These Love Bug Popcorn Balls are the classroom treat that doesn’t require baking skills or an entire afternoon. Popcorn gets coated in marshmallow, studded with Valentine M&Ms and sprinkles, then shaped into individual balls. They’re sweet, crunchy, colorful, and fun for kids to eat. Plus they travel well and look impressive without stressing you out.
Wrap each one in cellophane tied with ribbon, add a little Valentine tag if you’re feeling ambitious, and you’re done. Teachers love them because they’re portioned, kids love them because they’re candy-covered popcorn, and you didn’t lose your mind making them.
Ingredients
- 10 cups popped popcorn (about 1/2 cup unpopped kernels)
- 3 tbsp butter
- 1 package (10 oz) mini marshmallows
- 1/2 cup Valentine M&Ms
- 1/4 cup Valentine sprinkles
- Optional: 1/2 cup mini marshmallows (for mixing in)
- For wrapping: cellophane bags, ribbon, Valentine tags
Method
Prep the popcorn
- Pop the popcorn and remove any unpopped kernels. Place in a large bowl and set aside.
Make the marshmallow coating
- In a large pot over medium heat, melt butter. Add mini marshmallows and stir constantly until completely melted and smooth, about 3-4 minutes.
Combine everything
- Pour the melted marshmallow mixture over the popcorn and stir quickly to coat evenly. Add M&Ms and sprinkles, stirring gently to distribute throughout.
Shape into balls
- Let the mixture cool for about 2 minutes until it's safe to handle but still warm. Butter your hands lightly, then scoop and press the popcorn into baseball-sized balls. Work quickly before the mixture cools completely.
Wrap and present
- Once cooled completely, wrap each popcorn ball in a cellophane bag and tie with ribbon. Add a Valentine tag if you want. Stack them in a container for easy transport to class.
Notes
Helpful Tips
- Work fast when shaping the balls. The mixture gets harder to mold as it cools.
- Butter your hands generously to prevent sticking.
- Make these the night before and store in an airtight container at room temperature.
- For nut-free classrooms, double-check that your M&Ms are processed in a nut-free facility.
- Skip the M&Ms and use all sprinkles if you need a chocolate-free option.
