Vibrant Homemade Kool-Aid Licorice Ropes Recipe

Introduction

These vibrant homemade Kool-Aid licorice ropes are a fun and colorful treat that’s surprisingly easy to make. Bursting with fruity flavor and a chewy texture, they’re perfect for candy lovers of all ages. Get ready to create a nostalgic snack that’s both playful and delicious.

Ingredients

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ⅓ cup light corn syrup
• ¼ cup water
• 1 packet Kool-Aid drink mix (unsweetened)
• ½ teaspoon lemon juice
• Pinch of salt
• Extra cornstarch for dusting

Instructions

1. Step 1: Combine the granulated sugar, light corn syrup, and water in a medium saucepan. Stir over medium heat until the sugar completely dissolves.
2. Step 2: Add the Kool-Aid packet, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Stir continuously until the mixture is well combined and takes on a vibrant color.
3. Step 3: Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring frequently until it thickens to a honey-like consistency.
4. Step 4: Remove from heat when the candy reaches 260°F (hard ball stage) on a candy thermometer. If you don’t have one, drop a small amount into cold water—it should form a firm, pliable ball.
5. Step 5: Let the mixture cool for 3-5 minutes until safe to handle. Meanwhile, dust a work surface generously with cornstarch.
6. Step 6: Pour the thickened candy onto the prepared surface and let it cool until manageable. Dust your hands with cornstarch and divide the candy into 12 equal portions.
7. Step 7: Roll each portion between your palms, then stretch and twist into rope shapes. Work quickly as the candy will firm up as it cools.
8. Step 8: Place the licorice ropes on parchment paper dusted with cornstarch and allow to cool completely before serving or storing. They will become perfectly chewy as they set.

Tips & Variations

• Use different Kool-Aid flavors to create a variety of colors and tastes for a fun assortment.
• If the candy hardens too quickly, gently warm it again over low heat to soften before shaping.
• Dust your hands and the work surface well with cornstarch to prevent sticking throughout the shaping process.

Storage

Store the licorice ropes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. Keep them away from humidity to maintain their chewy texture. If they become too firm, allow them to sit at room temperature for a bit before enjoying.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different drink mix instead of Kool-Aid?

Yes, you can experiment with other powdered drink mixes to create unique flavors and colors. Just make sure the mix is unsweetened for best results.

What if I don’t have a candy thermometer?

You can test the candy by dropping a small amount into a bowl of cold water. If it forms a firm but pliable ball, it’s ready to remove from heat.

Vibrant Homemade Kool-Aid Licorice Ropes Recipe

---

★★★★★

4.9 from 317 reviews

• Author: Mariam
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 12 licorice ropes 1x

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

Description

These vibrant homemade Kool-Aid licorice ropes are a fun and colorful candy treat that you can easily make at home. Combining classic licorice rope texture with the tangy, fruity flavors of Kool-Aid, these ropes are chewy, sweet, and perfect for candy lovers of all ages. Using simple ingredients like sugar, corn syrup, and a packet of Kool-Aid drink mix, this recipe guides you through creating a bright, flavorful candy that’s as enjoyable to make as it is to eat.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Licorice Rope Mixture

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ⅓ cup light corn syrup
• ¼ cup water
• 1 packet unsweetened Kool-Aid drink mix (any flavor)
• ½ teaspoon lemon juice
• pinch salt

For Dusting

• Extra cornstarch for dusting the work surface and hands

---

Instructions

1. Combine Sugar, Corn Syrup, and Water: In a medium saucepan, mix 1 cup granulated sugar, ⅓ cup light corn syrup, and ¼ cup water. Stir over medium heat until the sugar completely dissolves, ensuring a smooth base for the candy.
2. Add Kool-Aid, Lemon Juice, and Salt: Stir in one packet of unsweetened Kool-Aid drink mix, ½ teaspoon lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Keep stirring until the mixture is evenly mixed and you see a vibrant color develop.
3. Simmer and Thicken: Bring the mixture to a simmer, cooking for 8 to 10 minutes while stirring frequently. Cook until the mixture thickens to a consistency similar to honey; patience is essential for the right texture.
4. Reach Hard Ball Stage: Remove the saucepan from heat once the candy reaches 260°F (hard ball stage) on a candy thermometer. If you don’t have a thermometer, test by dropping a small amount of the candy into cold water – it should form a firm but pliable ball.
5. Cool Slightly and Prepare Surface: Let the mixture cool for 3 to 5 minutes until it’s safe to handle. Meanwhile, dust a clean work surface generously with cornstarch to prevent sticking.
6. Pour and Portion the Candy: Pour the thickened candy onto the prepared cornstarch-dusted surface. Allow it to cool just until you can handle it comfortably. Dust your hands with cornstarch and divide the candy into 12 equal portions.
7. Shape Licorice Ropes: Roll each portion between your palms, stretching and twisting the candy into rope shapes. Work quickly as the candy becomes harder to manipulate as it cools.
8. Cool Completely and Store: Place the finished licorice ropes on parchment paper dusted with cornstarch and allow them to cool fully. The ropes will firm up to a perfect chewy texture and are then ready to store or serve.

Notes

• Use a candy thermometer for best results to accurately reach the hard ball stage at 260°F.
• If you don’t have a thermometer, use the cold water test to check candy consistency.
• Work quickly when shaping the candy as it hardens as it cools.
• Dusting hands and surface with cornstarch helps prevent sticking.
• You can experiment with different Kool-Aid flavors for a variety of colorful tastes.
• Store licorice ropes in an airtight container to maintain freshness and chewiness.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Candy
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: Kool-Aid licorice ropes, homemade candy, licorice recipe, chewy candy, fruity licorice, candy ropes, stovetop candy