If you have a sweet tooth and love to bake, then you must have used icing sugar in your recipes. Icing sugar, also known as powdered sugar or confectioner’s sugar, is a finely powdered form of granulated sugar. It is commonly used to make icing, frosting, and decorations for cakes and pastries.
Understanding Icing Sugar
Before we dive into the various baked goods you can make with icing sugar, let’s first understand what it is and how it differs from other forms of sugar.
What is Icing Sugar?
Icing sugar is made by grinding granulated sugar into a fine powder and then adding cornstarch to prevent it from clumping together. It is commonly used to make icing and frosting as it dissolves easily and has a smooth texture.
How is it Different from Granulated Sugar?
Granulated sugar is the most commonly used form of sugar in baking. It is a coarser sugar with larger crystals and does not dissolve as easily as icing sugar.
Granulated sugar is used to provide structure and texture to baked goods, while icing sugar is used to add sweetness and texture to icings and frostings.
What Can You Bake with Icing Sugar?
Here are some delicious treats that you can bake with icing sugar:
1. Shortbread Cookies
Shortbread cookies are a classic cookie made with butter, sugar, and flour. Adding icing sugar to the recipe will give the cookies a delicate texture and a sweet flavor.
2. Vanilla Cupcakes with Buttercream Frosting
Vanilla cupcakes are a favorite of many, and adding icing sugar to the buttercream frosting will give it a smooth and creamy texture. You can also add food coloring to the frosting to make it more colorful.
3. Lemon Bars
Lemon bars are a tangy and sweet dessert that is perfect for any occasion. The crust is made with icing sugar, butter, and flour, while the filling is made with lemon juice, eggs, and more icing sugar.
4. Red Velvet Cake
Red velvet cake is a classic dessert that is perfect for any special occasion. The cream cheese frosting is made with icing sugar, butter, cream cheese, and vanilla extract.
5. Chocolate Truffles
Chocolate truffles are a decadent and delicious treat that is perfect for any chocolate lover. The truffles are made with chocolate, cream, and icing sugar, and can be rolled in cocoa powder, chopped nuts, or more icing sugar.
6. Meringue Cookies
Meringue cookies are light and airy cookies made with egg whites and sugar. Adding icing sugar to the recipe will give the cookies a delicate texture and a sweet flavor.
7. Fruit Tarts
Fruit tarts are a colorful and delicious dessert that is perfect for any occasion. The tart crust is made with icing sugar, butter, and flour, while the filling is made with cream cheese, icing sugar, and fresh fruit.
8. Chocolate Brownies
Chocolate brownies are a rich and indulgent dessert that is perfect for any chocolate lover. The frosting is made with icing sugar, cocoa powder, butter, and vanilla extract.
9. Cinnamon Rolls
Cinnamon rolls are a delicious breakfast treat that is perfect for any occasion. The icing is made with icing sugar, cream cheese, butter, and vanilla extract.
10. Carrot Cake
Carrot cake is a classic dessert that is perfect for any occasion. The cream cheese frosting is made with icing sugar, cream cheese, butter and vanilla extract, which gives it a creamy texture and a sweet flavor that complements the carrot cake well.
11. Donuts
Donuts are a classic breakfast treat that can be made with icing sugar. The glaze is made with icing sugar, milk, and vanilla extract, which gives the donuts a sweet and smooth glaze that pairs well with their fluffy texture.
12. Coconut Macaroons
Coconut macaroons are a sweet and chewy dessert that is perfect for any occasion. Adding icing sugar to the recipe will give the macaroons a sweet flavor and a delicate texture.
13. French Toast
French toast is a classic breakfast dish that can be made with icing sugar. Dusting the toast with icing sugar adds a touch of sweetness and a decorative touch to the dish.
14. Peanut Butter Cookies
Peanut butter cookies are a favorite of many, and adding icing sugar to the recipe will give the cookies a delicate texture and a sweet flavor.
15. Cream Puffs
Cream puffs are a classic French dessert that is perfect for any occasion. The filling is made with whipped cream and icing sugar, which gives it a sweet flavor and a light and airy texture.
FAQs
It depends on the recipe. Icing sugar is best used in recipes that require a smooth texture, such as icings and frostings.
Yes, icing sugar and powdered sugar are the same thing.
Adding cornstarch to icing sugar can help prevent it from clumping together.
No, icing sugar is not recommended for making caramel as it may burn and become bitter.
Icing sugar should be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place away from moisture.
Conclusion
Icing sugar is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of baked goods. From shortbread cookies to cream puffs, there are many delicious treats you can make with this fine powdered sugar. Experiment with different recipes and find the ones that you love the most. Happy baking!
