Ghost Popcorn Balls are a fun and festive treat perfect for spooky season! They’re light, crunchy, and sweet with a ghostly twist—think fluffy popcorn all stuck together with gooey marshmallows and a sprinkle of fun decorations to make each ball look like a little ghost. They’re super easy to make and bring a playful vibe to any Halloween party or just a cozy night in.
I love making these because they’re a great project to do with kids or friends. It’s so simple: melt the marshmallows, mix with popcorn, shape into balls, and then decorate with faces or any fun ghostly details you like. Plus, you can customize them however you want—add a little white chocolate drizzle or use candy eyes for extra cuteness. Making these always puts me in a cheerful mood!
My favorite way to serve Ghost Popcorn Balls is on a big platter with some orange and black napkins, maybe alongside some warm apple cider. They’re perfect for munching while watching a Halloween movie or handing out to trick-or-treaters. Every year, I look forward to this little homemade tradition that feels simple, sweet, and full of fun memories.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Popcorn: Use plain, air-popped popcorn without any butter or salt. It keeps the popcorn balls light and lets the marshmallow flavor shine. If you want, try kettle corn for a touch of sweetness.
Marshmallows: Regular marshmallows work best for binding the popcorn. If you need a vegan option, look for plant-based marshmallows, but taste and texture might differ slightly.
Butter: Unsalted butter adds richness and helps melt the marshmallows smoothly. If you want dairy-free, coconut oil can work but changes the flavor a bit.
White Candy Melts: These create the ghostly coating. If you can’t find candy melts, white chocolate chips are a great alternative. Just melt gently and watch carefully so they don’t seize.
Black Edible Gel or Decorating Icing: Perfect for adding eyes. If you don’t have edible gel, mini chocolate chips or black icing tubes work well, too.
How Do You Shape and Decorate Popcorn Balls Without Making a Mess?
Working with sticky marshmallows can be tricky, but these tips help:
- Butter your hands well: Grease your palms and fingers so the mixture won’t stick when shaping the balls.
- Don’t wait too long: Shape the popcorn balls while the mixture is warm but cool enough to handle. If it cools too much, it gets hard and cracks when you press it.
- Use parchment paper or a silicone mat: Place popcorn balls on this to cool, so they don’t stick to surfaces.
- For ghost faces: Let the white candy melts cool just a bit before spreading on the popcorn balls. Use a spoon or small spatula for control. Add eyes quickly before the coating hardens.
- Patience: Let everything set fully at room temperature or in the fridge. Don’t rush cutting or stacking, or the shape might fall apart.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl – I like using a big bowl to hold all the popcorn without spilling. It makes mixing easier.
- Medium saucepan – this is where you’ll melt the marshmallows and butter smoothly.
- Silicone spatula or wooden spoon – helps you stir the marshmallow mixture until it’s all melted and combined.
- Microwave-safe bowls – for melting the white chocolate or candy melts; quick and simple.
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat – to keep the popcorn balls from sticking as they set.
- Hands or cookie scoop – greased well for shaping the popcorn balls easily and evenly.
- Small piping bag or toothpick (optional) – useful for adding eyes and little ghost details.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Chocolate drizzle: Melt some dark or milk chocolate to drizzle over the ghosts for extra flavor.
- Colored popcorn: Toss popcorn with food coloring or colored sprinkles before forming the balls for a fun twist.
- Extra decorations: Use mini marshmallows, candy eyes, or colorful sprinkles to make your ghosts more playful.
- Different flavors: Mix in cocoa powder or cinnamon with the marshmallow mixture for a unique taste.
Ghost Popcorn Balls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Popcorn Balls:
- 12 cups popped popcorn (about ½ cup unpopped kernels)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 10 oz marshmallows (about 40 regular size)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Ghost Decorations:
- 1 cup white candy melts or white chocolate chips
- Black edible gel or black decorating icing (for eyes)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep and assembly, plus about 30 minutes to let the popcorn balls and decorations set. You can speed things up by chilling the popcorn balls in the fridge.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Pop and Prepare the Popcorn:
Pop your popcorn kernels using your preferred method—air-popping or stovetop both work great. Place the popped popcorn in a large bowl and remove any un-popped kernels to avoid surprises when eating.
2. Melt the Butter and Marshmallows:
In a large saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Add the marshmallows and stir continuously until they are fully melted and smooth. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract for a touch of flavor.
3. Mix the Popcorn and Marshmallow:
Quickly pour the melted marshmallow mixture over the popcorn. Using a lightly buttered spatula or your greased hands, gently fold and coat the popcorn evenly with the marshmallow mix.
4. Form the Popcorn Balls:
Allow the mixture to cool enough so it’s safe to handle but still warm. Grease your hands with butter or non-stick spray and shape the popcorn mixture into balls roughly the size of a golf ball or a bit larger. Place the balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and let them fully set.
5. Melt the White Candy Melts:
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the white candy melts or white chocolate chips in 30-second intervals, stirring each time until smooth and creamy.
6. Decorate Your Ghosts:
Use a spoon to drizzle or carefully dollop the melted white candy onto the top of each popcorn ball, creating a round ghost shape with “arms” by letting the candy drip a little. Let this set just until slightly firm.
7. Add Ghostly Eyes:
With black edible gel or decorating icing, dot two small eyes onto each ghost before the white coating fully hardens. This adds personality and makes them spooky cute!
8. Let the Ghosts Set:
Allow all decorated popcorn balls to set completely at room temperature or in the fridge before serving. This keeps their shape and makes them easy to handle.
Enjoy your light, crispy, and sweet Ghost Popcorn Balls at your Halloween party or any festive gathering—they’re sure to bring smiles and a little spookiness too!
Can I Use Pre-Popped or Microwave Popcorn for This Recipe?
Yes! Just be sure to use plain, unsalted popcorn without butter or flavorings so the marshmallow mixture sticks well and the flavors stay balanced.
How Do I Store Leftover Ghost Popcorn Balls?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Avoid refrigerating too long, or the popcorn can become stale or soggy.
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Make and decorate your popcorn balls a day in advance and keep them in an airtight container. Just add the eyes last minute if you want them extra fresh.
What Can I Use Instead of Candy Melts for the Ghost Coating?
White chocolate chips work great as a substitute. Melt gently over low heat or in short microwave bursts, stirring often to avoid burning.