Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Simple Ingredients: Made with just popcorn, marshmallows, and butter.
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Quick to Prepare: Ready in under 15 minutes.
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Sweet and Salty: Perfect balance of flavors and textures.
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Versatile: Customize with chocolate, nuts, or candies.
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Great for Sharing: Ideal for gatherings and gift-giving.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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10 cups popped popcorn (about ½ cup kernels)
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4 cups mini marshmallows
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3 tablespoons unsalted butter
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½ teaspoon vanilla extract
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Optional mix-ins: chocolate chips, M&Ms, chopped nuts, sprinkles
Directions
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Prepare Popcorn: Pop popcorn using your preferred method. Remove any unpopped kernels and place popcorn in a large mixing bowl.
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Melt Marshmallows and Butter: In a large saucepan, melt butter over low heat. Add mini marshmallows and stir continuously until completely melted and smooth.
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Add Vanilla: Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
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Combine with Popcorn: Pour the melted marshmallow mixture over the popcorn. Use a spatula to gently fold and coat the popcorn evenly.
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Add Mix-Ins: If desired, stir in chocolate chips, nuts, or candies while the mixture is still warm.
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Cool and Set: Spread the coated popcorn onto a parchment-lined baking sheet to cool and set, about 15-20 minutes.
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Serve: Break into clusters and serve or store in an airtight container.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: About 8
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Prep Time: 5 minutes
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Cook Time: 10 minutes
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Cooling Time: 15-20 minutes
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Total Time: Approximately 35 minutes
Variations
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Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted chocolate over the popcorn before it sets.
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Peanut Butter Twist: Add peanut butter to the marshmallow mixture for a nutty flavor.
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Spiced Version: Sprinkle cinnamon or pumpkin spice into the marshmallow mixture.
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Caramel Mix: Add a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra sweetness.
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Savory-Sweet: Sprinkle sea salt over the popcorn after coating for a salty contrast.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
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Avoid Refrigeration: Refrigerating can cause the popcorn to become stale.
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Reheating: Not recommended; best enjoyed fresh.
FAQs
Can I use regular-sized marshmallows?
Yes, but mini marshmallows melt more quickly and evenly.
What popcorn is best?
Air-popped or lightly salted popcorn works best to avoid sogginess.
Can I add nuts?
Yes, add chopped nuts like peanuts or almonds for crunch.
How do I prevent popcorn from clumping too much?
Gently fold the marshmallow mixture to evenly coat without overmixing.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, popcorn and marshmallows are naturally gluten-free, but check labels to be sure.
Can I use microwave popcorn?
Yes, but remove any buttery or flavored coatings before using.
How long does it stay fresh?
Best eaten within 2-3 days for optimal crunchiness.
Can I freeze marshmallow popcorn?
Freezing is not recommended as it can affect texture.
Can I make this vegan?
Use vegan marshmallows and butter substitutes.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes, it’s a popular and easy treat for kids to help make.
Conclusion
Marshmallow Popcorn is a quick, sweet, and crunchy snack perfect for any occasion. Its simple ingredients and ease of preparation make it a go-to recipe for satisfying sweet cravings or sharing at gatherings. Customize with your favorite add-ins to create a personalized treat everyone will love.

Marshmallow Popcorn
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Servings: 8
- Category: Healthy Snacks, Sugar-Free Dessert
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Marshmallow Popcorn is a deliciously sweet and crunchy snack combining fluffy popcorn with a gooey marshmallow coating. Easy to make in under 15 minutes, this treat is perfect for movie nights, parties, or whenever you want a fun sweet-and-salty snack. Customize it with chocolate, nuts, or candies for extra flavor and texture.
Ingredients
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10 cups popped popcorn (about ½ cup kernels)
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4 cups mini marshmallows
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3 tablespoons unsalted butter
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½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional mix-ins: chocolate chips, M&Ms, chopped nuts, sprinkles
Instructions
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Prepare Popcorn: Pop popcorn by your preferred method, remove unpopped kernels, and place in a large mixing bowl.
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Melt Marshmallows and Butter: In a large saucepan, melt butter over low heat. Add mini marshmallows and stir continuously until fully melted and smooth.
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Add Vanilla: Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
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Combine with Popcorn: Pour melted marshmallow mixture over popcorn. Gently fold with a spatula to coat popcorn evenly.
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Add Mix-Ins: If desired, stir in chocolate chips, nuts, or candies while the mixture is still warm.
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Cool and Set: Spread coated popcorn on a parchment-lined baking sheet to cool and set for 15-20 minutes.
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Serve: Break into clusters and enjoy, or store in an airtight container.
Notes
Use air-popped or lightly salted popcorn for best results.Gently fold marshmallow mixture to prevent popcorn from clumping excessively.Customize by drizzling melted chocolate, adding peanut butter, or sprinkling spices like cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice.Avoid refrigeration to keep popcorn crunchy.