Colorful Dr Seuss Rainbow Swirl Popcorn Balls Easy Fun Snack Recipe
These colorful popcorn balls feature a chewy marshmallow coating with vibrant rainbow swirls, making them a fun and nostalgic snack perfect for parties and celebrations.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 popcorn balls 1x
- Category: Snack
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup popcorn kernels (about 12 cups popped popcorn, light and fluffy, no butter)
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 10 ounces mini marshmallows or regular marshmallows cut into smaller pieces
- 1/4 cup light corn syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Assorted gel or liquid food coloring (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple)
- Non-stick cooking spray or butter (for greasing hands)
Instructions
- Pop the popcorn: Use 1/2 cup popcorn kernels with 1-2 tablespoons oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot. Cover and heat over medium-high until popping slows (about 3-5 minutes). Remove from heat and transfer popcorn to a large bowl, discarding any unpopped kernels. You should have about 12 cups of popped popcorn. Avoid buttered popcorn for best texture.
- Prepare marshmallow mixture: In a large saucepan, melt 6 tablespoons unsalted butter over medium heat. Add 10 ounces mini marshmallows and 1/4 cup light corn syrup. Stir constantly until completely melted and smooth, about 4-5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
- Divide and color marshmallow mixture: Quickly pour the melted marshmallow mixture into six small bowls (about equal portions). Add a few drops of different food coloring to each bowl and stir well to combine. Use gel food coloring for the brightest colors. Work fast as marshmallow cools quickly.
- Swirl the popcorn balls: Lightly grease your hands with non-stick spray or butter. Take about 2 cups of popcorn and layer a spoonful of colored marshmallow from one bowl, then add another 2 cups popcorn and marshmallow from a different color bowl, alternating colors and popcorn in layers. Gently mix with a spatula to create a swirl effect but don’t overmix.
- Shape the balls: Scoop about 1/3 cup of the popcorn mixture into your greased hands and press gently into a ball. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Repeat until all popcorn is used. If sticky, lightly grease your hands between shaping.
- Cool and set: Let popcorn balls sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to set. They should feel firm but chewy. Store in an airtight container once cooled.
Notes
Use freshly popped, dry popcorn for best texture. Stir marshmallows constantly over medium heat to avoid burning. Work quickly when coloring marshmallow mixture to prevent it from hardening. Lightly grease hands to prevent sticking but avoid too much oil to prevent greasy balls. For dairy-free version, substitute butter with coconut oil and use vegan marshmallows. Store popcorn balls in airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days or freeze for up to a month.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 popcorn ball (abou
- Calories: 165
- Sugar: 18
- Sodium: 90
- Fat: 6
- Saturated Fat: 3.5
- Carbohydrates: 28
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 1
Keywords: popcorn balls, rainbow popcorn, Dr Seuss snack, colorful popcorn, marshmallow popcorn balls, easy snack recipe, kids party snack