Rainbow Popcorn Balls

Bursting with color and chewy joy, Rainbow Popcorn Balls are those fun little snacks that instantly make any get-together more lively. They’re soft, vibrant, and taste just like sweet, classic popcorn—perfect for both adults looking for some nostalgia and kids who love anything colorful.

INGREDIENTS

• Food coloring: Use a bunch of different shades
• Popped popcorn: 20 cups
• Salt: Small pinch (⅛ tsp)
• Vanilla extract: 2 tsp
• Water: 2 tsp
• Marshmallows: 1 cup
• Powdered sugar: 3 cups
• Butter: ¼ cup
• Light corn syrup: ¾ cup

INSTRUCTIONS

Step 6:

Wait for the popcorn balls to cool off, then dig in!

Step 5:

Use buttered or greased gloves to shape the popcorn balls fast while the mix is still warm.

Step 4:

Drip food dye into each bowl and mix until each one has a solid, even color.

Step 3:

Pour your warm syrup blend into the bowls of popcorn and give it a quick toss to spread it around.

Step 2:

Combine the corn syrup, butter, marshmallows, salt, sugar, water, and vanilla in a pot, and heat it up until it’s bubbling.

Step 1:

Pop your popcorn and split it into bowls—one for every color you want to use.

Serving and Storage Tips

• Want an even brighter look? Toss on sprinkles before the popcorn balls set.
• Keep them chewy—just pop them in a sealed container and they’ll be good for about a week.

Helpful Notes

• Gel food coloring’s the way to go for bolder shades without making things runny.
• Don’t wait around—the mix hardens fast, so form those balls quick!

Tips from Well-Known Chefs

• Toss in a shake of sea salt with the syrup for a sweet-salty hit.

Creating Perfectly Shaped Popcorn Balls

If you wait too long, the mix might harden up and get tricky to mold. Make sure your gloves are greased and gently press everything so you don’t smash the popcorn. Set up your stuff ahead so you can work while it’s warm.

Fun Additions to Elevate Your Popcorn Balls

Customize these however you want—add sparkly sugar, candies, or edible glitter for extra fun flavor and style. They’re pretty much made for any celebration!

FAQs

Can I make popcorn balls ahead of time?

Yep! You can prep them up to a week before—just seal them up tight.

What can I use instead of corn syrup?

Swap in honey or agave. Just know it’ll taste a bit different.

Do I have to use marshmallows?

Marshmallows do some sweetening and help it all stick. Skip them if you want, but your popcorn might not hold together as well.

How do I prevent the popcorn from sticking to my hands?

Gloves coated lightly with oil or butter keep things from sticking and make rolling balls way easier.

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Summary

Chewy, bright popcorn balls give new life to a classic snack. You start with light, fluffy popcorn, coat it in a buttery, sweet syrup made with marshmallows, vanilla, and powdered sugar, then mix in colors for a rainbow effect. After coloring, you quickly form them into balls before the syrup hardens. These vibrant snacks fit perfectly with kids’ parties, family events, or a chill night in. They cool quickly and are straightforward to make. Watch as these colorful snacks steal the spotlight at your next celebration!