Cranberry Maple Syrup Popcorn Balls
Maple syrup popcorn balls mixed with cranberries are the perfect sweet and crunchy treat.
Equipment
- Heavy-bottomed saucepan (2-3 quart)
- Candy thermometer
- Large mixing bowl
- Silicone spatula
- Non-stick cooking spray
Ingredients
- 12 cups plain popcorn popped (unpopped kernels removed)
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- 1⅓ cups white sugar
- 5 tablespoons light corn syrup
- ¼ cup real maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- Non-stick cooking spray for hands
Instructions
- Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Pour the popcorn and dried cranberries into a large bowl. Set aside.
- In a heavy saucepan, combine the sugar, corn syrup, maple syrup, vanilla extract, vinegar, and salt. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
- Attach a candy thermometer to the pan. Continue cooking, increasing heat to medium-high if needed, until the mixture reaches 290°F (hard crack stage). This takes approximately 20 minutes.
- Remove from heat immediately and pour the hot syrup over the popcorn and cranberries. Using a silicone spatula, quickly mix until everything is evenly coated.
- Spray your hands lightly with non-stick cooking spray. Working quickly while the mixture is still warm, grab about ½ cup of the popcorn mixture and form into 3-inch balls. Be careful, as the mixture will be hot.
- Place formed popcorn balls on the prepared baking sheet and allow to cool completely.
Notes
Buttered hands tip: Spraying your hands with non-stick cooking spray (or using buttered hands) prevents sticking and makes forming the balls much easier.
Temperature is key: The syrup must reach 290°F for the popcorn balls to hold together properly.
Work quickly: The syrup sets as it cools, so form the balls while the mixture is still warm and pliable.
Temperature is key: The syrup must reach 290°F for the popcorn balls to hold together properly.
Work quickly: The syrup sets as it cools, so form the balls while the mixture is still warm and pliable.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!