Marshmallow Madness Popcorn

$To make Marshmallow Popcorn, gather these items: - 1/2 cup popcorn kernels - 1/4 cup unsalted butter - 1 bag (10 oz) mini marshmallows - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional) - Colored sprinkles (optional for added fun) If you have dietary needs, here are some swaps: - Use coconut oil instead of unsalted butter for a dairy-free option. - Choose vegan mini marshmallows for a vegan treat. - Replace chocolate chips with dairy-free chips if needed. I recommend these brands for great results: - Popcorn kernels: Orville Redenbacher’s or Amish Country. - Mini marshmallows: Jet-Puffed or Dandies (vegan option). - Chocolate chips: Ghirardelli or Enjoy Life (for dairy-free). These ingredients will help you create a tasty treat that everyone will enjoy! {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, you need to pop the popcorn. You can use a popcorn maker or a large pot. If you use a pot, heat it over medium heat. Add the popcorn kernels and cover it with a lid. Shake the pot gently as it pops. This helps prevent burning. Once the popping slows down, remove it from the heat. Pour the popped popcorn into a large mixing bowl. Make sure to set it aside for later. Now, let’s make the marshmallow mixture. In a medium saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Once it is melted, add the mini marshmallows. Stir constantly until the marshmallows turn smooth. This should only take a few minutes. Next, remove the pan from heat. Stir in the vanilla extract and salt for extra flavor. Mix well to combine. It’s time to coat the popcorn! Pour the melted marshmallow mixture over the popped popcorn. Use a spatula or your hands to mix. If you use your hands, make sure to coat them in butter or oil first. This helps prevent sticking. Gently fold the popcorn until every piece is coated. If you want, sprinkle chocolate chips over the warm popcorn. Mix gently again to let them melt slightly. For some added fun, sprinkle colored sprinkles on top. Spread the popcorn on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Let it cool for about 30 minutes. This helps the marshmallow set. After that, break it into clusters and enjoy! To make great popcorn, start with fresh kernels. Old kernels may not pop well. Use a popcorn maker or a large pot with a lid. Heat the oil before adding the kernels. This helps them pop evenly. Shake the pot gently while popping. This keeps the heat even and prevents burning. To keep popcorn from sticking, coat your hands with butter or oil. This helps when mixing the marshmallow mixture. Use a large bowl to mix the popcorn. This gives you space to fold without making a mess. Stir gently to avoid breaking the popcorn. If you notice clumps, break them apart carefully with your hands. You can add more flavor to your popcorn. Try mixing in peanut butter for a nutty taste. Drizzling melted chocolate can add sweetness and richness. Experiment with other toppings like cinnamon or coconut. Colored sprinkles not only add fun but also a nice crunch. The more you mix, the more fun your popcorn becomes! Pro Tips Use Fresh Kernels: For the best popping results, ensure that your popcorn kernels are fresh. Old kernels may not pop well, leading to a disappointing texture. Control the Heat: When melting the marshmallows, keep the heat at medium to prevent burning. Stir constantly to achieve a smooth, creamy mixture. Coat Your Hands: If using your hands to mix the popcorn and marshmallow, coat them with butter or oil to prevent the mixture from sticking. Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to customize your Marshmallow Madness Popcorn with different flavors, such as adding peanut butter or a sprinkle of cinnamon for a unique twist! {{image_2}} You can easily change the taste of marshmallow popcorn. Try mixing in peanut butter for a nutty twist. Melt 1/4 cup of peanut butter with the marshmallows. You can also use caramel sauce for a sweet drizzle. Just pour it over before mixing in the popcorn. Chocolate lovers can add chocolate chips to make it extra special. Make your marshmallow popcorn more fun with colorful add-ins. Seasonal sprinkles add joy and flair. Use red and green sprinkles for holidays or pastel colors for spring. You can even mix in mini candies like M&Ms or gummy bears. This makes it look festive and tasty. Want a healthier option? You can reduce the sugar by using less marshmallows. Try using 8 oz instead of 10 oz. You can also use air-popped popcorn instead of buttered popcorn. For a different flavor, swap the butter for coconut oil. It adds a light taste and keeps it healthier. To keep your leftover marshmallow popcorn fresh, first let it cool completely. Place it in an airtight container. This helps to keep moisture out and maintain the popcorn's texture. You can also use a large zip-top bag if you don’t have a container. Store the container in a cool, dry place. Avoid areas with heat or humidity. If you notice any popcorn becoming stale, you can revive it. Just pop it in the oven at a low temperature for a few minutes. This brings back some crispness. Marshmallow popcorn stays fresh for about 3 to 5 days at room temperature. For longer storage, you can freeze it. Place the popcorn in an airtight bag or container. It can last for up to 3 months in the freezer. To enjoy, let it thaw at room temperature for a few hours before eating. Yes, you can use microwave popcorn. It saves time and effort. Just remember to check the flavor. Some brands add butter or salt. Choose plain popcorn for the best results. You can use coconut oil or vegan butter. Both options work well. They will create a similar texture and flavor. Another choice is margarine. Just make sure it melts smoothly. You can use a microwave to melt the marshmallows. Place mini marshmallows and butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second bursts, stirring in between. Once melted, mix with the popcorn. It depends on the ingredients. Use vegan butter and check the marshmallow brand. Some marshmallows contain gelatin, which is not vegan. Look for vegan-friendly marshmallows to enjoy this treat. In this post, we covered how to make tasty marshmallow popcorn. We talked about key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and some helpful tips. You learned about flavor twists and ways to keep it fresh. My final thought is that making this treat can be fun and easy. Get creative with flavors and enjoy the process, whether with family or friends. You’ll love how simple and tasty it can be!$

Marshmallow Madness Popcorn

A fun and delicious popcorn treat coated in melted marshmallows and optional chocolate and sprinkles.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 30

Total Time 40

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 6

Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients

0.5 cup popcorn kernels
0.25 cup unsalted butter
10 oz mini marshmallows
0.5 teaspoon vanilla extract
0.5 teaspoon salt
0.5 cup chocolate chips
to taste colored sprinkles

Instructions

In a popcorn maker or large pot, pop the popcorn kernels according to the package instructions. Set aside in a large mixing bowl.
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, add the mini marshmallows and stir constantly until they are fully melted and smooth.
Remove the pan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and salt until well combined.
Pour the melted marshmallow mixture over the popped popcorn. Use a spatula or your hands (coated in butter or oil to prevent sticking) to gently fold the mixture until all the popcorn is coated.
If using, sprinkle the chocolate chips over the warm popcorn and gently mix so they melt slightly and create a drizzle. Add colored sprinkles on top for extra fun and visual appeal.
Spread the marshmallow popcorn onto a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Let it cool for about 30 minutes for the marshmallow to set slightly.
Once cooled, break it into clusters and enjoy your delicious Marshmallow Madness Popcorn!

Notes

Use butter or oil on your hands to prevent sticking when mixing.

Keyword marshmallows, popcorn, snack