfying crunch of popcorn and peanuts. Perfect as a snack or party treat, they are easy to make and sure to please both kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
Scale
Popcorn Mixture
- 5 cups popped popcorn
- 1 cup dry roasted peanuts
Syrup and Binding Ingredients
- ½ cup light corn syrup
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare Popcorn and Peanuts: Make sure to remove any unpopped popcorn kernels from the bowl. Then mix together popcorn and dry roasted peanuts evenly.
- Make Syrup Mixture: In a large saucepan or dutch oven, combine the granulated sugar and light corn syrup and bring just to a boil over medium heat. Stir occasionally until the sugar has fully dissolved and the mixture is bubbling.
- Add Peanut Butter and Vanilla: Remove the pan from heat as soon as the syrup is boiling and sugar is dissolved. Stir in the creamy peanut butter and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Coat Popcorn and Peanuts: Immediately add the popcorn and peanuts to the syrup mixture and stir thoroughly to ensure everything is evenly coated with the peanut butter syrup.
- Form Popcorn Balls: Allow the mixture to cool slightly until it is safe to handle but still pliable. Grease your hands lightly and scoop a handful of the coated popcorn mixture. Press and shape into firm balls, helping them hold together.
- Cool and Store: Place each formed popcorn ball on a sheet of wax paper to cool completely and set. Once cool, wrap each ball in plastic wrap to keep fresh until ready to serve.
Notes
- Be cautious when handling the hot syrup to avoid burns.
- Greasing hands prevents the sticky mixture from adhering to your skin.
- You can substitute creamy peanut butter with natural peanut butter but the texture may vary.
- For a nuttier flavor, try using salted peanuts.
- Store popcorn balls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: peanut butter, popcorn balls, snack, sweet, peanut butter treat, easy recipe, popcorn snacks
