Description
Kool-Aid Cookies are colorful, tangy, and sweet treats made by infusing classic sugar cookie dough with vibrant Kool-Aid drink mix. Soft and chewy with a subtle fruity flavor, these cookies are perfect for a fun twist on traditional sugar cookies, ideal for parties or kids' snacks.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 Cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 ¼ Cups granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 Teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ¼ Cups all-purpose flour
- ½ Teaspoon baking soda
- ½ Teaspoon baking powder
- ½ Teaspoon salt
Flavoring and Decoration
- Kool-Aid drink mix (any flavor/color, about ½ teaspoon per dough portion)
- Food coloring (optional)
- Sanding sugar (for rolling)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cookie Dough: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Add the egg and vanilla extract to the creamed butter and sugar. Mix until fully combined and smooth.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until evenly mixed.
- Mix Dry into Wet: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir just until combined to avoid overmixing.
- Divide Dough: Divide the dough into portions equal to the number of flavors/colors you want to create.
- Flavor the Dough: Add approximately ½ teaspoon of Kool-Aid powder and a few drops of optional food coloring to each dough portion. Mix thoroughly until the color and flavor are evenly distributed.
- Chill the Dough: Cover each portion of dough and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up.
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to preheat while the dough chills.
- Form Cookies: Scoop the chilled dough into 1 ½ tablespoon portions, roll each into a ball, then coat in sanding sugar to add extra sparkle and sweetness.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the coated dough balls spaced apart on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet to allow for spreading.
- Bake the Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes, until the edges are set but the centers remain soft, as they will firm up while cooling.
- Cool Down: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Chilling the dough is essential to help the flavors meld and to prevent excessive spreading during baking.
- You can experiment with different Kool-Aid flavors to customize the taste and color of your cookies.
- If you prefer more intense color, add a few drops of food coloring along with the Kool-Aid powder.
- Make sure not to overbake the cookies to retain a soft chewy center.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
