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Turkey-shaped popcorn balls sitting on white and maroon plates on white Thanksgiving table set with pumpkins
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5 from 2 votes

Turkey-Shaped Popcorn Balls

It’s time to dress up Thanksgiving and get a little crafty at the same time! These turkey-shaped popcorn balls are a delicious treat that can be used as an appetizer, name card or dessert!
Prep Time30 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time50 minutes
Course: Snack
Cuisine: American
Difficulty: Easy
Method: Cooking
Servings: 6 servings
Author: Kaleb

Ingredients

  • 12-14 cups popped popcorn (½ cup unpopped kernels)
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • ⅓ cup water
  • 3 tbsp molasses
  • 1 tbsp unsalted butter
  • ½ tsp kosher salt
  • 2 tbsp distilled white vinegar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ½ tsp baking soda

For the decorations

  • 48 pieces candy corn
  • 16 pieces candy eyes
  • 1 egg white
  • 2 cups sifted powdered sugar

Instructions

For the popcorn balls

  • Pop the popcorn in 1 tablespoon oil and set aside in a large bowl. Personally, I use a Stir Crazy (affiliate link), but a large heavy-bottom kettle with a lid works well too.
    12-14 cups popped popcorn (½ cup unpopped kernels)
  • In a 4-quart heavy-bottom kettle, combine the granulated sugar, water, molasses, butter, salt, and vinegar. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring until the mixture begins to boil. Continue to boil until the temperature reaches 235°F on a candy thermometer.
    ½ cup granulated sugar, ⅓ cup water, 3 tbsp molasses, 1 tbsp unsalted butter, ½ tsp kosher salt, 2 tbsp distilled white vinegar
  • Remove from heat and add the vanilla extract and baking soda. Stir to combine until the mixture is lighter in color and foamy.
    1 tsp vanilla extract, ½ tsp baking soda
  • Pour over prepared popcorn.
  • Stir until all the popcorn is coated in the caramel mixture. Allow to cool slightly and become sticky, 3-5 minutes.
  • With wet hands (wet with water), create balls approximately 3 inches in diameter. If the balls are not sticking together, allow popcorn additional time to cool.
  • Adhere the candy corn with royal icing.

For the optional decorations

  • Whisk the egg white until foamy. Add powdered sugar and whisk until smooth and thick.
    1 egg white, 2 cups sifted powdered sugar
  • Use a drop of frosting where candy corn pieces are desired. Place candy and allow it to dry before moving on.
    48 pieces candy corn
  • Repeat with candy eyes. The icing holds best if it is thick and is allowed ample time to dry with each piece of candy.
    16 pieces candy eyes

Video

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 388kcal