Peeps Popcorn Balls

Ingredients

• 2 bags, 85 g (3 oz) eachmicrowave kettle corn (or plain popcorn)
• 57 g (4 tablespoons)unsalted butter
• 1 box, 85 g (3 oz)pink Peeps
• 1 box, 85 g (3 oz)purple Peeps
• 1 box, 85 g (3 oz)blue Peeps
• 1 box, 85 g (3 oz)yellow Peeps

Instructions

1. 1

   Pop the corn

   Prepare the kettle corn according to the packet instructions, or use your preferred kettle corn recipe. Remove and discard the Peeps’ black eyes, then pick out any unpopped kernels.

2. 2

   Melt each colour

   For one colour, put 14 g (1 tablespoon) butter and 85 g (3 oz) Peeps in a microwave-safe mixing bowl. Microwave on high for 1 minute, then stir; if the mixture is not fully melted, continue in 30-second bursts. Stir until the butter and Peeps are blended and evenly coloured, then fold in 710 ml (3 cups) popped kettle corn until coated. Set aside and repeat with the other three colours.

3. 3

   Shape the balls

   Take chunks from each bowl of coloured popcorn and press the different colours together. Roll the mixture with your hands into 9–12 balls, about the size of baseballs.

4. 4

   Arrange to serve

   Set the popcorn balls on a serving platter or place them in cupcake liners.

What are Peeps popcorn balls?

Popcorn balls are a familiar American party treat: popped corn bound together with a sweet, sticky mixture and shaped by hand. This version uses Peeps marshmallow sweets for both the binder and the bright colours.

Making each colour separately lets you combine them in the final shaping, creating a striped, marbled look. Kettle corn adds a sweet-salty base, while plain popcorn gives a less sweet alternative.

Nutrition and macros by portion

The nutrition label shows one serving as written: 47 calories, 0g protein, 0g carbs, 5g fat.

The popcorn supplies most of the carbohydrates, while butter and the marshmallow sweets contribute most of the fat; the Peeps and popcorn provide very little protein. For a more balanced plate, serve one ball with fruit and a savoury snack such as cheese or yoghurt.

Choosing the popcorn

Kettle corn: its lightly sweet coating complements the marshmallow and makes the finished balls taste like a treat. Check carefully for unpopped kernels before mixing.

Plain popcorn: use it if you’d prefer to keep the overall sweetness milder. The method is the same, though the finished balls will have less of the kettle-corn flavour.

Melting the Peeps

Small batches: melt one colour with its portion of butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Stir after the first minute, then use 30-second bursts only if needed.

Even colour: stir until the melted sweets and butter are fully blended before adding the popcorn. Work through all four colours in turn, keeping each batch separate until shaping.

Coating and shaping

Fold gently: turn the popcorn through the melted mixture until it is coated, taking care not to crush it. The coating is sticky, so shape the balls while it is still pliable.

Mix the colours: pull chunks from each batch and press them together before rolling. A light touch helps retain the separate colours rather than blending them into one shade.

Serving and timing

The listed preparation time is 15 minutes, so have the bowl, platter or cupcake liners ready before you start melting the sweets. This keeps the process moving while the coating is workable.

Serve the balls on a platter or in individual cupcake liners, which make them easier to pick up. They work well as a colourful addition to a spring or Easter spread.

What to serve alongside

These are a sweet, playful treat, so pair them with savoury party snacks such as cheese, crackers or vegetable sticks for contrast. Fresh fruit is another simple option alongside the marshmallow sweetness.

For a dessert table, arrange them with other small bites so guests can choose a mix of flavours and textures.

Recipe notes & tips

• Remove every unpopped kernel before coating the popcorn.
• Use a microwave-safe bowl with enough room to stir each batch.
• Stir the melted mixture well so the butter is evenly incorporated.
• Keep the four colours separate until you begin shaping the balls.
• Set out the serving platter or cupcake liners before melting the Peeps.

Variations

• Use plain popcorn: swap it for kettle corn if you prefer a less sweet base.
• Make smaller balls: shape bite-size portions for a party platter.
• Choose a colour theme: use fewer colours to match a celebration.
• Add a little crunch: fold in a small handful of finely chopped nuts with the popcorn.
• Serve in liners: place each ball in a cupcake liner for easier handling.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Leaving unpopped kernels in: pick them out before mixing so they do not end up in the balls.
• Overheating the Peeps: microwave in 30-second bursts after the first minute and stir between bursts.
• Adding the popcorn too early: wait until the butter and Peeps are blended and evenly coloured.
• Mixing the colours together in the bowls: keep batches separate until you press them together during shaping.
• Pressing too hard: roll gently to keep the popcorn from crushing and the colours distinct.

How to store

Store the popcorn balls in an airtight container at room temperature and eat within 1–2 days for the best texture. Avoid refrigerating them, as they can become firm and sticky.

Frequently asked questions