Homemade Kool-Aid Licorice Ropes

Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• 1/2 cup corn syrup (light or dark, your choice)

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar

• 2 tablespoons Kool-Aid powder (choose your favorite flavor, like Cherry, Grape, or Tropical Punch)

• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 2 tablespoons water

• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, for a little extra flavor)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Baking Sheet:
   Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This is where you’ll roll out the ropes, so it’s important to have it ready in advance.

2. Make the Dough:
   In a medium bowl, combine the flour, sugar, Kool-Aid powder, baking soda, and salt. Stir them together until they’re well mixed.

3. Add Wet Ingredients:
   In a separate small bowl or measuring cup, mix the corn syrup, melted butter, water, and vanilla extract (if using). Stir until smooth.

4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
   Slowly pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring continuously. The dough will be thick at first, but keep stirring until it forms a smooth, thick dough.

5. Knead the Dough:
   Turn the dough out onto a clean, lightly floured surface. Knead it for about 5-7 minutes until it’s smooth and no longer sticky. You can sprinkle a bit more flour if necessary to keep it from sticking to your hands.

6. Shape the Ropes:
   Break off small pieces of dough, and roll them into ropes. The ropes should be about 1/4 inch thick, but you can make them thicker or thinner depending on your preference. Use your hands to gently roll and stretch the dough until it’s long and evenly shaped.

7. Cut to Length:
   Once your ropes are rolled out, use a sharp knife or kitchen scissors to cut them into 6-inch sections (or any length you prefer).

8. Bake the Licorice:
   Preheat your oven to 275°F (135°C). Place the cut licorice ropes on your prepared baking sheet, making sure they don’t touch each other.

   Bake the licorice ropes for 10-12 minutes, checking them to make sure they don’t overbake. You want them to be firm but still chewy, so you may want to take them out a little early to prevent them from becoming too hard.

9. Cool and Set:
   Let the ropes cool completely on the baking sheet. Once they’ve cooled and firmed up, they’re ready to enjoy!

Tips:

• Flavor Variations: Experiment with different Kool-Aid flavors for a variety of colors and tastes. You can also mix different flavors together for a fun twist.

• Texture Adjustment: If you prefer a softer texture, reduce the baking time slightly. If you want firmer licorice, bake for a few extra minutes.

• Storage: Store your homemade Kool-Aid licorice ropes in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay fresh for about a week.

Fun Additions:

• You can dip the ends of the ropes in sugar or extra Kool-Aid powder to give them an extra burst of flavor and make them extra fun to eat!

Would you like some more tips on customizing the flavors or adjusting the text