Brown Butter Popcorn Balls
These easy homemade popcorn balls are made with brown butter, gooey marshmallows, sweet cinnamon sugar, and crunchy pretzels. A orange chocolate drizzle makes them an irresistible fall treat!
Equipment
- a large mixing bowl
- medium saucepan
- Silicone Spatula
- measuring cups and spoons
- Parchment Paper:
- baking sheet
- A cookie scoop
Ingredients
- 10 cups freshly popped plain popcorn (about ⅓ cup unpopped kernels, depending on variety)
- ¾ cup lightly crushed mini pretzels
- 5 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 (10-ounce) bag mini marshmallows
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon fine salt
- 2 tablespoon granulated sugar (for coating)
- 1 teaspoon additional cinnamon (for coating)
- ½ cup white chocolate melting wafers or white baking chips
Instructions
- Place the popped popcorn in a large mixing bowl. Carefully remove any unpopped kernels. Add the crushed pretzels and toss to combine.
- Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir or swirl frequently for 3–5 minutes, until the butter becomes golden brown and smells nutty. Immediately reduce heat to low.
- Add mini marshmallows to the browned butter. Stir gently until completely melted and smooth. Remove from heat.
- Stir in vanilla extract, 1½ teaspoons cinnamon, and salt.
- Immediately pour the warm marshmallow mixture over the popcorn and pretzels. Using a lightly greased spatula, gently toss until evenly coated.
- Let the mixture cool for 2–3 minutes, just until safe to handle but still pliable. Lightly butter your hands and gently press portions into 10–12 round balls.
- Combine 2 tablespoons granulated sugar with 1 teaspoon cinnamon. Sprinkle the mixture over the popcorn balls while their surfaces are still slightly sticky.
- Melt white chocolate according to package directions, stirring until smooth. Drizzle over the popcorn balls.
- Place on parchment paper for approximately 20 minutes, or until the chocolate sets and the popcorn balls hold their shape.
Notes
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Use freshly popped, unflavored popcorn for the best texture.
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If the mixture is too sticky, lightly butter your hands again.
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The chocolate drizzle is optional but adds a lovely finishing touch.