Despite its messy reputation, powdered sugar is a beloved ingredient by many, and these 10 delectable recipes showcase its versatility. Dusted in white powder, it’s easy to forget about the temporary stains that come with indulging in these sweet treats. Don’t let the fleeting mess deter you – every bite is worth it. From traditional Amish sugar cookies to Mexican wedding cookies, this collection of exceptional recipes has something for everyone to get excited about.
Before diving into the delicious world of powdered sugar, it’s helpful to know the basics: making powdered sugar from scratch at home can be a lifesaver when unexpected cravings strike or when you’re short on time and need a quick solution.
How to Make Powdered Sugar
Achieving perfectly powdered sugar is indeed a straightforward process. Firstly, all you need are two simple ingredients: cornstarch and granulated sugar. Next, combine them in a high-speed blender and blend until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. Once prepared, store it in an airtight container where it will remain fresh for an extended period. Although it may develop lumps over time, simply sift it before use to restore its smooth texture.
Amish Sugar Cookies
Versatility is one of the key attractions of Amish sugar cookies, which require just 20 minutes to prepare and less than ten readily available ingredients. While cream of tartar might be considered a somewhat unconventional ingredient, it’s easily accessible in most supermarkets and won’t break the bank. The end result is more than worth the minimal effort involved, with crispy edges giving way to soft, chewy centers and a sprinkle of sugar on top adding an extra touch of charm.
What’s more, you can customize these cookies for various holidays by using colored sugar, making them perfect for Christmas, Halloween, or other festive gatherings. Their simplicity belies their adaptability.
Shortbread Cookies
Everyone who has the basic ingredients such as butter, powdered sugar, salt, flour, and vanilla extract readily available at home can easily bake four dozen of these delicious shortbread cookies within under an hour. The result is a crunchy texture that’s bursting with rich buttery flavor, and when you take a bite, they melt away effortlessly in your mouth. These shortbread cookies are perfect for the holiday season, making them ideal gifts to share with friends and family.
By baking a few dozen, packing them into a nicely decorated tin, and presenting them as a thoughtful gift, the recipients will be thrilled and won’t be able to resist the temptation to devour them.
Lemon Drop Cookies
Every time we take a bite into a lemon drop cookie, we’re met with a delightful surprise. While they share similarities with sugar cookies in terms of their soft and melt-in-your-mouth consistency, the game-changer lies in their tart, zesty icing. This distinctive topping is crafted from a harmonious blend of lemon zest, lemon juice, and powdered sugar, resulting in a flavor that skillfully balances between being not quite sour and not entirely sweet.
For those who have already fallen in love with the world of lemon desserts, this unique taste will be all too familiar. As the icing sets, it adds a delightful crunch to the chewy cookies, providing an appealing contrast of textures that elevates the overall experience.
Powdered Sugar Glaze
Below are some of the key reasons why homemade powdered sugar glaze is a must-know recipe for any baker or dessert enthusiast. Whether used on bread, donuts, strudel, cakes, or something else entirely, this sweet treat is the icing on the cake. It’s one of those versatile ingredients that you may not use every day, but having it in your repertoire can be incredibly useful.
Luckily, making homemade powdered sugar glaze is a breeze and requires only three simple ingredients: flavored extract, powdered sugar, and heavy cream. Plus, the entire process takes no more than 10 minutes to complete. While I mentioned earlier that this glaze is not typically eaten on its own, I’d like to clarify that there’s no rule against indulging in it straight from the spoon if you’re craving something sweet.
Puppy Chow
Although the names puppy chow and muddy buddies may not sound particularly appetizing to some people, this sweet treat is actually quite tasty and a favorite among kids – and adults alike. It’s also incredibly easy to make, requiring less than 10 minutes of time in most cases. To prepare it, simply dip Chex Mix into melted peanut butter and chocolate, let them dry, then drop the dry pieces into a bag of powdered sugar and shake until they’re evenly coated.
This simple recipe yields a fast and delicious result that’s perfect for satisfying sweet cravings.
Almond Crescent Cookies
Making these cookies brings back fond memories for me, as my grandmother used to bake them frequently when I was a child. We affectionately referred to them as ‘moon cookies,’ a name that has stuck with me over the years. While they do require some effort to prepare, particularly in shaping the dough, their end result is well worth it.
These delightful treats are characterized by a perfect balance of sweetness and nuttiness, subtly enhanced by a hint of cinnamon that adds depth without overpowering the other flavors. The combination is truly irresistible.
Eskimo Cookies
Generally speaking, no-bake recipes are a huge win in my book. While I do enjoy cooking, there’s something to be said for whipping together a delicious treat without having to turn on the oven or put in extra effort. These cookies require nothing more than measuring, mixing, shaping, and refrigerating – it really doesn’t get much easier than that!
What’s more, their unique flavor profile is achieved through a combination of sugar, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and oats, making them a tasty departure from the norm. Yes, they can be a bit messy to handle, but trust me when I say their scrumptiousness makes up for any extra fuss.
Sugar Cookie Bars
Adding an extra layer of thickness to traditional sugar cookies creates a delightful treat that’s almost overwhelming. The rich vanilla frosting and sprinkles on top elevate the flavor and appearance, making it a sensory experience like no other. It’s a sugar rush waiting to happen, but one that’s well worth the indulgence for the pure joy it brings to taste buds.
Plus, these thick-cut cookies are perfect for parties, where you can match the colorful sprinkles to the current season or holiday, adding an extra touch of fun and festivity.
10 Best Ways to Use Powdered Sugar
Zeroing in on the perfect sweet treat can be a challenge, but with these simple powdered sugar recipes, you’ll have a hard time resisting their charms. Whether you’re craving classic cookies, indulgent bars, or something as easy as a glaze to top your favorite desserts, we’ve got you covered – and all it takes is making your own homemade powdered sugar from scratch!
Instructions
Focus on simplicity when preparing a sweet treat, like a powdered sugar dessert. To get started, choose a favorite recipe that can be completed quickly. This might involve picking a simple dessert recipe with minimal ingredients and straightforward instructions.
