Kool Aid Meringues are light, airy, and melt-in-your-mouth cookies with a burst of fruity flavor. Made with simple ingredients like egg whites, sugar, and your favorite Kool Aid drink mix, these colorful treats are perfect for parties, holidays, or a fun baking project with kids.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to make with minimal ingredients
- Fun, vibrant colors and flavors
- Low in calories and naturally gluten-free
- Great for gifting or party favors
- Light and airy texture with a tangy twist
Ingredients
- 3 large egg whites, at room temperature
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1 packet Kool Aid drink mix (any flavor)
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 225°F (110°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat egg whites and cream of tartar on medium speed until soft peaks form.
- Gradually add sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, beating on high until stiff, glossy peaks form.
- Add the Kool Aid drink mix and vanilla extract (if using), and gently fold in until fully incorporated.
- Transfer the meringue mixture to a piping bag with a star tip. Pipe small meringue kisses onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 60-75 minutes, or until meringues are dry to the touch and can be easily lifted from the parchment.
- Turn off the oven and let the meringues cool completely in the oven for an additional hour.
- Store in an airtight container to maintain crispness.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 30-40 meringues (depending on size)
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60-75 minutes
- Cooling Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: Approximately 2.5 hours
Variations
- Different Flavors: Use any flavor of Kool Aid for endless flavor possibilities.
- Rainbow Meringues: Split the meringue into bowls, add different flavors/colors, and swirl together when piping.
- Dipped Meringues: Dip the bottoms in melted chocolate and add sprinkles for a fun twist.
- Marbled Look: Add a few drops of food coloring and gently swirl for a colorful effect.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
- Avoid Humidity: Store in a cool, dry place to maintain their crisp texture.
- Reheating: Not necessary. Do not refrigerate as humidity may soften them.
FAQs
1. Can I use liquid Kool Aid instead of the powder mix?
No, the liquid would affect the texture of the meringue. Stick to the powdered drink mix for best results.
2. What is the purpose of cream of tartar in meringues?
Cream of tartar helps stabilize the egg whites and maintain their fluffy texture.
3. Can I use a handheld whisk to make meringues?
It’s possible, but very labor-intensive. A stand mixer or electric hand mixer is highly recommended.
4. How do I know when the meringues are done?
They should feel dry to the touch and easily lift off the parchment paper without sticking.
5. What happens if my meringues turn sticky?
Humidity is often the cause. You can dry them out in a low oven (200°F) for 10-15 minutes.
6. Can I add more sugar to make them sweeter?
It’s not recommended, as altering the sugar ratio can affect the texture of the meringues.
7. Can I make meringues without cream of tartar?
Yes, substitute with an equal amount of lemon juice or white vinegar if needed.
8. How do I avoid overbeating the meringue?
Stop mixing once stiff, glossy peaks form. Overbeating can make the meringues collapse.
9. Can I make larger meringues with this recipe?
Yes, but you’ll need to increase the baking time to ensure they dry out completely.
10. How can I make my meringues look professional?
Use a piping bag with a decorative tip for uniform shapes and a polished look.
Conclusion
Kool Aid Meringues are a fun and flavorful twist on traditional meringue cookies. With their bright colors and tangy taste, they make a delightful addition to any dessert spread. Easy to make and even easier to enjoy, these light and airy treats will add a pop of color and sweetness to your next gathering!
PrintKool Aid Meringues
Kool Aid Meringues are light and airy cookies with a fun twist! These colorful treats get their fruity flavor and vibrant hue from Kool-Aid drink mix, making them perfect for parties, holidays, or as a sweet snack.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Chill Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 30–40 small meringues 1x
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 4 large egg whites, at room temperature
- ½ teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1 cup superfine sugar (or granulated sugar processed until fine)
- 1 packet Kool-Aid powder (flavor of choice) or 1 teaspoon Kool-Aid liquid concentrate
Instructions
-
Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 225°F (110°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
-
Whip the Egg Whites:
- In a large, clean bowl, beat the egg whites on medium speed until frothy.
- Add the cream of tartar and continue beating until soft peaks form.
-
Add Sugar Gradually:
- Gradually add the superfine sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time.
- Beat well after each addition until stiff, glossy peaks form.
- The mixture should be smooth, and the sugar should be completely dissolved.
-
Add Kool-Aid Flavoring:
- Gently fold in the Kool-Aid powder or liquid concentrate until the color and flavor are evenly distributed.
- The color will vary depending on the flavor used, so choose bright, vibrant flavors for the best effect.
-
Pipe the Meringues:
- Transfer the meringue mixture to a piping bag fitted with a star or round tip.
- Pipe small swirls or kisses onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
-
Bake:
- Bake for 45 minutes.
- After baking, turn off the oven and let the meringues sit inside for an additional hour to dry out without opening the door.
-
Cool and Store:
- Once completely cool, carefully remove the meringues from the baking sheet.
- Store them in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their crispness.
Notes
- Avoid Humidity: Meringues are best made on a dry day, as humidity can make them sticky or chewy.
- Colorful Variety: You can use different Kool-Aid flavors to make a rainbow of meringue colors.
- Piping Tip: For added flair, use a decorative piping tip or add a few drops of gel food coloring for a swirl effect.