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How to Make Homemade Kool-Aid Licorice Ropes in 2025: A Fun, Fruity DIY Candy Recipe

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These Homemade Kool-Aid Licorice Ropes are chewy, fruity, and insanely fun to make—perfect for parties, edible gifts, or just a rainy day kitchen project with a colorful twist.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup light corn syrup
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1 packet Kool-Aid (any flavor)
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
  • Cooking spray or butter (for greasing)
  • Parchment paper or silicone mat

Instructions

  1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat, and grease it well. Also grease your hands and tools.
  2. In a medium saucepan, mix sugar, corn syrup, water, and Kool-Aid powder. Stir only before heating.
  3. Heat the mixture to 300°F (hard crack stage) using a candy thermometer. Do not stir while heating.
  4. Remove from heat immediately at 300°F and stir in vanilla extract if using.
  5. Pour the hot candy onto the prepared sheet. Let it cool for 1–2 minutes until safe to touch but still pliable.
  6. Grease your hands again and pull, stretch, and twist the candy into ropes. Work quickly before it sets.
  7. Let the ropes cool completely at room temperature for about 15–20 minutes until firm and chewy.

Notes

Add a second Kool-Aid packet for bolder flavor and color. Use a candy thermometer every time for perfect texture. Grease everything well to avoid stickiness.