• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Skip to content
Preppy Kitchen logo
  • About
    • Meet John Kanell
    • Press
  • Recipes
    • Desserts
    • Breakfast
    • Main Dishes
    • Side Dishes
    • Breads
    • Soups
    • Salads
    • Casseroles
    • Instant Pot
    • Appetizers
    • Drinks
    • Holiday
  • Cookbook
  • Shop
  • Contact
menu icon
go to homepage
search icon
Homepage link
  • About
  • Press
  • All Recipes
  • Cookbook
  • Shop
  • Contact
  • Follow us on

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Home » Recipes » How to Make Powdered Sugar

    How to Make Powdered Sugar

    Published: December 17, 2020 · Modified: Dec 17, 2020 by John Kanell

    This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.

    How to Make Powdered Sugar! Follow my easy step by step tutorial for making homemade powdered sugar in 5 minutes or less. It's super easy to do and uses just two simple ingredients so you'll never run out of it again!

    Powdered sugar in measuring cups and a measuring spoon
    332 shares
    • Share
    • Reddit
    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    A pinterest graphic for how to make powdered sugar
    A pinterest graphic for how to make powdered sugar
    A pinterest graphic for how to make powdered sugar

    Have you ever been halfway through a recipe that calls for powdered sugar and then realized you forgot to pick it up from the store?

    Well, this tutorial will show you how to make powdered sugar in 5 minutes or less so never have to worry about that again. All you need is a reliable blender or food processor and two basic pantry ingredients (see below), it really is that simple. And the benefits of making your own is that it’s way more economical and it pretty much lasts for years so you don’t need to worry about any of it going to waste. Use it to make the best buttercream frosting for that show-stopping chocolate cake or decorate cookies using my foolproof sugar cookie icing, the list is endless!

    What you’ll need to make this recipe

    An overhead shot of the ingredients you need to make powdered sugar

    Granulated sugar – granulated white sugar is what is most commonly used to make powdered sugar but you can also use caster sugar which is much finer or something like coconut sugar which is unrefined.

    Cornstarch – this is used to keep the powdered sugar dry and to stop it caking, making it last much longer.

    How to make Powdered Sugar

    Two photos showing how to add granulated sugar and cornstarch to a blender

    1. Put the granulated sugar in a blender.

    2. Next, add the cornstarch.

    Two photos showing how to make powdered sugar

    3. Blend until a fine powder.

    4. Use immediately or store for later.

    Powdered sugar piled up high in a small bowl

    Pro tips for making this recipe

    • A high power blender, spice grinder, or food processor is best for making this. If the motor isn’t strong enough it will struggle to blend the sugar extra fine.
    • To check the powdered sugar is done, grab a small pinch with your fingers and if it still feels gritty it needs more blending.
    • You can also use raw cane sugar, coconut sugar, or turbinado sugar to make powdered sugar but bear in mind that darker sugars will change the color of some baked goods and frostings.
    • The time it takes to make powdered sugar will depend on the strength and speed of your blender or processor. It can take anywhere from 30 seconds to 5 minutes.
    • Powdered sugar is also known as confectioner’s sugar or icing sugar but they are all the same thing!

    Powdered sugar getting dusted on Pizzelle cookies

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Do I need to add cornstarch to make it?

    Cornstarch is used to keep the powdered sugar dry and stops it from caking. If you are using the powdered sugar immediately in frosting or to dust over a cake then you can skip the cornstarch however, if you are storing it for later you’ll need to add it for best results. Cornstarch is gluten-free but if you need a corn-free option, see my tip below.

    How can I make this corn-free?

    If you need or want to avoid cornstarch a good substitute would be tapioca flour or arrowroot powder. Just use the same measurements for cornstarch in the recipe below.

    Can I use brown sugar to make powdered sugar?

    The one sugar that doesn’t create great powdered sugar is brown. Brown sugar although quite often is unrefined it contains added molasses which means more moisture, this can create a rather sticky powdered sugar which is not ideal in baking.

    If you are looking for an unrefined sugar to use instead of regular white sugar then you can use organic raw cane sugar, coconut sugar, or turbinado sugar.

    How long does it last?

    Powdered sugar can last up to 1 year or more if stored in an airtight container.

    Powdered sugar uses

    There are so many ways to use powdered sugar from lightly dusting on Pizzelle cookies at Christmas, making into Sugar Cookie Icing to decorate cookies, to make the most delicious Buttercream Frosting and so much more! Check out my list below for some more uses.

    • Chocolate Buttercream Frosting
    • Mocha Frosting
    • Cream Cheese Frosting
    • Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins
    • Homemade Marshmallows

    If you love this recipe try these out!

    • Bowls of milk, viinegar and lemon juice on a marble table.

      How to Make Buttermilk

    • Sour cream in a bowl with a gold spoon beside it

      How to Make Sour Cream

    • Two copper measuring cups full of homemade brown sugar.

      How to Make Brown Sugar

    • Hardened brown sugar clumps on a marble counter.

      How to Soften Brown Sugar

    • Two meringue cookies on a blue and white plate.

      Meringue Cookies

    If you’ve tried this recipe for How to Make Powdered Sugar then don’t forget to leave a rating and let me know how you got on in the comments below, I love hearing from you!

    A close up of powdered sugar in a measuring cup
    Print
    5 from 18 votes

    How to Make Powdered Sugar

    How to make Powdered Sugar in 5 minutes or less. Don't forget to check out my step by step photos and tips above!
    Course Dessert
    Cuisine American
    Prep Time 5 minutes
    Total Time 5 minutes
    Servings 1 and 2/3 cup
    Calories 804kcal
    Author John Kanell

    Ingredients

    • 1 cup granulated sugar (200g)
    • 1 Tbsp cornstarch

    Instructions

    • Add ingredients to a blender, spice grinder, or food processor.
    • Pulse for between 2-5 minutes depending on the device used. Allow to sit for a minute or two before opening.
    • Store in an airtight container or bag.

    Notes

    • 1 cup granulated sugar makes about 1 2/3 cups powdered sugar. Scale recipe as needed.
    • A high power blender, spice grinder, or food processor is best for making this. If the motor isn't strong enough it will struggle to blend the sugar extra fine.
    • To check the powdered sugar is done, grab a small pinch with your fingers and if it still feels gritty it needs more blending.
    • You can also use raw cane sugar, coconut sugar, or turbinado sugar to make powdered sugar but bear in mind that darker sugars will change the color of some baked goods and frostings.
    • The time it takes to make powdered sugar will depend on the strength and speed of your blender or processor. It can take anywhere from 30 seconds to 5 minutes.
    • Powdered sugar is also known as confectioner's sugar or icing sugar but they are all the same thing!
    • Nutritional information is for the whole batch of powdered sugar (1 and 2/3 cup).

    Nutrition

    Calories: 804kcal | Carbohydrates: 207g | Protein: 1g | Sodium: 3mg | Sugar: 200g
    *Nutrition Disclaimer
    Have you Tried this Recipe? Tag me Today!Mention @preppykitchen and tag #preppykitchen!
    « Flourless Chocolate Cake
    Brookies »

    Primary Sidebar

    Welcome to Preppy Kitchen!

    Thanks for stopping by! I’m John Kanell, a husband, dad to twins Lachlan and George, Los Angeles native, and an avid baker and cooker of all things delicious thanks to a life long education from my mother. This blog is where I share all of my kitchen creations!

    Search

    Follow Us On

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube

    Preppy Kitchen Newsletter

    Sign up to receive recipes, recommendations and tips straight to your inbox!

    Buy My Book

    Preppy Kitchen Cookbook

    As Seen On

    As seen on Elle Décor, People, Food Network and more

    Top recipes This Month

    • A stack of peanut butter cookies on a small wooden board

      Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

    • An Oatmeal Chocolate Chip cookie next to a glass of milk

      Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

    • Lemon bars dusted with powdered sugar on a green and white plate.

      Lemon Bars

    • A group of pink macarons on a serving tray next to flowers

      Macaron Recipe

    • A photo of a vanilla cupcake on a cupcake stand with vanilla buttercream frosting beautifully piped on top.

      Buttercream Frosting

    • A plate with multiple cake pops on it with one with a bite taken out.

      Cake Pops

    • A group of shortbread cookies. some are stacked while others are on crumpled paper.

      Shortbread Cookies Recipe

    • A cake stand with a slice of red velvet cake cut out and placed on a plate in front.

      Red Velvet Cake

    • A slice of vanilla cake on a plate in front of the cake on a cake stand.

      Vanilla Cake Recipe

    • A slice of lemon cake on a plate in front of a cake stand holding the rest of the cake.

      Lemon Cake

    Footer

    As Seen On:

    Elle Décor, People, Country Living, Better Homes & Gardens, Food Network, Woman's Day, forkly, Yummly, the Bump, Buzz Feed, Home and Family and New York magazine.

    The Brand

    • About John
    • Press

    Preppy Kitchen Logo

    Dessert Recipes

    • Cakes
    • Cookies
    • Cupcakes
    • Pies
    • All Desserts

    Main Course Recipes

    • Main Dishes
    • Side Dishes
    • Casseroles
    • InstantPot
    • Soups
    • Salads

    COPYRIGHT © 2015–2023 PREPPY KITCHEN | PRIVACY POLICY

    332 shares