If you’re looking for the ultimate nostalgic treat that’s perfect for movie nights, birthday parties, or a fun weekend baking project, these S’mores Popcorn Balls are just the ticket. Imagine all the gooey, chocolaty, crunchy joy of classic s’mores, easily bundled into portable, bite-sized popcorn balls. They combine buttery popcorn, toasted marshmallows, bits of graham cereal, and melty chocolate chips into an irresistible snack, striking a balance between crispy and chewy, sweet and salty. Whether you’re craving a campfire treat without the fire or need a crowd-pleasing sweet for all ages, this recipe is a guaranteed winner.

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes these S’mores Popcorn Balls shine is their playful mix of just a handful of pantry staples. Each ingredient plays a special role, bringing depth, texture, and those classic s’mores flavors to life. Here’s a look at what you’ll need and why each component matters:

Microwave popcorn: Go for a natural or lightly salted variety for a neutral base that lets the sweet elements shine through — about 8 cups popped.
Butter: Melting and browning the butter adds a rich, nutty undertone that really elevates the finished popcorn balls.
Mini marshmallows: These melt down quickly and evenly, turning into the ooey-gooey glue that holds everything deliciously together.
Vanilla extract: A splash brings warmth and enhances that coziness we all love in s’mores.
Golden Grahams cereal: These crispy graham-flavored bites give each popcorn ball its signature crunch and authentic campfire taste — without the mess!
Mini semisweet chocolate chips: Classic s’mores aren’t complete without a chocolatey finish; minis melt slightly but keep their shape for tasty bursts in every bite.

How to Make S’mores Popcorn Balls

Step 1: Pop the Popcorn

Start by popping your bag of microwave popcorn according to the package instructions. Once it’s done, pour it into a large bowl and gently sift through to remove any unpopped kernels. You want only the fluffy, crunchy pieces for the best texture in your S’mores Popcorn Balls.

Step 2: Brown the Butter

In a large saucepan set over medium heat, add the butter. Let it melt, and then keep a close eye as it starts to foam. Stir occasionally and wait for it to turn a golden-brown color, releasing a dreamy, nutty aroma. Browning the butter unlocks an extra layer of rich, toasty flavor that you’ll taste in every bite.

Step 3: Melt the Marshmallows

Lower the heat slightly and add the mini marshmallows to the browned butter. Stir continuously so there’s no sticking or burning, and let them melt down into a smooth, glossy mixture. This magical marshmallow blend is what gives the S’mores Popcorn Balls their signature chewy texture.

Step 4: Add Vanilla

Once the marshmallows are fully melted and silky, remove the pan from the heat. Stir in the vanilla extract—it may bubble up a bit, but just keep mixing to blend that warm, sweet flavor throughout the mixture.

Step 5: Combine the Popcorn and Grahams

Pour the popped popcorn and Golden Grahams cereal into your marshmallow mixture. Using a sturdy wooden spoon (or greased hands, if you’re feeling adventurous), carefully fold everything together. Try to coat all the popcorn and cereal evenly so every bite tastes like s’mores heaven.

Step 6: Shape the S’mores Popcorn Balls

Let the mixture cool for a few minutes—it should still be warm and pliable but not hot to the touch. Lightly spray your hands with nonstick spray, scoop up about 1 cup of the mixture, and gently shape it into a ball. Don’t worry about perfection—the homemade look adds charm!

Step 7: Add the Chocolate Chips

While each ball is still a little tacky, sprinkle mini chocolate chips over the top, gently pressing so they stick. The warmth from the mixture will slightly melt some chips for that true s’mores effect, while the rest remain firm for extra bite.

Step 8: Let Them Set

Place the finished S’mores Popcorn Balls on a sheet of waxed or parchment paper, or a silicone mat. Allow them to cool completely—this sets them up just right so they hold together but stay delightfully soft.

How to Serve S’mores Popcorn Balls

S'mores Popcorn Balls Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

If you want to take things up a notch, you can drizzle your S’mores Popcorn Balls with melted chocolate or a few more marshmallows toasted under the broiler. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt or crushed graham crackers on top makes for an eye-catching, flavor-boosting finish.

Side Dishes

Pair these treats with fun snacks for a dessert platter everyone will dive into. Try serving with fresh fruit skewers, a bowl of creamy vanilla yogurt for dipping, or a cold glass of milk. They also partner perfectly with hot chocolate during colder months for the ultimate cozy combo.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, wrap each S’mores Popcorn Ball in cellophane or parchment and tie with colorful ribbon—instant edible favors! You can also skewer them onto sticks for easy serving or stack them on a pedestal dish to create a playful s’mores-inspired centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once your S’mores Popcorn Balls are completely cool, keep them fresh by placing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and tasty for up to three days—if they last that long!

Freezing

Want to save some for later? You absolutely can! Wrap each popcorn ball tightly in plastic and then pop them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to two months. To enjoy, let them thaw at room temperature for a couple of hours.

Reheating

While you don’t really need to reheat S’mores Popcorn Balls, you can gently warm one for a few seconds in the microwave to soften the marshmallows and get closer to that fresh-from-the-campfire experience. Just be sure not to overheat, or you’ll risk melting the chocolate chips entirely.

FAQs

Can I use air-popped popcorn instead of microwave popcorn?

Yes, absolutely! Air-popped popcorn works beautifully in these S’mores Popcorn Balls. Just be sure to use about 8 cups and skip any heavy seasoning so the s’mores flavors really shine.

What if I can’t find Golden Grahams?

No worries—try crushing regular graham crackers into bite-sized bits or use any graham-flavored cereal you like. The main goal is to capture that classic s’mores crunch!

How do I keep the popcorn balls from sticking to my hands?

Your best trick is a quick spritz of nonstick cooking spray on your hands before shaping the balls. If you don’t have spray, lightly oil your hands or use a bit of butter.

Can S’mores Popcorn Balls be made gluten-free?

Definitely! Use gluten-free popcorn and substitute your favorite gluten-free graham cereal or crackers. Double-check your chocolate chips to make sure they’re gluten-free, and you’re good to go.

Are S’mores Popcorn Balls safe for young kids to help make?

Kids will love shaping and decorating the popcorn balls! Just make sure an adult handles the marshmallow melting and hot mixture. Little hands will have plenty of fun once it’s cool enough to work with.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve never tried making S’mores Popcorn Balls before, now is the perfect time to gather your ingredients and give it a whirl! They’re easy, fun, and guaranteed to bring smiles wherever you serve them. Don’t be surprised if these become a new family favorite—they’re simply that irresistible!

S’mores Popcorn Balls Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 9 reviews

Author: Chloe
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 12 popcorn balls 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

These S’mores Popcorn Balls are a fun and delicious twist on the classic campfire treat. Made with popcorn, marshmallows, chocolate chips, and Golden Grahams cereal, they are perfect for parties or a sweet snack.

Ingredients

Scale

Popcorn:

3-ounce bag natural microwave popcorn (8 cups popped popcorn)

Marshmallow Mixture:

1/4 cup butter
10-ounce bag mini marshmallows
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Additional Ingredients:

2 cups Golden Grahams cereal
1 cup mini semisweet chocolate chips

Instructions

Pop the Popcorn: Pop the popcorn according to package directions; set aside.
Melt Butter: In a large saucepan, melt butter.
Brown the Butter: Continue cooking until butter begins to turn golden brown.
Add Marshmallows: Add marshmallows and stir constantly until melted.
Stir in Vanilla: Remove from heat and stir in vanilla.
Mix Ingredients: Add popcorn and Golden Grahams, and fold into marshmallow mixture.
Form Popcorn Balls: When cool enough, shape mixture into balls and press mini chocolate chips onto each ball.
Cool: Place on a sheet to cool.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Mixing, Shaping
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 popcorn ball
Calories: 180
Sugar: 15g
Sodium: 95mg
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 2g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 2g
Cholesterol: 5mg

Keywords: S’mores Popcorn Balls, Popcorn Balls Recipe, Sweet Snack, Dessert, S’mores Dessert