Description

Kool-Aid Taffy is a fun and colorful homemade candy that’s bursting with fruity flavor from your favorite Kool-Aid powder. This chewy, sweet treat is made on the stovetop using classic candy-making techniques, incorporating corn syrup and butter for the perfect texture. Ideal for candy lovers looking for a nostalgic, customizable confection, this recipe is straightforward and yields about 40 bite-sized pieces that can be twisted into ropes and wrapped individually for sharing or gifting.

Ingredients

Scale

Wet Ingredients

1 cup light corn syrup
¾ cup water
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Dry Ingredients

2 ½ cups granulated sugar
3 tablespoons cornstarch
½ teaspoon salt
1 packet (0.13 oz) unsweetened Kool-Aid (any flavor)

Other

Butter or oil for greasing hands and surface

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Instructions

Prepare Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside to cool the taffy on once cooked.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, whisk together granulated sugar and cornstarch to ensure they are evenly mixed.
Add Wet Ingredients: Add the light corn syrup, water, butter, and salt to the saucepan with the dry ingredients.
Cook Sugar Mixture: Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir constantly until the sugar dissolves completely and the mixture is smooth.
Heat to Hard Ball Stage: Attach a candy thermometer to the pan and continue cooking without stirring until the temperature reaches 250°F (hard ball stage), which is crucial for the proper taffy texture.
Remove from Heat and Flavor: Immediately take the saucepan off the heat and stir in the Kool-Aid powder and vanilla extract until thoroughly combined.
Pour and Cool: Pour the hot taffy mixture onto the prepared baking sheet and allow it to cool until it’s warm enough to handle but still pliable.
Pull the Taffy: Lightly grease your hands with butter or oil, then pull and stretch the taffy repeatedly — this process aerates the candy and lightens its color, taking about 10-15 minutes.
Shape and Cut: Twist the pulled taffy into ropes and cut them into bite-sized pieces for easy serving.
Wrap and Store: Wrap each piece in wax paper to prevent sticking and store the pieces in an airtight container to maintain freshness.

Notes

Experiment with different Kool-Aid flavors to create a variety of taffy colors and tastes.
Be cautious when handling the hot syrup to avoid burns; consider wearing gloves during the pulling process.
Monitor the temperature carefully to reach exactly 250°F to avoid hardening the taffy; overcooking can result in a brittle texture.