These darling Patriotic Popcorn Lollipops are perfect for Memorial Day, summertime, and for the 4th of July!
They are super kid-friendly, fast and easy to make, and look darling! Serve these at your 4th of July BBQ, and they will be a sure-fire hit! My favorite way to make popcorn balls is with marshmallows–the same way you make Rice Krispie treats, but with popcorn. Melt the butter, add the marshmallows, and heat over a medium high heat, stirring constantly, until it’s nice and smooth. Pour it over the popcorn, stir with a wooden spoon until all the popcorn is covered. I let it rest for a few minutes, to let the marshmallow cool and harden a little, which makes it easier to form the popcorn balls. Coating your hands with butter is REALLY important when forming the popcorn balls, otherwise it will just stick like crazy to your hands and make a total mess.
Once all the popcorn balls are formed, you can add the stick into the center of the ball to make it a lollipop! I usually use sucker or popsicle sticks, but I was out of both, so I used the thicker craft sticks. I wouldn’t recommend it–they were too thick, and caused the popcorn ball to divide much too easily. I’ve never had a problem with the other two, so I would definitely stick to those.
After your lollipops are made, you’re ready to dip them into melted white chocolate, and then add patriotic sprinkles. Refrigerate until you’re ready to serve!
These can be adapted to any holiday (we love doing them at Halloween), and they’re also perfect for birthday parties. Customize them with whatever color sprinkles you like! Popcorn Lollipops!! LOVE!!!
- 1-10 oz. package mini marshmallows
- 4 T. butter
- 16 cups popped popcorn (I use air-popped)
- 1 package white chocolate chips
- sprinkles–color of choice
- lollipop/popsicle sticks
- Place the popped popcorn in an extra large bowl, with plenty of room to stir. Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium high heat. Add the marshmallows, and stir constantly until smooth. Pour the marshmallow mixture over the popcorn, and use a wooden spoon to completely cover the popcorn.
- Let the mixture sit for about 5-10 minutes, to let the marshmallow cool–but not harden. Coat your hands with butter, then form the popcorn mixture into balls. Place them on a piece of wax paper that has also been rubbed with a little butter. Don’t use cooking spray–it leaves a yucky taste on the popcorn.
- Once all the popcorn balls are formed, push the popsicle/sucker sticks into the center of each ball. Melt the white chocolate chips in a glass bowl in the microwave. Start with 30 seconds, stir, then another 15-30 seconds and stir until smooth. Dip the top half of the popcorn balls into the white chocolate, then immediately add the sprinkles. Refrigerate until time to serve. Makes 6-8 popcorn balls, depending on size. (and how much you eat while you’re making them ☺)
Kimberley says
Jun 24, 2013 at 8:18 amGreat idea! My sons 4th birthday is coming up soon and these would be PERFECT!!
simply {kierste} says
Jun 24, 2013 at 10:44 pmMy boys are also turning 4 soon! Such a fun age!! I think he would love these–my boys do! xoxo
Diana says
Jun 24, 2013 at 2:57 pmCan you please adopt me? lol You have the best projects!! :) <3 By the way – launched a new site – would love for you to stop by. I'll be featuring one of your project later on this week too!!
simply {kierste} says
Jun 24, 2013 at 10:44 pmAbsolutely. :) What’s your new link? I’d love to stop by!!! xoxo
R;) says
Jun 24, 2013 at 10:40 pmI loved eating this snack!!
simply {kierste} says
Jun 24, 2013 at 10:42 pmSo glad you loved it!! xoxo
Leah says
Jun 28, 2013 at 5:57 pmThis is so super cute! I’ve never made popcorn balls of any kind, but I made these today. I skipped the stick & served them in cupcake wrappers .. a huge hit! :D
simply {kierste} says
Jun 29, 2013 at 9:14 amCupcake wrappers are a great idea—thanks so much for sharing!!! Glad everyone loved the popcorn balls! :)
capturing joy with kristen duke says
May 21, 2014 at 11:22 amThis is so fun! Just pinned!
Simply Kierste says
May 22, 2014 at 12:42 pmThanks, Kristen!!! :)
Kelly says
Jun 13, 2014 at 6:38 pmI tried making these using the sticks, but at soon as I put the sticks in and stood them up (used styrofoam to keep them standing) they all fell apart. I ended up putting them in cupcake wrappers. Now my question to you is, why would they come apart? I followed your recipe.
Also, when you yourself make these, what do you do with them once they’re prepared … Lay them down or stand them up?
P.S. They were so good and my kids loved them!
Simply Kierste says
Jun 15, 2014 at 8:17 pmI’m so sorry that happened! Was the mixture cool enough when you started forming balls? If it’s warm at all, then they won’t stick together. I’m also wondering if a difference in altitude could be to blame. Just a guess–but I’m trying to figure it out! I lay them down, and put them in the fridge to harden, so that usually helps too. You could also try skinnier sticks–like lollipop sticks. Let me know if you try it again, and what happens!!! xo
Kelly says
Jun 16, 2014 at 9:39 pmYes, in hindsight I think it may have been too warm. I probably should have waited a bit longer. I will definitely try them again as they were a huge hit at my son’s birthday party. Thanks for your feedback! When I make them again I’ll be sure to comment here and let you know the outcome.
Simply Kierste says
Jun 18, 2014 at 1:21 pmOkay, let me know!!! xoxo
Ruth says
Apr 22, 2015 at 12:41 pmHi, very cute, I’m thinking about letting the residents make them for Memorial Day project at a senior facility, can you tell me what size bag of white chips to use regular bag or the large bag.
Thanks
Simply Kierste says
Apr 22, 2015 at 3:48 pmI used a regular size bag of chocolate chips, but you could always buy the bigger bags depending on how many seniors will be making them! Have fun!!
Ruth says
May 23, 2015 at 11:00 amWe made these for a food craft project at our senior facility, Very tasty and fun to make.
Thanks for the great idea.
Lindsay says
Jul 1, 2016 at 2:28 pmAny idea how many bags of microwave popcorn 16 cups would be??
Simply Kierste says
Jul 1, 2016 at 2:45 pmThe regular bags of popcorn usually have 9 cups of popped popcorn, so I think two bags would be great!