Why do people use sugar when baking?

* Sweetness: Sugar adds sweetness to baked goods, which is one of the main reasons why it is used.

* Tenderness: Sugar helps to tenderize baked goods by preventing the proteins in the flour from coagulating too much. This results in a softer, more tender texture.

* Browning: Sugar undergoes a process called caramelization when heated, which gives baked goods their characteristic brown color.

* Moisture retention: Sugar helps to keep baked goods moist by absorbing moisture from the air. This is especially important for baked goods that are meant to be stored for a long period of time.

* Flavor: Sugar can enhance the flavor of other ingredients in baked goods, such as chocolate, vanilla, and fruit.

* Bulk: Sugar adds bulk to baked goods, which helps to give them their desired shape and structure.

In addition to these functional properties, sugar also has some nutritional benefits. It is a source of energy, and it contains small amounts of vitamins and minerals, such as calcium, iron, and magnesium.