What is sanding sugar

Sanding sugar is a large crystal sugar used as an edible decoration that will not dissolve when subjected to heat. Also called pearl sugar or decorating sugar, sanding sugar adds "sparkle" to cookies, baked goods and candies.

The sparkling affect is achieved because the sugar crystal grains are large and reflect light. Sanding sugar is available at baking supply and some specialty stores. Learn even more about sanding sugar. Substitute for Sanding sugar Don't have sanding sugar? Here's what to substitute: You can use coarse sugar colored with food coloring; however, the sugar won't sparkle after heating, but typically it will hold its shape.

If so, this tutorial for how to make sanding sugar is going to come in handy. There is no need to go out and pay for expensive items with different colors when you literally have it all right there in your kitchen already!

It's so easy to make, super fun to get kids involved with helping, and is handy for tons of baked good projects. You'll need a few common ingredients and supplies for this recipe. Sugar, of course, is the main ingredient needed. The secondary addition is gel food coloring.

You do not want to use liquid food coloring for this! Invest in gel food colors if this is something you plan to make. The printable at the bottom of this post will have the amounts used for this version, but you can experiment with different quantities to provide the color you desire. As these are pastel in color, you may prefer a richer color. If that is the case, start with 1 drop of gel food coloring and add additional drops until you achieve the desired color.

Unlike some recipes, this really does require a few specific tools for success. Below are what I recommend you have on hand when making sanding sugar on your own.

Seal the bag, removing as much air as possible, then squish the gel until all of the sugar is evenly coated. Bake for 10 minutes and then allow to cool for 15 minutes before using or storing for future use.

Sanding sugar adds both additional sweetness as well as color to many baked goods. Most often it can be found on cupcakes, cakes, and cookies, but may also be used around dessert displays as colored "sand". Below are a few recipes that would benefit from homemade sanding sugar. You could even use them to add decoration to one of these decadent homemade hot cocoa bombs recipes. In any situation where you would add a dusting of colored sugar or sugar for flavor, this is a great choice that adds color and sweetness.

I like using this colorful sugar to amuse my kids. I sprinkle it on their oatmeal or toss a little over toast sometimes to add a bit of color. The short answer: no. Sanding sugar is not edible glitter. You can find sanding sugar in some grocery stores or online in many colors. Just like me when I started making this decorative sugar, I ended up making a ton of colors.

If you have extra sugar, just keep it stored in mason jars, zipper top baggie, or any airtight container. The main ingredients here are the gel food coloring of your choice and a cup of granulated sugar.

Learn how to make sanding sugar in two ways with this easy tutorial and start decorating cakes cookies and more in minutes! Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Thank you for sharing! Jump to Recipe. Sanding sugar is one of the easiest DIY cookie or cupcake decorating material — seriously fast and you can make any color!

Continue to Content. Prep Time: 5 minutes.