Do you love popcorn balls? I didn’t grow up eating them, but I’ve become a fan. These popcorn balls combine butterscotch and peanut butter for an irresistible treat. They come together in about 10 minutes and make a perfect after-school snack or party favor.
Originally posted April 6, 2018
My youngest, Valentine, is about a year and a half and already has a handful of words: “Mama,” “Dada,” “thank you,” “cookie,” “pizza,” and “bite”—usually a request to sample whatever sweet treat I’m eating. I’ve been strict at times about sugar for the kids. My oldest, Charlotte, didn’t try sugar until she was nearly two. I remember freaking out when someone offered my second son, Truman, a bite of ice cream—blame my overprotective instincts. These popcorn balls, though, are worth bending the rules for. They’re quick, truly delicious, and perfect for sharing (or hiding) from little hands.
With three kids, I’ve learned that you can’t sneak treats past the littlest member of the family for long. The baby notices everything—especially the “good stuff.” These popcorn balls didn’t last long once I let everyone try them, but they were also easy to hide until the right moment. They’re the kind of homemade treat that looks fancy but requires almost no effort.
There’s a nostalgic song I associate with popcorn balls from childhood at church; it used to sound like nonsense to me when I was young, but hearing it now makes me smile. The tune conjures up images of popping kernels and sweet homemade treats that bring people together.
How to make popcorn balls
This recipe came together almost by chance. My mom dropped off a bag of pre-popped popcorn while my sister described some candy-like popcorn balls she’d made. I had the ingredients on hand and decided to try it. The whole process took only a few minutes, and the result was gloriously sticky, sweet, and peanut-buttery. I made several fist-sized popcorn balls, shared a few, and saved the rest for later.
These popcorn balls are embarrassingly simple. Melt butterscotch chips, butter, and peanut butter together in short bursts in the microwave, stir until mostly smooth, then add marshmallows and heat a final time until everything is glossy and combined. Stir in popped popcorn quickly, shape into balls while the mixture is still warm and malleable, and let them cool. That’s all it takes to get a show-stopping snack.
The texture is a delightful mix of chewy marshmallow, smooth butterscotch, and salty-sweet popcorn. Peanut butter adds depth and richness, making these popcorn balls feel like an indulgent treat. They’re easy to customize—make them smaller for movie-night snacks or larger for party centerpieces. If you’re feeding a crowd, double the batch; the prep remains fast and fuss-free.
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups butterscotch chips
- 5 tablespoons salted butter
- 1/3 cup peanut butter
- 6 cups large marshmallows (a little under 16 ounces)
- 12 cups popped popcorn (about one 6-ounce bag)
Instructions
- In a very large microwave-safe bowl, combine the butterscotch chips, butter, and peanut butter.
- Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring each time, until most of the lumps are gone.
- Add the marshmallows and stir. Microwave about 30 seconds more and stir until the mixture is smooth and fudge-like. Heat only as much as needed to melt everything together.
- Quickly add the popcorn to the bowl and stir to coat. If your bowl is small, spread the popcorn out on a flat surface and pour the mixture over it, then work quickly—the mixture begins to set as it cools.
- Shape the coated popcorn into balls using lightly buttered or waxed paper to protect your hands, then place them on wax paper to cool.
- Allow the popcorn balls to set and cool before serving. Enjoy!
Notes and tips
- Work fast when combining the popcorn and coating mixture; it firms up as it cools.
- Use large marshmallows for best texture. Mini marshmallows can be used but may change consistency.
- To avoid sticky hands, use a light spray of cooking oil on your palms or handle the mixture with wax paper or lightly buttered gloves.
- Make smaller bite-sized balls for parties or leave them larger for a satisfying single-serve treat.
These Peanut Butter Butterscotch Popcorn Balls are a quick, crowd-pleasing dessert that’s easy to prepare and even easier to enjoy. Whether you need a last-minute party snack, a fun activity with kids, or a cozy movie treat, this recipe delivers without fuss.