Popcorn balls are a nostalgic treat, and these honey popcorn balls take it up a notch with a drizzle of dark chocolate and a sprinkle of fleur de sel. They're chewy, sweet, and just the right amount of salty. Perfect for parties, holiday gatherings, or a fun homemade snack, they're easy to shape and share!
This recipe reminds me of the popcorn treats I loved as a child and would enjoy during the holidays. Similar to my Caramel Popcorn balls, but with a twist of chocolate and sea salt.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
Simple ingredients: uses pantry basics like honey, butter, and popcorn.
Sweet and salty: the chocolate drizzle and fleur de sel balance the honey sweetness.
Make ahead: stays fresh for up to two weeks when stored properly.
Key Ingredients for Honey Popcorn Balls
See the recipe card at the end of this post for a full list of ingredients and instructions.
- Popcorn kernels: freshly popped for the best texture.
- Honey: the natural sweetener that binds everything together and adds chewiness.
- Butter: adds richness and helps with shaping.
- Vanilla: gives a warm depth of flavor.
- Dark chocolate: drizzled over top for a decadent finish.
- Fleur de sel: a light sprinkle of this grey sea salt enhances both sweetness and chocolate flavor.
Ingredient Substitutions
- Use light corn syrup in place of honey if you want a more traditional popcorn ball.
- Swap semi-sweet chocolate for dark chocolate if you prefer a milder flavor.
- Try kosher salt instead of fleur de sel if that's what you have on hand.
Variations on Honey Popcorn Balls
- Nutty crunch: mix in toasted almonds or pecans before shaping.
- Festive touch: add colored sprinkles for a holiday version. (think Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas).
- Spicy kick: stir in a pinch of cayenne pepper with the honey mixture.
Tips for Perfect Popcorn Balls
- Work quickly: shape the balls while the mixture is still warm and pliable.
- Butter your hands: prevents sticking and makes shaping easier.
- Even drizzle: use a fork or piping bag to neatly drizzle the melted chocolate.
How to Store
Store the popcorn balls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. Do not refrigerate, as it makes them sticky.
More Easy Snack Recipes You'll Love
If you enjoy these honey popcorn balls, you might also like my Christmas Crack, Pumpkin Spice Caramel Corn Snack Mix, Pumpkin Spice Fudge - Old Fashioned Fudge Recipe, and Fleur de Sel Caramels.
When you make this recipe, please comment below and let me know what you think. I'd love it if you tag me on Instagram @grumpyshoneybunch or #grumpyshoneybunch so I can see your photos!
If you love this recipe, please leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating
📖 Recipe
Honey Popcorn Balls
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Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°. Put popcorn in a large roasting pan. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, using a wooden spoon, stir together butter, honey, and salt until butter is melted. Increase heat and bring to a low boil. Boil honey mixture gently for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Stir in vanilla.
- Carefully pour honey mixture over popcorn in roasting pan and stir to coat. Bake popcorn, stirring every 5 minutes, until deep golden all over, about 20 minutes.
- Let popcorn stand 5 minutes until it is cool enough to handle. Working quickly with lightly buttered hands, press small handfuls of the mixture into 1 ½-in. balls, If mixture starts to harden too quickly while shaping balls, return it to oven for about 45 seconds to soften.
- Let popcorn balls cool completely. Drizzle with melted dark chocolate and sprinkle with fleur de sel.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
Katrina says
Definitely believe breast cancer has had an impact in everyones' lives in some way. Sorry about your aunt. Love that these popcorn balls are made with raw honey. I can have that. Now I must try this recipe.
Shelby says
Yay 🙂 I made something you can eat 🙂