Kool-Aid meringues are a fun, colorful, and fruity twist on classic meringue cookies. These light and airy treats are made with just a few simple ingredients, but the addition of Kool-Aid powder brings a burst of bold flavor and vibrant color. They’re perfect for parties, gifts, or just a sweet snack to brighten your day!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to make – Requires only a few ingredients and minimal prep time.
- Colorful and fun – Kool-Aid adds bright colors and exciting flavors.
- Light and airy – A sweet treat with a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Customizable – Choose your favorite Kool-Aid flavors for endless possibilities.
- Great for gifting – Perfect for party favors or holiday cookie trays.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Egg whites
- Granulated sugar
- Cream of tartar
- Kool-Aid powder (any flavor)
- Vanilla extract (optional)
Directions
- Preheat oven to 225°F (110°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Whip the egg whites: In a clean mixing bowl, beat the egg whites with an electric mixer on medium speed until foamy.
- Add cream of tartar and continue beating until soft peaks form.
- Gradually add sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, while beating on high speed until stiff, glossy peaks form.
- Mix in Kool-Aid powder: Gently fold in your chosen flavor until fully incorporated.
- Pipe or spoon onto baking sheet: Use a piping bag or spoon to create small mounds of meringue.
- Bake for 60-90 minutes or until the meringues are crisp and dry.
- Cool completely before removing from the baking sheet.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: About 24 meringues
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 60-90 minutes
- Total time: Up to 1 hour 45 minutes
Variations
- Swirled Meringues: Use two different Kool-Aid flavors for a colorful marbled effect.
- Tropical Twist: Mix coconut or lime Kool-Aid flavors for a summery vibe.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle cooled meringues with melted chocolate for extra decadence.
- Mini Meringue Kisses: Pipe tiny meringues for bite-sized treats.
- Holiday-Themed: Use red and green Kool-Aid for Christmas or pastel colors for Easter.
Storage/Reheating
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
- Avoid moisture – Humidity can soften meringues, so keep them in a cool, dry place.
- Do not refrigerate, as this can cause them to become sticky.
- Re-crisp softened meringues by baking at 200°F for 10-15 minutes.
FAQs
Can I use any Kool-Aid flavor?
Yes! Choose your favorite flavors like cherry, blue raspberry, or lemonade for unique tastes and colors.
Why aren’t my meringues stiff?
Make sure your mixing bowl is grease-free and that no egg yolk gets into the whites. Beat until glossy stiff peaks form.
Can I make these without cream of tartar?
Yes, but cream of tartar helps stabilize the egg whites. You can substitute it with a little lemon juice or vinegar.
Can I use a hand whisk instead of an electric mixer?
It’s possible, but it takes much longer and requires a lot of effort. A stand mixer or hand mixer is recommended.
Do these taste like traditional meringues?
Yes, but with a fruity twist! The Kool-Aid adds tangy sweetness and vibrant color.
How do I prevent cracks in my meringues?
Bake at a low temperature and let them cool in the oven with the door slightly open.
Can I freeze meringues?
Yes! Store them in an airtight container and thaw at room temperature before serving.
What’s the best way to pipe them?
Use a piping bag with a star tip for elegant swirls, or simply drop spoonfuls onto the baking sheet for a rustic look.
Can I add sprinkles?
Absolutely! Add sprinkles before baking for a festive touch.
What happens if my meringues turn chewy?
They likely absorbed moisture from the air. Try baking them a little longer or re-crisping in the oven.
Conclusion
Kool-Aid meringues are a delightful twist on classic meringues, adding fruity flavors and vibrant colors to a light, crispy treat. Whether you’re making them for a party, a gift, or just a fun kitchen experiment, these easy-to-make cookies are sure to impress. Get creative with flavors and decorations, and enjoy a sweet, melt-in-your-mouth experience!
PrintKool-Aid Meringues
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: About 30 small meringues 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Kool-Aid Meringues are light, crisp, and bursting with fruity flavor! Made with whipped egg whites and flavored with your favorite Kool-Aid powder, they’re a fun and colorful treat for parties, holidays, or anytime you want a sweet, melt-in-your-mouth dessert.
Ingredients
3 large egg whites, at room temperature
1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 packet (0.14 oz) unsweetened Kool-Aid powder (any flavor)
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Set to 225°F (110°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Whip egg whites: In a clean, dry mixing bowl, beat the egg whites on medium speed until foamy. Add the cream of tartar and continue beating.
- Add sugar: Gradually add the sugar, one tablespoon at a time, while beating. Increase to high speed and beat until stiff, glossy peaks form. This takes about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Kool-Aid & vanilla: Gently fold in the Kool-Aid powder and vanilla (if using) until evenly mixed. The color will brighten as you mix!
- Pipe or scoop: Transfer the meringue mixture to a piping bag with a star tip (or use a spoon) and pipe small mounds onto the lined baking sheet.
- Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 1½ to 2 hours, or until the meringues are dry and crisp. Turn off the oven and let them cool inside for another hour to prevent cracking.
- Enjoy! Once completely cool, store in an airtight container.
Notes
- Best flavors: Cherry, grape, lemonade, and tropical punch work great!
- Make them colorful! Add a drop of food coloring to intensify the hue.
- Storage: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. Avoid humidity!
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