These vibrant, rainbow-colored Peeps Popcorn Balls are the perfect way to brighten up your Easter baskets or dessert tables. Made with just three simple ingredients, they are incredibly easy to whip up and make fantastic party favors for rainbow-themed birthday parties or spring celebrations.
How much do you love the bright color combination in these popcorn balls?
You will love how simple they are to make, too!
Just grab a variety of colored marshmallow Peeps, melt them with some butter, stir in popcorn, and have fun creating a bunch of multi-colored popcorn balls. It's as easy as that.
The Secret to Vibrant Colors
The beauty of this recipe lies in the Peeps themselves. The colorful sugar coating on the marshmallows provides all the pigment you need. Even if you aren't typically a fan of eating Peeps straight from the box, you will love these if you enjoy Rice Krispie treats. They have that classic marshmallow pull with a slightly sweeter, crunchier finish!
Pro-Tips for Success
The "Eye" Detail: Be sure to pluck the little chocolate eyes off the Peeps before melting, or they can leave dark streaks in your bright neon colors.
Prevent Sticking: Generously butter your hands before forming the balls. The marshmallow mixture is very sticky!
Timing is Everything: Let the coated popcorn cool for just a minute so you don't burn your hands, but don't wait too long. If it cools completely, the popcorn will harden and won't stick together into a ball.
Off-Season Hack: If Peeps aren't in stores, use traditional marshmallows and add a drop of food coloring and a sprinkle of colored sanding sugar to achieve the same effect.
Recipe
- For EACH Color Popcorn:
- 3 ounces Peeps in one color 8 chicks or 10 bunnies
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 3 cups popcorn
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Remove eyes from the Peeps.
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Combine 3 ounces of one color Peeps in a large mixing bowl with 1 tablespoon butter.
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Heat on high in the microwave for 1 minute.
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Remove and stir.
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Heat for another 30-60 seconds, until melted.
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Remove and stir.
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Pour in 3 cups of popcorn and stir until evenly coated.
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Repeat, creating several bowls with different colored popcorn.
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Allow the popcorn to cool for a minute or two then pinch off pieces of each color and press together.
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Roll into a ball.
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Repeat, creating a total of 12 baseball size popcorn balls.
Recipe Video
Storage & Assembly Notes
Make-Ahead Tips: You can pop the popcorn a day in advance to save time. Store it in an airtight container so it stays crisp.
Storage: These are best served the day they are made, but they can be stored in an airtight container or wrapped in cellophane for up to 3 days.
Party Favors: If making these for a party, wrap them in clear treat bags with a ribbon as soon as they are fully set to keep them fresh.
If you love popcorn, you might like these other fun popcorn recipes.
Cookies ‘n Cream Popcorn • Disney’s Frozen Popcorn
Peanut Butter Twix Popcorn • Beach Party Popcorn
Edible Popcorn Bowl • Salty & Sweet Popcorn
Under the Sea Popcorn • Chocolate Jack-O-Lantern Popcorn Bowl
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jamiews says
We has so much fun making these Peeps Popcorn Balls. My kids loved them!
Joy says
I have a mini bunny pan by Wilton, can I use the popcorn ball recipe and press it into my wilton pans? Do I need to spray the pan with non-stick coating first? I've never made popcorn balls before.
Beth says
That sounds like a fun idea! Definitely spray the pan with baking spray (or grease with butter). You'll want to also spray your fingers so they don't stick to the popcorn balls while you are pressing them into the pan.
I'd love to see pictures of them! You can send it to beth@hungryhappenings.com.
Have fun!
Angela Ross says
How much popcorn per bowl of peeps?
Beth says
Use 3 cups of popcorn to 3 ounces of Peeps (8 chicks or 10 bunnies) plus 1 tablespoon butter.
le lenny face says
Thank you for sharing the recipe, this colorful balls are so cute! My homemade popcorn often turns soft and soggy fast, I'm gonna put them into container after making.
Beth says
I'm so glad you like them! The best place to store popcorn balls is in a metal tin.
karenb says
Beth, How many Peeps is 3 ounces?
Beth says
8 chicks (they come in 3 oz. packages) or 10 bunnies.
The Partiologist says
These could be my new favorite way to eat peeps!! 🙂
Beth says
I love the Peeps Popcorn Balls but I love eating Peeps too, so it's toss up for me!
Jessica says
How long will these last? I want to make them for a birthday party but it would be great if I could make them ahead of time.
Beth says
If you keep them stored in an airtight container they should last about a week!