What does powdered sugar do for cookies?

Powdered sugar plays a crucial role in cookie baking, contributing to several key aspects:

Texture:

* Softness and tenderness: Powdered sugar, being finely milled, dissolves readily in the dough, creating a soft, delicate texture. This is especially important for cookies like shortbread or snickerdoodles where a tender crumb is desired.

* Crispness: In some cookie recipes, powdered sugar can contribute to a slightly crispier texture by reducing the amount of gluten development during mixing.

Flavor:

* Sweetness: Powdered sugar adds a clean, sweet flavor that enhances the overall taste of the cookie.

* Subtle sweetness: Its finer grain size can create a more subtle sweetness compared to granulated sugar, which can be helpful in recipes with delicate flavors.

Appearance:

* Smooth finish: Powdered sugar helps create a smooth and consistent surface on cookies, especially when used for dusting or glazes.

* White color: Powdered sugar adds a bright white color to cookies, enhancing their visual appeal.

Other Benefits:

* Easier to incorporate: Powdered sugar dissolves faster in the batter than granulated sugar, making it easier to blend and incorporate into the dough.

* No need for creaming: You can skip the step of creaming butter and sugar when using powdered sugar, as it's already finely milled and ready to mix.

Important Note: Powdered sugar is often used in combination with other ingredients, like butter, flour, and eggs, to create the desired texture and flavor in cookies.

Let me know if you have any other cookie-related questions!