Kool-Aid cookies bring a bright fruity kick into a classic sugar cookie base with sugary warmth, a soft chewy center and a lightly crisp edge. Each color gives you a different taste, so one batch keeps things fun from start to finish.
In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, 2 or 3 minutes.
Add the egg and vanilla extract, then mix until smooth and fully combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix just until combined.
Divide the dough into portions based on how many colors you want.
Add about ½ teaspoon Kool-Aid powder and a few drops of food coloring (optional) to each portion, then mix until the color and flavor are evenly incorporated.
Chill the Dough
Cover and chill the dough for at least 1 hour.
Bake the Cookies
Preheat the oven to 350°F.
Scoop the dough into 1 ½ tablespoon portions, roll into balls, and coat in sanding sugar.
Space them out on a parchment paper lined baking sheet or cookie sheet.
Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, until the edges are set but the centers are still soft (I find they firm up more while cooling).
Let Them Cool
Let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Keep dough cool: If it starts getting sticky, chill it again before shaping. Mix thoroughly: Uneven mixing can leave streaks of color or flavor pockets. Control intensity: Start with a smaller amount of Kool-Aid and mix, then add more if needed so the flavor doesn’t end up too strong.