Baking & Pastry > Decorating & Finishing > Pastry Finishing Techniques > Dusting with Powdered Sugar

Powdered Sugar Snowflake Cookies

Achieve a flawless powdered sugar dusting on delicate snowflake cookies. This recipe guides you through the process, ensuring even coverage and a beautiful presentation. Perfect for holiday baking!

Prep Time
5 minutes
Cook Time
N/A
Servings
24 cookies
Ingredients
  • 24 cookies Snowflake Cookies (baked and cooled)
  • 1/2 cup Powdered Sugar
  • 1 Fine-mesh Sieve or Sifter

Cooling is Key

Ensure your snowflake cookies are completely cooled before attempting to dust them with powdered sugar. Warm cookies will melt the sugar, resulting in a sticky and uneven finish.

Prepare Your Workspace

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or wax paper. This will catch any excess powdered sugar and make cleanup easier. Place the cooled cookies on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a small space between each cookie.

Sifting for Success

Fill your fine-mesh sieve or sifter with powdered sugar. Gently tap the sieve or crank the sifter handle to evenly distribute the powdered sugar over the cookies. Aim for a light, delicate dusting rather than a heavy coating.

Achieving Even Coverage

Move the sieve or sifter back and forth over the cookies, ensuring that each cookie receives an equal amount of powdered sugar. If some areas are missed, lightly tap the sieve or sifter directly over those areas. If you don't have a sieve or sifter, use a small spoon to sprinkle the powdered sugar. Be sure to distribute it very evenly, as spooning can create clumps.

The Right Amount

Too much powdered sugar can mask the details of the cookie design. If you accidentally apply too much, gently blow off the excess with a soft brush or a puff of air. A little goes a long way!

Optional: Stencils

For a more intricate design, use stencils. Place the stencil over the cookie, then sift powdered sugar over it. Carefully lift the stencil to reveal the design. Cookie stencils can be purchased online or at specialty baking stores.

Serving and Storage

Carefully transfer the dusted cookies to a serving platter. Dusting the cookies just before serving is best to avoid the sugar dissolving. Store any remaining cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. To prevent sticking, layer the cookies between sheets of parchment paper or wax paper.

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FAQ

  • Why is my powdered sugar dissolving on the cookies?

    The cookies may be too warm. Make sure they are completely cooled before dusting. Humidity can also cause the sugar to dissolve, so try dusting them just before serving if the weather is humid. You can also try using a non-melting powdered sugar specifically designed for this purpose.
  • How can I avoid clumping when dusting?

    Always sift the powdered sugar before using it. This will break up any lumps and ensure a smooth, even dusting. Make sure your sieve is dry as any moisture can cause clumping.
  • Can I use a different type of sugar?

    While other sugars can be used, powdered sugar provides the best visual appeal and delicate sweetness for dusting. Granulated sugar is too coarse, and brown sugar will affect the color and flavor.