Calling all peanut butter lovers! These Peanut Butter Popcorn Balls are a delicious treat and so easy to make. Perfect for parties, Halloween, or a cozy movie night, this snack is a delightful blend of salty popcorn and creamy peanut butter marshmallow sauce. With their sweet and salty flavor, they stand out as a fun and unique treat that everyone will love.

Jump to:
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Tools and Preparation
- Essential Tools and Equipment
- Importance of Each Tool
- Ingredients
- For the Popcorn Base
- For the Peanut Butter Marshmallow Sauce
- How to Make Peanut Butter Popcorn Balls
- Step 1: Prepare the Popcorn
- Step 2: Make the Marshmallow Sauce
- Step 3: Combine Ingredients
- Step 4: Form the Popcorn Balls
- Step 5: Serve or Store
- How to Serve Peanut Butter Popcorn Balls
- For Parties
- Movie Night
- Holiday Celebrations
- How to Perfect Peanut Butter Popcorn Balls
- Best Side Dishes for Peanut Butter Popcorn Balls
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Storage & Reheating Instructions
- Refrigerator Storage
- Freezing Peanut Butter Popcorn Balls
- Reheating Peanut Butter Popcorn Balls
- Frequently Asked Questions
- What are Peanut Butter Popcorn Balls?
- Can I customize my Peanut Butter Popcorn Balls?
- How long do Peanut Butter Popcorn Balls last?
- Are Peanut Butter Popcorn Balls gluten-free?
- Final Thoughts
- 📖 Recipe Card
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: These popcorn balls come together in just 20 minutes, making them perfect for last-minute treats.
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of peanut butter and marshmallows creates a mouthwatering taste that’s hard to resist.
- Versatile Snack: Whether for kids’ parties or holiday gatherings, these popcorn balls fit right in at any occasion.
- Customizable: Feel free to add in your favorite mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts to make them your own!
- Gluten-Free Option: With simple ingredients, these popcorn balls can be enjoyed by those with gluten sensitivities.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the recipe, gather your tools. Having everything ready will streamline the process and make it enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
Importance of Each Tool
- Large mixing bowl: Keeps all the ingredients together while allowing enough space for mixing.
- Saucepan: Ideal for melting the peanut butter and marshmallows evenly without burning them.
- Skillet: Useful for maintaining consistent heat during the melting process.
- Stirring spoon: Ensures thorough mixing of all ingredients for an even coating on the popcorn.
Ingredients
For the Popcorn Base
- 6 cups popped popcorn
For the Peanut Butter Marshmallow Sauce
- ½ cup honey
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
How to Make Peanut Butter Popcorn Balls
Step 1: Prepare the Popcorn
- Place the popped popcorn in a large bowl.
Step 2: Make the Marshmallow Sauce
- In a saucepan on medium heat, add the honey and peanut butter.
- Stir to combine until smooth.
- Add the mini marshmallows and cook for 1-2 minutes or until melted.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
- Remove from heat.
- Pour the peanut butter mixture over the popcorn.
- Toss gently to coat all of the popcorn evenly.
Step 4: Form the Popcorn Balls
- Allow mixture to cool for about 15-20 minutes until it’s cool enough to handle.
- With your hands, form into approximately 10 balls.
Step 5: Serve or Store
- Serve immediately for best taste or store in an airtight container until ready to enjoy.
Enjoy your delightful Peanut Butter Popcorn Balls! They are sure to be a hit wherever you serve them!
How to Serve Peanut Butter Popcorn Balls
Peanut Butter Popcorn Balls are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just want a sweet snack, these popcorn balls are perfect for any occasion.
For Parties
- Snack Table: Arrange the popcorn balls on a colorful platter to create an eye-catching snack table.
- Individual Treat Bags: Place each popcorn ball in small clear bags tied with a ribbon for easy grab-and-go treats.
Movie Night
- DIY Snack Bar: Set up a snack bar with popcorn balls, candy, and drinks for a fun movie night experience.
- Popcorn Ball Bowls: Serve the popcorn balls in individual bowls alongside other favorite snacks like chips and pretzels.
Holiday Celebrations
- Festive Gift: Wrap the popcorn balls in holiday-themed packaging as gifts for friends and family.
- Dessert Buffet: Include the peanut butter popcorn balls in a dessert buffet at holiday parties. They add variety to traditional sweets.

How to Perfect Peanut Butter Popcorn Balls
To make the best Peanut Butter Popcorn Balls, consider these helpful tips.
- Use Fresh Popcorn: Always use freshly popped popcorn for the best texture and flavor.
- Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the honey slightly or use natural peanut butter.
- Coat Quickly: Work swiftly when coating the popcorn; this helps prevent clumping and ensures even coverage.
- Let Cool Slightly: Allow the mixture to cool just enough so it’s safe to handle but still sticky enough to form into balls.
- Experiment with Add-ins: Try adding chocolate chips or nuts for extra flavor and texture variations.
Best Side Dishes for Peanut Butter Popcorn Balls
Peanut Butter Popcorn Balls pair well with a variety of side dishes that complement their sweet and salty flavors. Here are some great options:
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits provides a refreshing balance to the sweetness of the popcorn balls.
- Veggie Sticks with Dip: Crunchy veggies paired with hummus or ranch dip offer a healthy contrast.
- Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses can enhance your snack table, providing savory options alongside the sweet treats.
- Chocolate-Covered Pretzels: The combination of salty pretzels and chocolate echoes the flavors in peanut butter popcorn balls.
- Mini Sandwiches: Bite-sized sandwiches can round out your spread, making it satisfying for both kids and adults.
- Trail Mix: A homemade trail mix with nuts and dried fruits can serve as another nutty treat option while keeping things interesting.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Peanut Butter Popcorn Balls can be fun, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for. Here are a few mistakes to avoid for the best results.
- Using stale popcorn: Ensure your popcorn is fresh and popped just before mixing. Stale popcorn won’t hold its shape well in the balls.
- Not measuring ingredients accurately: Precision matters! Use proper measuring cups to get the right balance of peanut butter and honey for a perfect texture.
- Overcooking the marshmallows: Keep an eye on the marshmallows while melting. Overcooking can cause them to become too hard instead of gooey.
- Skipping cooling time: Allow the mixture to cool properly before forming the balls. If it’s too hot, they won’t hold together well.
- Not storing properly: Store your Peanut Butter Popcorn Balls in an airtight container to maintain freshness. This prevents them from becoming soggy or hard.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- They can last up to 3 days in the refrigerator without losing flavor.
Freezing Peanut Butter Popcorn Balls
- Wrap each ball in plastic wrap or foil.
- Place wrapped balls in a freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheating Peanut Butter Popcorn Balls
- Oven: Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C). Place popcorn balls on a baking sheet for about 5-10 minutes to warm slightly.
- Microwave: Heat one ball at a time for about 10-15 seconds on a microwave-safe plate.
- Stovetop: Place popcorn balls in a non-stick pan over low heat, turning occasionally until warmed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Peanut Butter Popcorn Balls.
What are Peanut Butter Popcorn Balls?
Peanut Butter Popcorn Balls are delightful snacks made from popped popcorn mixed with a sweet peanut butter and marshmallow mixture, shaped into balls.
Can I customize my Peanut Butter Popcorn Balls?
Absolutely! You can add chocolate chips, nuts, or even sprinkles for extra flavor and fun.
How long do Peanut Butter Popcorn Balls last?
When stored correctly, they can last up to three days at room temperature or longer if frozen.
Are Peanut Butter Popcorn Balls gluten-free?
Yes! As long as you use gluten-free popcorn and ingredients, these treats are suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
Final Thoughts
Peanut Butter Popcorn Balls are not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize them with your favorite mix-ins. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy creating this sweet and salty snack that will surely delight everyone!
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Peanut Butter Popcorn Balls
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 10 servings 1x
Description
Peanut Butter Popcorn Balls are a delightful treat that combines the perfect blend of sweet and salty flavors. Quick and easy to make, these popcorn balls are ideal for any occasion—be it a party, Halloween celebration, or a cozy movie night. With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up these chewy snacks in under 30 minutes. The rich taste of creamy peanut butter paired with gooey marshmallows creates an irresistible flavor that everyone will love. Customize them with your favorite mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts for an added crunch. Enjoy them fresh or store them for later; they’re sure to be a hit wherever you serve them!
Ingredients
- 6 cups popped popcorn
- ½ cup honey
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, place the popped popcorn.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine honey and peanut butter until smooth.
- Stir in mini marshmallows and cook until melted (about 1-2 minutes).
- Remove from heat and pour the mixture over the popcorn, gently tossing to coat evenly.
- Let the mixture cool for 15-20 minutes, then form into approximately 10 balls.
- Serve immediately or store in an airtight container.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ball (40g)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg





