1tablespoonsalted butter,plus more to butter baking sheet
10ouncebag mini marshmallows
2tablespoonshot cocoa mix powder,optional
2tablespoonsChristmas sprinkles,optional
Instructions
Line a cupcake pan with cupcake liners. Set aside.
Spread butter onto a large baking sheet (or use cooking spray.)
Pour popped popcorn onto prepared baking sheet, spread it out evenly.
In a medium saucepan, over medium heat, melt one tablespoon butter and add marshmallows.
Stir constantly until it is all melted (approximately 5 minutes). Once the marshmallow mixture is all melted, add hot chocolate powder. Mix well.
Pour the marshmallow mixture evenly over the popcorn. With a spatula coat popcorn with the marshmallow mixture. Add the sprinkles.
Once it cools down enough for you to handle with your hands, it is time to shape the popcorn balls. I used a big ice cream scoop (3 tablespoons).
Scoop the popcorn out, roll in your hands and put each one in cupcake liner (or wrap in plastic wrap).
Notes
Coating the baking sheet with butter ensures the marshmallow mixture won’t stick to the bottom. When forming the popcorn balls, I can incorporate what did not stick directly to the popcorn.
You can certainly mix the melted marshmallows and popcorn in a really large bowl. I just prefer using the cookie sheet as it is easier to pour the marshmallow mixture as evenly as possible on the popcorn.
These popcorn balls do not have to be placed in cupcake liners. They can be individually wrapped in plastic.
I usually just pop some popcorn on the stovetop (using 1/4 cup popcorn kernels) so that it's plain without any other flavor. However, microwave popcorn can be used (about 2-3 bags), just make sure it is plain or lightly salted if that is all you can find.
The hot cocoa powder is completely optional in this. I think it adds great flavor so give it a try!
When melting marshmallows on the stove top, it's important to stir constantly so it doesn't stick to the bottom.
The marshmallows can be melted in the microwave. In a microwave proof large bowl, add butter and marshmallows. Because of the high content in sugar, melt in 20 seconds intervals, stirring in between each. The bowl will get hot, I suggest using tea towel when taking the bowl out of the microwave.
Popcorn balls will keep up to a week in a sealed container but are best the day they're made.