All About Flavored Sugar
Flavored sugars are such a fun and easy way to add a little twist to your baking, They make even the most basic cookies, cakes, or coffee feel extra special without a lot of effort. With just one or two extra ingredients mixed into regular granulated sugar, you can create something totally new and delicious. In this post, we’re going to show you six easy flavored sugars you can make at home. They come together in minutes, keep well in the pantry, and make super cute gifts too.
What is Flavored Sugar?
Flavored sugar is regular sugar that’s been mixed with herbs, spices, zest, or other ingredients to give it extra flavor and make baked goods or drinks taste extra special.
Tips for Making Flavored Sugar
Use granulated white sugar: Its fine texture carries added flavors the best
Dry ingredients only: Anything with moisture will make the sugar clump, so be sure to use fully dried herbs and spices
Store in an airtight container: The sugar usually keeps well for a couple of weeks!
Six Flavored Sugars to try
01. Vanilla Bean Sugar
A classic. It’s aromatic and perfect for coffee, cookies, or oatmeal.
You’ll need:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 vanilla bean
Split the vanilla bean, scrape out the seeds, and mix into the sugar. Then, add the whole pod in the jar for extra flavor.
02. Citrus Sugar
Bright and zesty. It’s amazing on shortbread, scones, or the rim of a lemonade glass.
You’ll need:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1–2 tbsp citrus zest (lemon, orange, lime, or grapefruit)
Zest your fruit and spread it out on a plate for a few hours until completely dry. Using your fingers, rub together the zest and sugar until fragrant.
03. Spiced Sugar
Cozy and fragrant. Perfect for snickerdoodles or muffins.
You’ll need:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1-2 tsp ground cinnamon or pumpkin spice or 1/2 tsp cardamom, nutmeg, or allspice
Mix all ingredients together until combined.
04. Herb Sugar
Delicate and floral. Great for cakes, lemon bars, or shortbread.
You’ll need:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1–2 tsp dried lavender or rosemary
Pulse sugar and herbs in a food processor for 5–10 seconds if you want a finer texture. Using your fingers, rub together the herbs and sugar until fragrant.
05. Freeze-Dried Fruit Sugar
Pretty, fruity, and naturally sweet. So good in frosting or stirred into tea.
You’ll need:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2–3 tbsp crushed freeze-dried fruit (strawberry, raspberry, blueberry, etc.)
Blend freeze-dried fruit into a powder and mix into sugar. If you’re using seeded fruit like strawberries, we recommend sifting out the seeds for a smoother sugar.
06. Coffee Sugar
For coffee lovers! Adds a subtle coffee flavor to baked goods, frosting, or whipped cream.
You’ll need:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1–2 tsp instant coffee granules
Mix sugar and coffee until well combined.
Ways to Use Your Flavored Sugars
- Roll cookie dough balls in flavored sugar before baking. Try our rosemary sugar cookies.
- Sprinkle on top of shortbread cookies like our strawberry linzer cookies.
- Coat donuts like our cinnamon sugar apple brioche donuts or pumpkin chocolate chip donuts.
- Add to tea or coffee.
- Mix into whipped cream and frosting.
- Use as a finishing sugar on pies or galettes.
- Package in jars for cute edible gifts.
