Jello Popcorn Balls

Jello Popcorn Balls make a fun and delicious treat with just 4 ingredients. They are easy to make and taste great with flavored gelatin.

These Jello Popcorn Balls are a fun, colorful, and nostalgic treat that come together with just a few simple ingredients. Each batch turns plain popcorn into a sweet, chewy, fruity-flavored snack that’s perfect for parties, holidays, bake sales, or gifting.

With endless Jello flavors to choose from, you can easily match any theme or occasion, making this recipe a favorite for kids and adults alike. You might also like Jello Popcorn, Broken Glass Jello, Jello Parfait and Jello Cookies Recipe.

The marshmallows make each popcorn ball really ooey gooey. It is so yummy. The gelatin mix adds not only gorgeous color but a bunch of flavors. Learn how to make jello popcorn balls and jazz up plain popcorn.

Why We Love This

Popcorn Balls are a delightful mixture of simple ingredients that are formed into a ball. They are easy to make and fun to eat. This treat is great for any occasion including a baby shower, birthday party and more.

This treat originated in the 1950’s and was popular at Halloween for parties and trick or treaters. Popcorn Balls stood the test of time, and everyone still loves these fun popcorn balls today.

See more Popcorn Ball Recipes and yummy Popcorn Recipes.

Ingredients

Popcorn. Use freshly popped popcorn and be sure to remove any unpopped kernels.
Butter. Real butter gives the best flavor and richness.
Jello. Choose any flavor you like. It’s what gives the popcorn its color and fruity taste.
Mini Marshmallows. Minis melt quickly and smoothly to create the perfect sticky coating.

Get the complete list of ingredients at the bottom of the page.

Step By Step Instructions

Step 1 – Prepare the popcorn. Pop the 12 cups popcorn. Remove all the un popped kernels in the popped popcorn.

Step 2 – Melt the butter and marshmallows. Place the butter and marshmallows in a microwave safe bowl. Heat in 30 second intervals, stirring after each interval until melted.

Jello added to marshmallows melted in mixing bowl.

Step 3 – Stir in the jello mixture. Add the jello mixture and stir together.

Marshmallow mixture poured over popcorn in a bowl.

Step 4 – Get out a large bowl. Place the popcorn in a large bowl and pour the marshmallow mixture on top and stir to coat the popcorn in the mixture.

Step 5 – Form the popcorn balls. Oil or use a little butter on your hands (or spray with a non-stick spray) and then shape the popcorn into balls. Then place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to cool.

Step 6 – Enjoy and serve. Once cooled, the popcorn balls are ready to serve and enjoy!

Jello popcorn balls in an assortment of colors.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to Store Popcorn Balls?

Place the popcorn balls inside an airtight container. You can also wrap each popcorn ball in plastic wrap and store at room temperature for up to 5 days.

How long will they last?

As long as the popcorn Jello balls are stored properly, they will last up to 5 days.

Can you freeze marshmallow popcorn balls?

Yes, they can be frozen up to 3 months. If freezing, I suggest wrapping them individually in plastic wrap to ensure freshness. Then place them inside an airtight freezer bag or container.

When ready to serve, allow to come to room temperature at least 30 minutes.

Why are my popcorn balls not sticking together?

Typically, if this happens the result is marshmallows that were not fully melted. The mixture needs to be stirred until it is completely smooth, and no lumps are in the mixture prior to adding the popcorn.

Another common issue is adding too much popcorn. It is important that you follow the directions precisely.

Pro Tips

Grease Your Hands Well. Lightly coat your hands with nonstick spray before shaping the balls. The mixture is extremely sticky, and this simple step makes rolling much easier and far less messy.
Measure for Even Sizes. For perfectly uniform popcorn balls, scoop the mixture with a 1-cup measuring cup or cookie scoop. This keeps each ball the same size for even portioning and a polished look.
Match Colors to Holidays. Have fun coordinating Jello flavors with seasonal colors. Try red and green for Christmas, orange for Halloween, pastels for Easter, or pink and red for Valentine’s Day. It’s an easy way to make them festive for any celebration.
Choose Your Favorite Popcorn. Use whatever popcorn method you prefer. Microwave, stovetop, air-popped, or electric popper. Just be sure to remove unpopped kernels before mixing.
Work Quickly. The mixture sets fast, so stir, scoop, and shape the popcorn balls while the coating is still warm and pliable.
Let Them Set Completely. Place the formed balls on a lined baking sheet and allow them to cool fully before serving or wrapping to help them hold their shape.
Add Mix-Ins if Desired. For extra texture, fold in mini marshmallows, sprinkles, or small candy pieces. Just avoid anything that may melt too easily.

More Jello Desserts

We love to make popcorn balls for any occasion and think you will too. Try them today and leave a comment!

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