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Homemade Powdered Sugar is the perfect solution when you’re in the middle of a recipe and suddenly realize you’re out of confectioners’ sugar.
Instead of rushing to the grocery store, you can turn a simple cup of sugar into a super–fine powder in just seconds using a coffee grinder, spice grinder, or blender.
With only two ingredients and almost no effort, you’ll have soft, silky powdered sugar ready for frostings, glazes, and all your favorite baked treats.
If you enjoy making pantry staples from scratch, you’ll also love my Homemade Ranch Dressing Mix, Christmas Spice Mix, Chai Spice Mix, and my Chili Seasoning Mix.
Just like this recipe, each mix recipe uses simple ingredients and gives you total control over the flavor, type of sugar or spices you use, and the overall quality of your food. Making your own staples is budget-friendly, fun, and incredibly satisfying!
Go here to find more pantry staples recipes! I’ve been making my own homemade vanilla extract for over 15 years, and you can also make your own homemade ground cinnamon.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Only Two Ingredients: Just white granulated sugar and cornstarch—no extras, preservatives, or fillers.
- Perfect Fine Texture: Grinding it yourself creates a soft, ultra–fine powder that works just like store-bought confectioner’s sugar.
- Saves a Grocery Trip: Make exactly what you need in minutes without running out mid-recipe again!
Equipment
- Spice grinder or a high-speed blender
Ingredients
Find the full list of ingredients, amounts, and instructions in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- White Granulated Sugar: White cane sugar is the base that turns into light, fluffy powdered sugar.
- Cornstarch: As an anti-caking agent, cornstarch helps prevent clumping and creates that classic silky feel. Arrowroot powder is a good cornstarch substitute. You can use the same amount.
How to Make Homemade Powdered Sugar
Step 1: Add the Ingredients
Place 1 cup of regular sugar and 1 tablespoon cornstarch into your spice grinder or coffee grinder.
Step 2: Grind
Grind for 15 seconds, or until the mixture becomes a smooth, fine powder. If the texture still feels slightly gritty, continue grinding until you reach your desired fine texture.
Step 3: Store
Transfer your Homemade Powdered Sugar to an airtight container and store in a cool, dry location for up to 12 months.
How to Store
Keep your powdered sugar in an airtight jar away from heat and humidity. The pantry is the perfect place to store it! Since sugar absorbs moisture easily, avoid storing it in the refrigerator or freezer.
Tips for Success
- Many coffee grinders or spice grinders are small. Grind in batches and whisk everything together afterward.
- I’ve had success with larger batches using my Vitamix blender.
- Food processors typically can’t grind to a fine enough texture unless they have a special setting.
- If your powdered sugar still feels grainy, simply grind longer or use a grinder with a stronger motor for a smoother finish.
Frequently Asked Questions
A high-powered blender or food processor will also work, but some of them won’t achieve the same fine texture as a coffee or spice grinder. Out of these two, I’ve had success with my Vitamix high-speed blender.
White granulated sugar works best. Using raw sugar or coconut sugar will change the flavor and color of your powdered sugar.
You can, but it may clump. Cornstarch helps mimic store-bought confectioners’ sugar and keeps the powder soft.
Yes, you can use the same amount of arrowroot powder as cornstarch.
More DIY Pantry Staples
- Homemade Pumpkin Pie Spice
- How to Make Ground Cinnamon
- Apple Pie Spice Recipe
- Homemade Herbs de Provence
- Homemade Everything Bagel Seasoning
If you make this recipe and enjoy it, please leave a comment with a 5-star recipe rating and let me know! Thank you so much!
Homemade Powdered Sugar
Equipment
- Spice Grinder or blender
Ingredients
- 1 Cup White Granulated Sugar
- 1 Tablespoon Cornstarch
Instructions
- Add both ingredients to the spice grinder and grind for 15 seconds or until the mixture has reached the desired texture.
- Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry area for up to 12 months.
Notes
- For larger batches, I’ve had success using my Vitamix blender.
- Coffee grinders or spice grinders are small. Grind in batches and whisk everything together afterward.
- Food processors typically can’t grind to a fine enough texture unless they have a special setting.
- If your powdered sugar still feels grainy, simply grind longer or use a grinder with a stronger motor for a smoother finish.
