Learn how to make powdered sugar from granulated sugar and cornstarch! Its also known as  as confectioner’s sugar, and it makes wonderful cookie frosting!  

A sprinkle of powdered sugar compliment these cream cheese lemon curd cookies.

Powdered sugar in metal measuring cup.

Maybe you don’t use powdered sugar often and don’t want o give up pantry space you can just make what you need.  And the best part is it only requires two simple ingredient and a food processor and you have it ready in about 1 minute.

HOW TO DIRECTIONS

To make powdered sugar at home, you’ll need two ingredients: granulated sugar and cornstarch. Use 1 tablespoon cornstarch for every cup of sugar.

You can make as little or as much as needed., add 1 tablespoon of cornstarch to each cup of granulated sugar used.  Also this will double, so if only need one cup of powdered sugar, then use ½ cup of granulated sugar.  Adjust the cornstarch in half also. 

Add the granulated sugar and cornstarch to a food processor, and blend for 30 seconds, until the sugar is white and fluffy. If you want a much smaller amount, you can use a spice grinder.

Why Do You Need Cornstarch to Make Powdered Sugar?

Cornstarch is added to to prevent clumping. When sugar is ground into a fine powder, it tends to absorb moisture from the air, which can cause it to clump together. The cornstarch acts as an anti-caking agent, keeping the sugar light and fluffy.

Powdered sugar in spice grinder.

How To Store

If you are not using right away, store in an airtight container.  I like to use old mason jars. You might be interested in this blog post about using different sugar in cookie recipes.

Jar of powdered sugar.

Homemade Powdered Sugar

Quick and easy way to make your own confectioners or powdered sugar.
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Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Yield: 2 cups
Calories Per Cookie: 400
Author: Sydney Dawes

Ingredients

  • 1 cup white granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch

Instructions

  • Add the sugar and cornstarch to a small food processor and grind for about 30 seconds or until the mixture has reached the desired texture.
  • Store in an airtight container like a small mason jar, store in a cool, dry area for up to 3 months.

Notes

  • Because sugar is sensitive to moisture, so I do not suggest you freeze this recipe.
  • Many spice grinders can be pretty small. If you have a smaller one, it’s fine to do it in smaller portions at a time.
  • Food processors, unless they have a special setting for this, will not get the sugar fine enough to make powdered sugar.
  • If your sugar still feels a little gritty and rough, you may need to grind longer, or get a grinder that grinds more finely.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cup | Calories: 400kcal | Carbohydrates: 103g | Protein: 0.01g | Fat: 0.3g | Sodium: 1mg | Potassium: 2mg | Fiber: 0.04g | Sugar: 100g | Calcium: 1mg | Iron: 0.1mg
Tried this recipe?Mention @thebuttercookie or tag #thebuttercookie!

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