Pink popcorn is simply popcorn coated in a sweet candy syrup tinted with food coloring, then baked until the shell turns crunchy. It’s fun, nostalgic, and so easy to make at home.
We love making different colors of popcorn because it’s such a cheerful snack for almost any occasion. Bowls of colorful popcorn light up a party table, and pink popcorn in particular feels like a celebration — perfect for baby showers, gender reveals, bachelorette parties, Valentine’s Day, or just as a playful homemade gift.
Our method bakes the syrup onto the popcorn so you get that crisp candy crunch (unlike many tutorials that leave it sticky). Here’s how to make pink popcorn the Dell Cove® way.
Originally published: March 1, 2023. Updated: September 16, 2025.
Desserts, Special Occasions, Party Snacks, popcorn recipe
Cuisine
American
Servings
12
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
20 minutes
Whether it's for a gender reveal party, a baby shower or a birth announcement, we'll show you how to make pink popcorn that's sweet, pretty and delicious.
Line 1 to 2 rimmed baking sheets with parchment paper.
Put 6 cups popped Dell Cove® Movie Night popcorn in a large bowl and remove any unpopped kernels. See our ultimate popcorn popping tutorial for directions on how to pop your popcorn kernels.
Step 2: Make the candy syrup
In a medium saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, water, butter, and salt.
Cook over low heat, stirring often, until the sugar dissolves and the mixture looks clear and fluid (about 2–3 minutes).
Step 3: Tint the syrup
Remove from heat. Stir in 1–2 drops of the red or pink food coloring.
Add more, one drop at a time, until you reach a soft pink. (Start light! It's easy to go darker.)
Step 4: Coat the popcorn
Once you have the shade of pink that you like, pour the warm syrup over the popped popcorn, making sure that all the pieces are coated.
Using a spatula, toss gently until all the pieces are evenly coated.
Step 5: Bake to set the candy shell
Spread coated popcorn in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet (or sheets).
Place the baking sheets in the oven and bake for 10 minutes.
Stir the popcorn on the tray with a spatula and continue baking for an additional 8 to 10 minutes, until popcorn is dry to the touch and glossy.
Step 6: Cool, serve, store
Remove the baking sheets from the oven and allow to cool thoroughly.
Serve right away or store in airtight containers at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Recipe Video
Recipe Note
Serving Ideas
Baby shower favors: Fill clear treat bags or mini jars, tie with pink ribbon, and add a “ready to pop!” tag.
Gender reveal: Pack pink popcorn in small boxes for guests or mix with white popcorn for a two-tone snack table.
Valentine’s party: Once cooled, drizzle with melted white chocolate and add heart sprinkles.
Party cones or cups: Scoop into paper cones or snack cups for easy, no-mess serving.
Giftable jars: Layer pink popcorn in mason jars with a label and bow for a sweet homemade gift.
Bachelorette Popcorn bar: Offer pink candy popcorn as the sweet option alongside classic savory bowls.
FAQs About Making Pink Popcorn
Q: Can I use liquid food coloring instead of gel? A: Yes, both work, but gel food color gives a brighter pink with fewer drops.
Q: Do I have to bake the popcorn after coating? A: Baking hardens the candy shell so the popcorn stays crisp instead of sticky.
Q: How long does pink popcorn stay fresh? A: Store in airtight containers at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Q: Can I use other colors? A: Absolutely! Try red for Christmas, green for St. Patrick’s Day, or blue for baby showers. This method works for any colored popcorn recipe.
Share Your Creations
Tried this recipe? Tag your photos with #DellCoveSpices — we’d love to see them! You can also find us on TikTok for more fun popcorn ideas.
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