How to make homemade powdered sugar out of the sugar you already have in your cabinet

• Powdered sugar dissolves easily and is used in various desserts to achieve a tender texture.
• You can make your own using a high-powered food processor or blender.
• Include a small amount of cornstarch to keep the sugar from clumping.

Powdered sugar, also known as confectioners' sugar, is the bright white, light as air sweetener sold in bags and boxes in the baking aisle. It's commonly used in cookies with a crumbly or light texture, some cakes, various glazes and icings, and as a pretty finishing touch on top of just about any dessert.

"You want to use powdered sugar in more delicate recipes, recipes where the granulated sugar won't dissolve. It dissolves quickly, and the structure has nice soft edges which leads to a tender texture," says Bethany Costello, pastry chef and owner of Eat Like Kings.

When compared to granulated sugar, powdered sugar is essentially the same thing with two major differences: "powdered sugar has just been finely ground and has a little added cornstarch to prevent caking," says Costello. If you're halfway through a recipe and don't have time to run to the store and buy some powdered sugar, you can make it at home using regular sugar.

What you need

You'll just need a couple of simple pantry ingredients and a food processor or blender to make homemade powdered sugar:

• Granulated sugar: White, granulated sugar works best, but cane sugar will also work. Avoid using brown sugar and other dark sugars since they contain molasses, adding moisture to the mixture and hindering the light, fluffy texture.
• Cornstarch: While you can technically make powdered sugar without it, Costello strongly recommends using cornstarch to help keep the sugar from clumping together and becoming a lumpy mess.
• High-powered food processor, blender, or grinder: Costello's first choice is a quality food processor, but a really good blender will work if you're willing to do some stirring. The ideal choice will depend on how much sugar you need to make - if you're making a few cups or more, go for a processor or full-sized blender. Less, and a smaller (but powerful) blender will work. "You can try a coffee or spice grinder if you just need a little bit," says Costello, just make sure to clean it well before using. This is a nice option if you need half a cup or less.

The Insider Reviews team tests and recommends the best food processors, blenders, and spice grinders. Learn more about our favorites.

• Best food processor overall: Breville Sous Chef 16 Pro Food Processor
• Best blender overall: Vitamix 5200
• Best spice grinder overall: Cuisinart Electric Spice and Nut Grinder

How to make powdered sugar

While making powdered sugar is a simple process, don't walk away from it. It may take a bit of stirring and persistence to get the texture right. This is Costello's go-to method.

1. Measure the ingredients. For every one cup of sugar, add one tablespoon of cornstarch. "Remember that the volume will increase while blending, so don't overfill your machine," says Costello. One cup of granulated sugar will produce almost two cups of powdered sugar.
2. Prep the food processor or blender. Make sure the blade, container, and lid are completely dry. Add the ingredients to the machine and clamp the lid on tight.
3. Blend. Let the blender or processor run for a few minutes, stopping and stirring as needed if the mixture isn't moving freely.
4. Test the texture. The mixture should begin to look like powdered sugar. Costello recommends stopping the blender or processor and rubbing a small amount between your fingers. If you can still feel the individual grains of sugar, keep blending.
5. Continue blending as needed. Repeat until the sugar feels super soft and is no longer grainy. The blending time can be up to five or six minutes, and will range depending on the amount of sugar and your machine.

How to store powdered sugar

Costello recommends always storing powdered sugar in an airtight container, "that way your sugar won't lump from moisture." If you're storing it in a zip-top bag, press the air out before closing it. Keep it in a cool, dark place like the pantry along with your other baking essentials. It will keep for a year or more as long as it is not exposed to moisture.

Insider's takeaway

Powdered sugar is commonly used in dessert recipes for a lighter or more tender texture, in glazes, and looks lovely dusted on top of sweet treats. If you've run out, simply make your own using granulated sugar, cornstarch, and a high-powered food processor or blender.