Description
Kool-aid taffy brings nostalgic sweetness to homemade candy lovers, offering a playful twist on classic confectionery. Sugary strands pull and stretch with childhood memories, promising delightful moments you’ll savor with each colorful bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 tablespoons light corn syrup
Flavor and Color:
- 1 (0.15 ounces) packet unsweetened Kool-Aid powder (any flavor)
- Optional: Food coloring
Leavening Agent:
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
Instructions
- Prepare the workspace by lightly coating a baking sheet or large plate with cooking spray or butter to prevent taffy from adhering during cooling.
- Combine sugar, corn syrup, and water in a medium saucepan over medium heat, stirring gently until sugar dissolves completely. Allow mixture to boil without further stirring, monitoring temperature with a candy thermometer until it reaches 250°F–260°F (soft-ball stage).
- Remove saucepan from heat and incorporate Kool-Aid powder and baking soda, which will cause slight bubbling. Optional: enhance color with a few drops of food coloring matching the selected flavor.
- Transfer hot mixture onto prepared surface and let cool until safely handleable (approximately 5–10 minutes). Lubricate hands with butter or cooking spray, then repeatedly pull and stretch taffy until it becomes light, airy, and firmer—a process requiring 10–15 minutes for achieving ideal chewy consistency.
- Transform stretched taffy into a lengthy rope, then segment into bite-sized portions using scissors or a sharp knife. Individually wrap each piece in wax paper or plastic wrap to maintain freshness and convenience.
- Preserve wrapped taffy in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks, creating a delightful homemade confection perfect for personal indulgence or sharing with others.
Notes
- Swap corn syrup with honey or agave for a natural alternative that adds unique flavor complexity.
- Add a pinch of salt to enhance the sweet-tangy Kool-Aid flavor profile and balance overall taste.
- Work quickly during stretching phase since taffy hardens fast when cooling down.
- Use silicone gloves to protect hands from hot sugar mixture and maintain consistent pulling temperature.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Snacks, Desserts
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 10
- Calories: 100
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 0 mg
- Fat: 0 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg