A Fun, Fruity, and Chewy Treat

These Kool-Aid Licorice Ropes are a nostalgic homemade candy with bold flavors, bright colors, and a soft, chewy texture. Unlike store-bought licorice, this recipe allows you to customize the flavor and texture, making it softer, chewier, or firmer based on your preference.

Perfect for kids’ snacks, party favors, or a fun kitchen experiment, these ropes use simple ingredients and bake to a satisfying bite.

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Ingredients

For the Kool-Aid Syrup:

• 1 package Kool-Aid powder (any flavor of your choice)
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• ¼ cup corn syrup (light corn syrup recommended)
• 2 cups water
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

For the Dough Base:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon cream of tartar

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Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Kool-Aid Syrup

1. In a small saucepan, combine:
   • Kool-Aid powder
   • Sugar
   • Corn syrup
2. Stir until the sugar starts dissolving.
3. Add 2 cups of water and bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat.
4. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture slightly thickens.
5. Remove from heat and set aside to cool for a couple of minutes.

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Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together:
   • Flour
   • Baking soda
   • Cream of tartar
2. These dry ingredients help form the structure and texture of the licorice ropes.

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Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

1. Slowly pour the warm Kool-Aid syrup into the flour mixture, stirring continuously with a spoon or spatula.
2. Add butter and keep stirring until the dough begins to form.
3. The mixture should start coming together into a sticky dough.

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Step 4: Knead the Dough

1. Lightly dust a clean work surface with flour.
2. Turn the dough onto the surface and begin kneading with your hands.
3. Knead for about 5 minutes until the dough becomes:
   • Smooth
   • Elastic
   • Easily shapeable
4. If the dough is too sticky, add small amounts of flour until it’s easier to work with.

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Step 5: Shape the Licorice Ropes

1. Divide the dough into small equal portions.
2. Roll each portion into long, thin ropes about the size of a pencil.
   • For thicker licorice, roll slightly wider ropes.
   • For thinner, firmer licorice, roll them skinnier.
3. Lay the ropes on a parchment-lined baking sheet, ensuring they do not touch.

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Step 6: Bake the Licorice Ropes

1. Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C).
2. Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 45-60 minutes, or until the ropes feel firm to the touch but not overly hard.
3. If you want extra chewy licorice, bake for closer to 45 minutes.
4. For firmer, drier licorice, leave them in for the full 60 minutes.

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Step 7: Cool & Store

1. Remove the licorice ropes from the oven and place them on a wire rack to cool completely.
2. As they cool, they will firm up into the perfect chewy texture.
3. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.

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Tips & Tricks

Best Kool-Aid Flavors for Licorice

• Cherry
• Grape
• Tropical Punch
• Blue Raspberry Lemonade
• Watermelon

Each flavor creates a bright, colorful licorice with a fruity burst of flavor.

How to Adjust Texture

• For softer, chewier licorice: Reduce baking time to 40-45 minutes.
• For firmer licorice with more bite: Bake the full 60 minutes.
• For glossy licorice: Brush the ropes lightly with corn syrup after baking for shine.

How to Store Homemade Licorice

• Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for 5-7 days.
• Do not refrigerate, as this can make them too hard.
• Freeze for up to 3 months in a sealed bag.

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Nutritional Information

• Calories: ~180 per serving
• Carbohydrates: ~40g
• Sugars: ~25g
• Fat: ~4g

This Homemade Kool-Aid Licorice is a fun and colorful treat, perfect for candy lovers who enjoy making their own sweet snacks.