Sanding sugars can be quite expensive for a small amount and the color you need may not be available locally.  If you ever made cookies with children these little jars of sugar crystals can disappear fast.  A little on the icing and plenty to sweep up on the floor 😉 This is a an easy kitchen DIY and a fun one to involve your children.  The two options I use in making sanding sugars is by hand in a zippered bag or in the food processor with an egg whip attachment.  This method would most likely work in your electric mixer with the whisk attachment on as well however I have not tried it that way.  This recipe can be adjusted for smaller amounts.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of sugar
• Gel food coloring  I prefer Ameri Color or Wilton
• Zippered bag  or food processor with egg whip attachment
• Measuring cup
• 500ml storage jar with cover
• Jar funnel

Measure sugar place in baggie and shake

Drop in Gel Food coloring

Food processor with 2 cups of sugar

Add a couple drops of gel color

Pulse the sugar

Pulse until combined

Finished Colored sanding sugar

Use funnel to pour into storage jars

Ready to use!

Parchment to funnel excess sugar back to container

Colors made to match royal icing

By hand

1. Measure 2 cups of sugar and place in zippered bag
2. Add a small drop or two of gel food color and seal bag closed tightly
3. Shake bag and rub the food coloring into the sugar.  This will take about 2-3 minutes
4. Rub any darker bits of sugar from to dissolve all color into the sugar before using.

Food Processor

1. Measure sugar and pour into the food processor with the egg whip attachment in place
2. Add a small drop of food color to the sugar. (start lightly, you can add more if you want a deeper color once mixed)
3. Place the cover on and pulse the processor until all the color is combined.
4. Place a small funnel into your storage container and pour in the sugar.
5. The sugar will be dry and can be used immediately.

Check out how I used these sanding sugars to make these fun Peep cookies for Easter.