Learn how to make powdered sugar at home. Perfect for when you are in a baking pinch or just want to whip it up yourself! You can customize it with your favorite types of sugar and even spices. Ready in just a minute, so there's no reason not to give it a try.
Try out your homemade powdered sugar in my sugar cookie bars, Linzer cookies, Mexican wedding cookies, or chocolate crinkle cookies.
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When available, I always prefer to make my own ingredients at home. Not only does it almost always taste better, but it is so much easier to keep track of what goes into them!
Say goodbye to preservatives and hard-to-pronounce ingredients.
🥘 Powdered Sugar Ingredients
Powdered sugar can really be made using just one ingredient: granulated sugar! However, you could also choose to add cornstarch if desired.
- Granulated Sugar: 1 cup of granulated sugar will yield about 2 cups of powdered sugar.
- Cornstarch (optional): If using, you'll want 1 tablespoon of cornstarch per 1 cup of sugar.
🥣 What Sugar Should I Use
You can use your any type of granulated sugar, so have fun experimenting! It can be organic, raw, refined, unrefined, or any other variety of granulated sugar.
For typical standard powdered sugar, you can just use regular white sugar that you most likely already have at home.
You can also use coconut sugar, maple sugar, or any other sugar as long as it is in granulated form. You can even make sugar-free alternatives by using granulated monk fruit or stevia.
Results will vary based on the sugar you use, so make sure you choose one that has your ideal sweetness and flavor.
Do I Have To Add Cornstarch?
Nope! Feel free to leave it out if you don't have any or don't want to use it.
Cornstarch adds anti-caking properties and is commonly added to store-bought confectioner's sugar in order to help keep the sugar dry.
If you are planning on using your powdered sugar right away, go ahead and leave out the cornstarch. It isn't necessary and isn't the healthiest thing to add.
On the other hand, if you want to make a large batch and keep it stored for later, it might be a good idea to use cornstarch.
You could also use a cornstarch alternative, such as arrowroot powder or tapioca powder. Whichever preservative you prefer, you'll only need 1 tablespoon per 1 cup of granulated sugar.
🔪 How To Make Powdered Sugar
Making powdered sugar is so simple that it is ready to go in less than a minute! Make sure you have a blender or food processor on hand!
- Measure out your desired amount of granulated sugar. It will double when turned into powdered sugar, so keep that in mind. For example, 1 cup of granulated sugar will make 2 cups of powdered sugar.
- Pour the sugar into a blender (or food processor) and add the optional cornstarch if desired. You'll need 1 tablespoon per cup of sugar.
- Blend on high speed for about 30 seconds - 1 minute or until the sugar has become fluffy and extra fine.
- Use your powdered sugar or store it for later. You can also sift it if you want it to be even fluffier!
📖 Variations
One of the perks of making homemade powdered sugar is your ability to customize it! You can easilyupgrade or enhance your sugar by adding in your favorite spices, such as cinnamon or sage.
Essentially, any powdered ingredient could be added. Whether it be common spices like cardamom or freeze-dried fruits like strawberries, the possibilities are endless!
Add as much as you like to the blender along with the sugar for a fun and delicious alternative.
🥡 Storing
You can easily make a large batch of confectioners' sugar and store it for later. To store, keep it in an airtight container at room temperature.
🤔 Powdered Sugar vs Confectioners Sugar
You've most likely seen both of these names used on packaging at the store. Don't worry, though; they are two names for exactly the same thing!
You can use your homemade powdered sugar in any recipe that calls for powdered sugar or confectioners' sugar.
😋 Powdered Sugar Substitutions
Making powdered sugar at home is my favorite substitution when I don't have any on hand. However, there are many other alternatives out there as well!
I have an entire guide dedicated to powdered sugar substitutes, so make sure to check it out!
>>>See All Of My Recipes Here!<<<
💭 Tips For Making Powdered Sugar
- Avoid moisture. Make sure that your blender or food processor is completely dry before getting started. You don't want to add any moisture to your sugar.
- Use cornstarch if you like. The cornstarch is completely optional. Go ahead and leave it out if you like, but the sugar may clump if stored for long periods of time.
- Customize it. Add spices, seasonings, freeze-dried fruit, or dried extracts to switch up the flavor.
Have you ever made powdered sugar at home? Or, have you tried experimenting with different added spices? I'd love to hear all about your experiences and additions in the comments!
Do you love a recipe you tried? Please leave a 5-star 🌟rating in the recipe card below and/or a review in the comments section further down the page.
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📖 Recipe Card
How To Make Powdered Sugar: Best Homemade Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional)
(Note: 2x or 3x only changes the ingredient list)
Instructions
- Add 1 cup granulated sugar to a high-powered blender or food processor. Add the optional 1 tablespoon cornstarch if desired.
- Blend on high speed until fluffy and fine, about 30 seconds - 1 minute.
- Use immediately or store for later.
Notes
- Make sure that your blender or food processor is completely dry before getting started. You don't want to add any moisture to your sugar.
- The cornstarch is completely optional. Go ahead and leave it out if you like, but the sugar may clump if stored for long periods of time.
- Add spices, seasonings, freeze-dried fruit, or dried extracts to switch up the flavor.
- To store, keep it in an airtight container at room temperature.
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