Crockpot Grinch Popcorn Balls Recipe
These Grinch popcorn balls are a fun and festive treat you’ll want to whip up this holiday season. Using the crockpot is a genius idea that makes this recipe super easy!
These green popcorn balls are the perfect snack for a cozy Grinch Stole Christmas movie night or any holiday gathering.
Whether you’re prepping for a fun Christmas Eve treat or a holiday spirit-filled party, this easy snack will be a huge hit with everyone. And trust me, they’re much easier than they look!
Too busy to make this right away? Pin it for later! Pin this post to your favorite board on Pinterest and it will be there when you’re ready!
What are Popcorn Balls made of?
Traditional popcorn balls are made from a combination of corn syrup, butter, popcorn, confectioners’ sugar, and marshmallows. This crockpot recipe eliminates some of the work and helps to keep your popcorn balls from falling apart.
Be sure to check out all of the fun, festive food in this Grinch inspired treats blog post! These Grinch cookies and this Grinch punch are some of our favorites.
Crockpot Grinch Popcorn Balls
This is the perfect treat for a Grinch movie marathon – one of my favorite things to do during the Christmas season. Let me show you how to make these easy popcorn balls…
Supplies
- Crockpot – what I love about using the crockpot is that it has a huge capacity for mixing all of that popcorn and clean up is a breeze!
- Cupcake liners – perfect for individual servings and not having to roll balls.
- Large cookie scoop – a large spoon works too!
- Parchment paper or wax paper – for easy drop and go clean up.
- A large bowl – for mixing if needed.
- Airtight container – for leftovers!
Ingredients
- Wilton green candy melts – or use green food coloring with white candy melts!
- Lots of popped popcorn – homemade or store-bought.
- Red candy hearts or red M&M candies.
Instructions
1. Toss the green candy melts into the crockpot, set it on low, and let it slowly melt for about an hour. (Pro tip: Stir it halfway through to make sure it’s smooth and creamy!)
2. If you’re going with homemade popcorn, now’s the time to get popping. You can use an air popper, stovetop with some coconut oil, or even microwave popcorn—just be sure to avoid any buttery or overly salty varieties. You want plain or lightly salted popcorn here.
3. Once the candy melts are all silky, add the popped popcorn. Fold it gently using a long-handled spoon, making sure every kernel is coated in that delicious, green chocolate goodness. This is where the magic happens—think of it as a marshmallow mixture but with chocolate!
4. Grab your cookie scoop and drop large scoops of the coated popcorn into cupcake liners on a parchment-lined cookie sheet. This trick helps the popcorn balls stay in perfect shape without needing to roll them with your hands (less mess, more fun!).
5. Before the melted chocolate hardens, press a red candy heart or red M&M onto each popcorn ball. It’s the little detail that makes these Grinch treats pop!
6. Pop them into the fridge for about an hour to let the chocolate set. Once they’re firm, you’ve got yourself a batch of delicious snacks that are perfect for your next fun Christmas movie night!
Tips & Tricks
- Homemade or store-bought popcorn: Both work great, but if you’re using homemade popcorn, make sure to pick out any un-popped kernels before mixing.
- Green food coloring hack: If you can’t find green candy melts at your local grocery store, grab white candy melts and add a few drops of green food coloring.
- Shape without mess: Using the cupcake liners is a game-changer, but if you prefer traditional rolling, spray your hands with cooking spray before rolling to prevent sticky fingers.
- Make it marshmallow-y: If you want a gooier texture, you can add 2 cups of mini marshmallows to the melted candy before mixing in the popcorn. It’ll give you those marshmallow popcorn ball vibes!
- Storage: Store any leftover popcorn balls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap for a cute and easy grab-and-go treat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these with marshmallows instead of candy melts?
Yes! For a more classic popcorn ball, melt butter and marshmallows in a large pot over medium heat, then mix in the popcorn and add green food coloring.
What type of popcorn is best?
Plain, lightly salted popcorn works best. You can use air-popped, microwave popcorn, or even stovetop popcorn. Just avoid anything with too much butter or seasoning.
How far in advance can I make these?
You can make these Grinch popcorn balls a day or two before your event. Just store them in an airtight container at room temperature.
These Grinch treats are the perfect holiday snack, fun for the whole family, and bring out that festive spirit with every bite. Make them for your next holiday party, or whip up a batch for your favorite Christmas movies marathon.
And hey, don’t forget to serve them alongside some Grinch punch for the ultimate holiday vibe!
Enjoy, and have a fun treat-filled Christmas!
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Crockpot Grinch Popcorn Balls Recipe
Ingredients
- 12 oz Wilton green candy melts
- 6 cups of popped popcorn homemade or store-bought
- 1-2 Tbsp red candy hearts
Instructions
- Toss the green candy melts into the crockpot, set it on low, and let it slowly melt for about an hour.
- If you’re going with homemade popcorn, now’s the time to get popping. You can use an air popper, stovetop with some coconut oil, or even microwave popcorn—just be sure to avoid any buttery or overly salty varieties. You want plain or lightly salted popcorn here.
- Once the candy melts are all silky, add the popped popcorn. Fold it gently using a long-handled spoon, making sure every kernel is coated in that delicious, green chocolate goodness.
- Grab your cookie scoop and drop large scoops of the coated popcorn into cupcake liners on a parchment-lined cookie sheet.
- Before the melted chocolate hardens, press a red candy heart or red M&M onto each popcorn ball.
- Pop them into the fridge for about an hour to let the chocolate set.
Notes
- Homemade or store-bought popcorn: Both work great, but if you’re using homemade popcorn, make sure to pick out any un-popped kernels before mixing.
- Green food coloring hack: If you can’t find green candy melts at your local grocery store, grab white candy melts and add a few drops of green food coloring.
- Shape without mess: Using the cupcake liners is a game-changer, but if you prefer traditional rolling, spray your hands with cooking spray before rolling to prevent sticky fingers.
- Make it marshmallow-y: If you want a gooier texture, you can add 2 cups of mini marshmallows to the melted candy before mixing in the popcorn. It’ll give you those marshmallow popcorn ball vibes!
- Storage: Store any leftover popcorn balls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap for a cute and easy grab-and-go treat.
Nutrition
Save this recipe?
I’m happy to email it to you, so that you can come back to it later!
In the photo, you added something to the candy melts. Was it coconut oil? How much?
It was coconut oil but I don’t include it in the ingredients because its not needed when you use candy melts – helpful if you are using regular chocolate chips though!