Sprinkling sugar

Sprinkling sugar is sugar with large, coarse crystals that is scattered over the top of baked goods. A similar product, sanding sugar, is used mainly in baking and confectionery as a sprinkle on top of baked goods, and coarse sugar has a larger crystal size than regular sugar.

Because the crystals are bigger, they do not melt away into the dough or batter. They stay distinct and sparkling, adding a light crunch to cookies, muffins, scones, pie crusts and sweet breads.

Bakers brush the surface with milk, egg wash or butter so the sugar sticks, then sprinkle it on before baking. It can be tinted with food coloring for holiday cookies, and it is also used to coat the rim of drinks and the outside of doughnuts.