Looking for the perfect Christmas treat? Grinch Popcorn Balls are the perfect sweet and salty treat! Fresh popped popcorn with melted marshmallows, M&Ms, sprinkles, and colored green_, the kids will love them!

Grinch Marshmallow Popcorn Balls Recipe

As we. get closer to winter and Christmas time in our house that means we are starting to get ready to celebrate Christmas. The day after Thanksgiving is the day we strip the house of all the fall decorations and start getting the house decorated for Christmas.

I love watching Christmas movies with the kids, and we aim to watch 3 Christmas movies a week from the day after Thanksgiving until Christmas Eve. We always make sure that we have a How the Grinch Stole Christmas Movie night.

Filled with tasty Grinch snacks and enjoying the movie as a family is a tradition that we have carried on for years. These Grinch Popcorn Balls were a hit with the kids when I made them and are now part of our Grinch movie night snacks each year.

Marshmallow popcorn balls are something that my kids always enjoy. Turning one of their favorite treats into a Grinch themed fun treat was something they all enjoyed.

These Grinch Marshmallow popcorn balls also make a great treat for a party. If you’re making these as gifts or party favors, wrap each popcorn ball in plastic wrap or cellophane and tie it with a ribbon for a festive touch.

Grinch Fun

Grinch Marshmallow Popcorn Balls on a baking sheet

What is a Popcorn Ball?

A popcorn ball is popped popcorn, that is mixed with a melted marshmallow and butter mixture and shaped into balls. They are soft and chewy while being sweet and salty at the same time. You can add different mixins of candy to give extra flavors and easily whip them up as a last minute treat.

Variations of this recipe

Use homemade popcorn. You can use homemade popcorn and pop it on the stove or you can use the homemade microwave popcorn method. You will need 10 cups of popped popcorn.

Add a drizzle of chocolate. You can add a drizzle of chocolate on top of the popcorn balls after forming them. Melt green candy melts in the microwave and then drizzle the melted chocolate on top of the popcorn balls. You can also add some melted white chocolate drizzle to add more colors on the popcorn balls.

Change up the candy. I used Reese’s pieces but you can also use M&Ms, candy pumpkins, candy corn or any other candy that you want to.

Tips for making this recipe

Use gel food coloring. I recommend using gel food coloring because it doesn’t add extra liquid to the mixture as liquid food coloring does. I also think you get brighter colors when you use gel food coloring.

Use Fresh Popcorn: Pop your popcorn fresh for the best flavor and texture.

Melt Marshmallows Gradually: Melt the marshmallows and butter together slowly over low heat or in the microwave in short bursts, stirring frequently. This prevents them from burning and ensures a smooth mixture.

Stir Thoroughly: When mixing the popcorn and marshmallow mixture, ensure that all the popcorn is evenly coated. Use a large, sturdy spatula or wooden spoon for this task.

Work Quickly: Popcorn balls can become difficult to shape as the marshmallow mixture cools and hardens. Shape them into balls as quickly as possible while still being careful not to burn yourself.

Grease Your Hands: Coat your hands with a bit of butter or cooking spray to prevent the mixture from sticking to your fingers when forming the balls.

Can I use the microwave?

If you do not want to use the stove top to melt the marshmallows and butter you can use the microwave. You will want to add the marshmallows and the butter to a microwave safe bowl. Then heat in 30 second intervals until the butter and marshmallows are melted. Then stir well to mix.

How to Store Popcorn Balls

Popcorn balls need to be stored in an airtight container. You do not have to refrigerate them, they will store just fine at room temperature. Popcorn balls will last for 5-7 days when stored in an airtight container.

Grinch Marshmallow Popcorn Balls ingredients

Grinch Popcorn Balls Ingredients

10 cups Popped Popcorn
3 tablespoons butter
3 cups mini marshmallows
6 drop green gel food coloring
1/4 cup red and green sprinkles
1/2 cup green and red M&Ms
1/2 cup mini marshmallows

How to Make Grinch Popcorn Balls

Pop the popcorn, for 10 cups you will need 1 bag of bagged Popcorn. Pop the popcorn kernels and remove any un-popped kernels once done popping.

Line a baking sheet with wax paper or spray with nonstick cooking spray.

In a large pot or medium saucepan, over medium heat on the stovetop melt butter. Once the butter is melted add 3 cups of mini marshmallows and the neon green food coloring.

Stir the marshmallows until they are fully melted.

Pour the popped popcorn into a large bowl, pour the melted marshmallow mixture into the bowl, and stir well to coat all of the popcorn. I suggest using a rubber utensil as it helps with the marshmallow sticking when you are stirring it.

Add in the 1/2 cup mini marshmallows, M&Ms, and red and green sprinkles to the marshmallow and popcorn mixture and mix well.

Using your hands grab a handful of the popcorn mixture and roll into balls. Place the balls on a tray or a baking sheet as they are finished being rolled.

Allow popcorn balls to set for 10 minutes before eating.

Popcorn Recipes