If you’re looking for a fun, gooey, and incredibly satisfying treat, Marshmallow Popcorn is a must-try. With its sweet and sticky marshmallow coating wrapped around crunchy popped corn, it’s a crowd-pleasing snack perfect for movie nights, parties, holidays, or gifting. This recipe brings together the best of both worlds—light, airy popcorn and sweet, melted marshmallows.
In this guide, you’ll learn everything you need to make marshmallow popcorn from scratch, including how to customize it for different occasions.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
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Quick and Easy – Just a few ingredients and minutes to make.
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Kid-Friendly and Fun – Great for sleepovers, parties, or after-school treats.
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Customizable – Add sprinkles, chocolate, or your favorite candy mix-ins.
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No-Bake Recipe – Minimal mess and no oven required.
What Is Marshmallow Popcorn?
Marshmallow Popcorn is a sweet snack made by combining freshly popped popcorn with a warm marshmallow-butter mixture. Think of it as a cross between popcorn balls and Rice Krispie treats. The sticky sweetness of marshmallows binds the popcorn together, creating a chewy, crunchy treat.
Ingredients List
Here’s what you’ll need to make a basic batch of marshmallow popcorn:
Main Ingredients:
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8 cups plain popcorn, popped (about ⅓ cup unpopped kernels)
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¼ cup unsalted butter
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1 (10-ounce) bag mini marshmallows (about 4 cups)
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½ teaspoon vanilla extract
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Pinch of salt
Optional Add-Ins:
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Sprinkles
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Mini chocolate chips
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Candy-coated chocolates (M&Ms)
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Crushed cookies or pretzels
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Food coloring for themed treats
Timing & Servings
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
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Cook Time: 5 minutes
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Total Time: 15 minutes
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Servings: 6–8 servings
Step-by-Step Instructions for Marshmallow Popcorn
Step 1: Pop the Popcorn
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Pop about ⅓ cup of kernels using your preferred method: stovetop, air popper, or microwave.
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Once popped, measure 8 cups of popcorn and remove any unpopped kernels.
Step 2: Melt the Marshmallow Mixture
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In a large saucepan over low heat, melt the butter.
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Add mini marshmallows and stir continuously until smooth.
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Stir in vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.
Step 3: Combine with Popcorn
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Remove the marshmallow mixture from heat.
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Immediately pour over the popped popcorn in a large bowl.
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Mix quickly and gently with a spatula until all popcorn is coated.
Step 4: Shape or Serve
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Spread mixture on a lined baking sheet to cool and set.
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Or, press lightly into a greased pan for bars.
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You can also shape them into popcorn balls while warm.
Tips for Perfect Marshmallow Popcorn
Use Fresh Popcorn
Air-popped popcorn works best, but stovetop popcorn without added butter also works well.
Work Quickly
Marshmallow cools fast—mix and shape while it’s still warm and pliable.
Grease Your Hands
Lightly grease your hands with butter or oil to easily shape popcorn without sticking.
Avoid Overpacking
Whether forming balls or bars, don’t pack too tightly or the texture will be too dense.
Flavor Variations
You can easily switch up the flavor or theme of your marshmallow popcorn:
Chocolate Marshmallow Popcorn
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Add ½ cup mini chocolate chips or chocolate drizzle once the popcorn is slightly cool.
Peanut Butter Popcorn
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Stir 2 tablespoons of peanut butter into the melted marshmallow mixture.
Festive Holiday Popcorn
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Mix in red and green sprinkles, candy canes, or colored mini marshmallows for Christmas.
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Use pastel sprinkles for Easter, or orange and black for Halloween.
S’mores Marshmallow Popcorn
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Add graham cracker pieces and chocolate chunks to the marshmallow-coated popcorn.
How to Make Popcorn Balls
To turn this into a classic treat:
Instructions:
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Let the mixture cool just slightly.
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Lightly grease your hands.
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Form into tennis ball-sized balls.
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Place on wax paper to set.
Great for parties or wrapping in plastic for gifts!
Storage and Shelf Life
How to Store:
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Store in an airtight container at room temperature.
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Use parchment paper between layers if stacking.
Shelf Life:
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Best enjoyed within 2–3 days.
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After that, the popcorn may become chewy or stale.
Freezing?
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Not recommended. The texture of popcorn and marshmallow changes when frozen.
Make-Ahead Tips
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You can pop the popcorn and keep it ready a day ahead.
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Prepare the marshmallow mixture just before combining and serving for best results.
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Popcorn balls can be made the day before and wrapped individually.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using Buttered or Salted Popcorn
Pre-buttered popcorn can make the mixture greasy and too salty.
Letting Marshmallow Burn
Melt marshmallows on low heat to prevent scorching or caramelizing.
Waiting Too Long to Mix
The marshmallow firms up quickly. Mix the popcorn in immediately.
Not Removing Unpopped Kernels
Biting into a hard kernel can ruin the fun—and your teeth!
Fun Additions for Kids and Parties
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Mini marshmallows for a double fluffy texture.
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Sprinkle confetti for birthday themes.
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Candy eyes and colored icing for Halloween monsters or themed characters.
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Crushed Oreos or other cookies for a cookies-and-cream twist.
You can even press the mixture into silicone molds for fun shapes!
Nutritional Overview (Approx. per serving)
Nutrient Amount Calories 180–220 kcal Carbohydrates 30–35 g Sugar 18–25 g Fat 6–8 g Fiber 1–2 g Protein 1–2 g
Values vary depending on mix-ins and exact portions.
FAQs
Can I use microwave popcorn?
You can, but choose a plain or lightly salted variety—avoid buttered versions.
Can I add food coloring to the marshmallow mixture?
Yes! Add a few drops of food coloring after the marshmallows are melted and before combining with the popcorn.
How do I prevent sticky hands while shaping?
Lightly grease your hands with butter, oil, or non-stick spray before shaping.
Can I use jumbo marshmallows instead of mini?
Yes, just use the same weight—about 10 ounces total. Chop them for faster melting.
Serving Ideas
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Serve in paper cups or cones for grab-and-go treats.
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Make a popcorn bar with different add-ins.
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Wrap popcorn balls in plastic wrap and tie with ribbons for party favors.
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Layer in mason jars for gift giving with holiday tags.
Conclusion
Marshmallow Popcorn is more than just a snack—it’s a nostalgic, customizable treat that sparks joy. It’s gooey, crunchy, sweet, and endlessly fun to make and eat. Whether you’re hosting a party, looking for a rainy-day kitchen project, or just craving something sweet and simple, this recipe is a winner.