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Colorful homemade kool-aid licorice ropes photo 012 in red, blue, purple and yellow arranged on white platter with child reaching for one

Homemade Kool-Aid Licorice Ropes

Colorful, chewy candy ropes made with Kool-Aid powder for vibrant color and flavor – a fun kitchen project that kids love to help create.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 45 minutes
Course Candy, Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 24 ropes
Calories 65 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup light corn syrup
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 2 envelopes (about 2 tablespoons) unflavored gelatin
  • 1/4 cup cold water (for blooming gelatin)
  • 2 packets (0.13 oz each) unsweetened Kool-Aid mix, any flavor
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch (for dusting)

Instructions
 

  • Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and dust lightly with cornstarch.
  • In a small bowl, combine gelatin and 1/4 cup cold water. Stir briefly and set aside to bloom.
  • In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine sugar, corn syrup, 1/4 cup water, butter, and salt. Stir occasionally until sugar dissolves completely.
  • Insert a candy thermometer and continue cooking without stirring until the mixture reaches 250°F (hard-ball stage).
  • Remove from heat and carefully stir in the bloomed gelatin until completely dissolved
  • Add Kool-Aid powder and vanilla extract, stirring until fully incorporated.
  • Allow the mixture to cool slightly until it can be handled safely but is still pliable.
  • Dust your hands with cornstarch and pour the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Let it cool just until you can handle it comfortably.
  • Once cool enough to handle, dust with more cornstarch and begin pulling and stretching the candy like taffy until it becomes opaque and develops a glossy sheen
  • Divide the candy into portions and roll each piece between cornstarch-dusted hands into rope shapes of desired thickness.
  • Allow the licorice ropes to cool completely on parchment paper dusted with cornstarch, about 2 hours.
  • Once completely set, store in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Notes

For the brightest colors, use unsweetened Kool-Aid powder rather than the presweetened version.
Use a candy thermometer and don't rush the cooking process. Achieving exactly 250°F creates the ideal chewy-not-sticky consistency.
Be generous with the cornstarch dusting on both your hands and the candy to prevent sticking.
Experiment with layering two different colors/flavors before rolling into ropes for a two-tone effect.
Keyword DIY candy, homemade kool-aid licorice ropes, homemade licorice, kool aid treats