Looking for the perfect unicorn birthday party treat that’s colorful, fun, and easy to make with kids? These Unicorn Popcorn Balls are as whimsical as they sound — soft, chewy, and coated in pastel sprinkles that shimmer with every bite!
Made with melted marshmallows, vanilla, and butter, this recipe takes classic popcorn balls and gives them a pastel makeover fit for any magical celebration. Whether you’re planning a unicorn-themed birthday party, a rainbow playdate, or a movie night treat, these popcorn balls are guaranteed to make everyone smile.
✨ Ingredients
8 cups popped popcorn (plain or lightly salted) - a bought one large store-bought bag
1 bag of marshmallows
1 stick of butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Cooking spray (for hands or gloves)
Pink, purple, and teal unicorn sprinkles
🪄 Instructions
Step 1: Pop the Popcorn
Start by popping your popcorn and letting it cool completely. Make sure to remove any unpopped kernels — we only want fluffy, perfect pieces for our magical treats.
I used stored bought popcorn for these to speed up the process. You can use any flavor but movie popcorn is my favorite!
Step 2: Melt the Marshmallow Mixture
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the mini marshmallows and stir until completely melted and smooth. Mix in the vanilla extract for that sweet, creamy flavor.
Step 3: Combine
Pour the melted marshmallow mixture over the popcorn and stir gently with a silicone spatula until every piece is coated in gooey goodness.
💡 Tip: If you’re making this with kids, let the mixture cool for a few minutes before handling — it should still be warm but not hot.
Step 4: Shape the Popcorn Balls
Lightly spray your hands with cooking spray (this is the secret to keeping them from sticking!) and form the popcorn mixture into balls about the size of a tennis ball.
Step 5: Add the Unicorn Magic
While still slightly sticky, roll each popcorn ball in a shallow bowl of pink, purple, and teal unicorn sprinkles. Press lightly so they stick to the surface.
Step 6: Set and Serve
Place each finished popcorn ball on a sheet of parchment paper to set for about 15–20 minutes. Once firm, they’re ready to serve — or wrap them individually for adorable unicorn party favors!
💫 Why You’ll Love This Unicorn Popcorn Ball Recipe
Quick and easy: Only a few ingredients and no oven required.
Perfect for parties: Beautiful on any unicorn dessert table.
Kid-approved: Fun to make, soft to eat, and not too messy (thanks to the cooking spray trick!).
Make-ahead friendly: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
🌈 Party Idea
Serve these Unicorn Popcorn Balls alongside your Unicorn Bark and Frozen Yogurt Pops for a pastel dessert trio that’s picture-perfect for any unicorn or rainbow-themed celebration.
You can even display them on popsicle sticks for a “unicorn wand” look — perfect for little hands!
📸 Capture the Magic
If you try this recipe, I’d love to see your version! Tag @GoodnightFox on Instagram and use #LearningThroughPlaytrays so I can share your beautiful pastel creations.
✨ More Unicorn Birthday Party Ideas
If you loved this magical idea, keep the unicorn fun going with even more whimsical treats and crafts from our Unicorn Birthday Party Collection! Each one is simple, colorful, and perfect for creating a birthday your little one will never forget.
🦄 Unicorn Birthday Party Ideas – Our ultimate guide to hosting the perfect unicorn-themed celebration!
🍿 Unicorn Popcorn Balls – Sweet, crunchy, and covered in pink, purple, and teal sprinkles—perfect for little hands to help make.
🍨 Unicorn Trifle – Layers of pastel whipped cream, toffee bits, and blondie crumbles make this dessert a total showstopper.
🍦 Unicorn Frozen Yogurt Pops – A healthy, refreshing snack that’s just as magical as it looks.
🧁 Unicorn Pudding Cups – An easy, no-bake dessert that’s bursting with color and creamy flavor.
🍋 Unicorn Lemonade – The prettiest drink for your unicorn party table—swirls of pink, purple, and sparkle!
🍝 Unicorn Pasta – A magical mealtime idea with colorful noodles that bring joy to every bite.
🍬 Unicorn Bark – A sweet and simple candy treat topped with sprinkles and glittery magic.
💖 Unicorn Hair Craft – A creative art project that lets kids design and style their own unicorn hair masterpieces.
