Using powdered sugar in place of regular sugar?

[greengirl_]

OK, so I just went through my pantry and I found that I have 3 full boxes of powdered sugar. I have absolutely no idea what to use it for other than sprinkling on french toast.

Does anyone know if you can use powdered sugar in place of regular granulated sugar in recipes? And would it be a 1 to 1 ratio or would you have to maybe use less powdered sugar?

[Ruthla]

I've used it in cookie recipes with no problem.

1 cup of powdered sugar is basically 1 cup of granulated sugar, ground more finely, with about 1 tablespoon of corn starch added to keep it from sticking together.

So, maybe reduce the starch (cornstarch or flour) in the recipes if the recipe is sensitive enough that the extra bit of starch will affect the texture. Otherwise, just use it as is and dont' worry about it.

Powdered sugar is OK to add to oatmeal, but not to stir into coffee or tea- the starch will thicken up the liquid a little bit and make your tea slimy.

[MorganRiley]

i use up all my powdered sugar either making frosting from scratch OR at christmas time...my famous shortbread recipe has powdered sugar instead of regular granulated sugar!!

[Mamma Mia]

I second the using it for shortbread recommendation. The best recipe for shortbread ever is here. B.e.s.t. Can be made with Earth Balance as well. I like to make thumbprint cookie with raspberry jelly with this recipe. Making a few batches as gifts uses up the powdered sugar really fast.

[benharperfan]

From recipezaar.com:

Powdered Sugar

Granulated sugar that has been crushed into a fine powder with about 3% cornstarch added to prevent clumping. Powdered sugar labeled XXXX is slightly finer than that labeled XXX but they can be used interchangeably. 1 pound = 4 cups sifted.

Ingredient

Season: available year-round

How to prepare: Because it dissolves so quickly it is often used for icings and frostings or dusted over desserts.

Substitutions: 1 3/4 cup powdered sugar = 1 cup granulated sugar
OR
1 cup granulated sugar + 1 tsp. cornstarch processed in a blender (NOT a food processor) = 1 cup powdered sugar

http://www.recipezaar.com/library/getentry.zsp?id=140

[greengirl_]

Thanks for the info everyone! I used some in a sauce recipe last night and it worked out great. I'll try those shortbread cookies too!