📖 Instructions

1. Pop the popcorn: Using your preferred method (air popper, stovetop, or microwave), pop all the popcorn kernels. Remove any unpopped kernels. Pour the popped popcorn into a large mixing bowl. Make sure to pick out any burnt pieces; they'll ruin the flavor!
2. Melt the butter: In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, stir in the sugar and light corn syrup. Keep stirring until the sugar is fully dissolved. Its important that the sugar desolves well; other wise it becomes grainy.
3. Cook the syrup: Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly to prevent burning. Insert a candy thermometer and continue to cook until the mixture reaches 235-240°F (113-116°C), also known as the soft-ball stage. If you don’t have a candy thermometer, drop a small amount of the syrup into a bowl of cold water; it should form a soft, pliable ball.
4. Add flavoring and coloring: Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the vanilla extract. Divide the popcorn equally into three separate bowls. Add red food coloring to one bowl, blue to another, and leave the third bowl plain (white).
5. Combine syrup and popcorn: Divide the hot syrup equally among the three bowls of popcorn. Using a wooden spoon or spatula, gently toss the popcorn until it is evenly coated with the syrup and color. Work quickly, as the syrup will start to harden as it cools.
6. Shape the popcorn balls: Lightly grease your hands with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking. Take a handful of the colored popcorn mixture and shape it into a ball. Press firmly enough so that the popcorn sticks together, but not so hard that you crush the popcorn. Place the formed popcorn ball on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
7. Add sprinkles (optional): While the popcorn balls are still slightly sticky, sprinkle the red and blue popcorn balls with matching red and blue sprinkles. The white popcorn balls can be sprinkled with white or silver sprinkles, or a combination of red, white, and blue for a patriotic touch.
8. Let them set: Allow the popcorn balls to set completely at room temperature. This usually takes about 30 minutes to an hour. The syrup needs to harden so that the popcorn balls hold their shape.
9. Wrap and serve: Once the popcorn balls are firm, you can wrap them individually in plastic wrap for easy handling and storage. Alternatively, arrange them on a platter for serving. Enjoy your festive and delicious red, white, and blue popcorn balls!