Learn how to make homemade powdered sugar at home with two simple ingredients right from your pantry! It’s so easy you’ll never run out again!
It’s always at the most inconvenient of times that we run out of powdered sugar. Or, at least I think we have it and we really don’t have any at all.
Case in point: Christmas Eve.
The sugar cookies are ready to frost, and the kids are more than excited to slather on layer upon layer of colored icing. It’s the one time of the year that the icing really does run wild…
But everything grinds to a halt when I realize, once again that I am completely out of powdered sugar. Thankfully it’s not really a huge ordeal though. Thirty seconds later and you can literally be back in business – decorating cookies and singing Christmas carols.
Really though – homemade powdered sugar is a breeze. It has literally saved many holidays in my house and comes together quickly with 2 simple ingredients.
Homemade Powdered Sugar Recipe
Powdered sugar is simply granulated sugar that has been ground to a fine powder. You can do this quite easily in your food processor, high powered blender or even a coffee grinder.
I much prefer to grind the sugar in my Vitamix, simply because doing it in the food processor makes a huge poof of sugar dust that envelopes my face. As funny as my kids think it is, it’s not my favorite thing in the world 😉
Start with just a single cup of sugar, and a 1/2 tsp of cornstarch. After 30 seconds, your sugar should now be powdered sugar that’s ready to store in a covered container. If you are using a food processor or blender, you’ll want to lift the lid ever-so-carefully to make sure that you don’t get powdered.
Having that cornstarch in there is important as it keeps the sugar dry as it blends. As the blending progresses, you may need to stir down the sides with a spatula to make sure you capture every bit of the sugar.
Voila ~ granulated sugar turns into powdered sugar. It’s almost something that seems “too” easy!
Have a Happy Holidays!
Learn how to make homemade powdered sugar at home - it's so easy you'll never run out again!
Ingredients
- 2 C. granulated sugar
- 2 tsp cornstarch* (see alternatives far below)
Instructions
- Place your sugar and cornstarch in a high powered blender (BlendTec, or Vitamix), or food processor.
- Blend at medium to high speed for 30-45 seconds, making sure to use a spatula and scrape down the sides of the blender. If you are using a less powerful blender you may need to go for several minutes.
- After a few minutes, run your fingers through the mixture - if it feels gritty, then you may need to blend again for a minute or two.
- Store your powdered sugar in an airtight container.
Notes
*Can also use tapioca starch, arrowroot powder or flour in a pinch, too!
Looking for more holiday recipes? This one below is a must!
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