Old-Time Popcorn Balls

Total Time:Prep/Total Time: 30 min.

Recipe by LaReine Stevens, Ypsilanti, Michigan

Tested by Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Taste of Home's Editorial Process

Updated on Oct. 13, 2022

Our whole family loves popcorn. These old-time popcorn balls are great anytime, but they're especially fun to pass out to trick-or-treaters or to use at Christmastime as stocking stuffers! They always look appealing when covered in clear wrap and tied with a festive ribbon. —LaReine Stevens, Ypsilanti, Michigan

Candy Thermometers

We recommend that you test your candy thermometer before each use by bringing water to a boil; the thermometer should read 212°. Adjust your recipe temperature up or down based on your test.
TEST KITCHEN APPROVED

Old-Time Popcorn Balls

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Yield:8 servings
Prep:15 min
Cook:15 min
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Ingredients

  • 2 quarts popped popcorn
  • 1/2 cup molasses
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1/3 cup water
  • 1 tablespoon white vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
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Directions

  1. 1
    Place popcorn in a large bowl and set aside. In a large heavy saucepan, combine molasses, sugar, water, vinegar and butter. Cook, without stirring, over medium heat until mixture reaches 235° on a candy thermometer (soft-ball stage). Add baking soda and stir well.
  2. 2
    Remove from heat and immediately pour over popcorn, stirring gently with a wooden spoon until well coated. When cool enough to handle, quickly shape into 3-in. balls, dipping hands in cool water to prevent the syrup from sticking.

Nutrition Facts

1 popcorn ball: 170 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 4mg cholesterol, 159mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (24g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
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