The Crunchy Sugar Bakers Adore For Adding Texture

Baked goods. Whether it's cake, brownies, cookies, or a danish, it's hard to find someone who doesn't appreciate a sweet treat. But while everyone may love sweets, not everyone can make them themselves. Baking exists at the nexus of art and science, and its reliance on precise measurements and chemical reactions makes it a daunting undertaking for many. One aspect of baking is the sheer number of different types of sugar: granulated, powdered, turbinado — the list goes on.

You don't have to be a baker to up your sugar game though. You just need a few tips from the pros. We're here to help you bring a little something extra to your next baking project by sharing the professional secret for adding sugary texture to your treats. One simple addition will make sure your next baking project is out of this world.

If there's one sugar you probably haven't heard of that can have a major impact on your baking, it's Swedish pearl sugar. While you may not be familiar with Swedish pearl sugar, it's the answer to adding texture to any of your baking endeavors. Sometimes known as hail sugar or nib sugar, it's basically a highly compacted sugar. So compact, in fact, that it doesn't melt during baking. Instead, you have sweet chunks of sugar that stay crunchy and offer a great way to dress up your sweets.

Picture it: delicious sugar cookies adorned with chunks of crunchy sweet sugar that complement the buttery texture of the cookie. Swedish pearl sugar can make that happen. It also can add a new dimension to sweet breads and rolls. According to Cully's Kitchen, pearl sugar doesn't just have to be a topper, but will also add texture and crunchy sweetness when mixed into your batters. It's a simple ingredient with immense versatility and big rewards.

Since pearl sugar's biggest selling point is that it doesn't dissolve when baked, its primary role is for decoration and extra crunch. It is very common to see it atop breakfast pastries both in Sweden and other nordic countries, like Finland. It adds an extra visual element, making pastries look like they're topped with white crystals and a crunch that goes perfectly with almost anything.

The good news is that you don't have to hop on an airplane or book a hotel room to get the experience of Swedish pearl sugar. It's something you can buy and use right in your own kitchen, and it won't take extra work. Even if you've never considered yourself much of a baker, you can give it a try! Find a recipe for something simple, like cookies or muffins, and get going. Before baking, simply add some pearl sugar as a topping. It's a quick addition that makes even basic sweets a little more special.