30 Irresistible Desserts That Call For Powdered Sugar Perfect for Holiday Baking

Sandra Walker

October 29, 2025

Working its magic in many recipes, powdered sugar is a staple ingredient that deserves some appreciation. This versatile sweetener is made from pulverized white sugar and plays a crucial role in enhancing the flavors of various desserts. While it’s most commonly used to make glazes and frostings for sweet treats, powdered sugar can be quite messy to work with. However, its benefits far outweigh this minor drawback.

What we’re excited to share today are some wonderful recipes that call for powdered sugar. To give you a better idea, we’ve compiled our favorite uses for this ingredient in this post. If you’re stuck with leftover powdered sugar and don’t know what to do with it, you’ve come to the right place. We’ll explore everything from cookie dusting to sweet cake glazes, so be sure to stick around if you want to learn more about the many uses of powdered sugar.

Don’t worry about getting too hungry while reading this post – just grab a snack before we dive in and get creative!

Shortbread Cookies

Shortbread Cookies

Vying for the title of ultimate indulgence, a simple shortbread cookie recipe stands out as a crowd-pleaser during the holiday season. With just five ingredients, you can easily whip up four dozen cookies that are sweet, crumbly, soft, and buttery to perfection. The combination of powdered sugar, flour, salt, butter, and vanilla extract creates a harmonious balance of flavors that will leave everyone wanting more.

As each bite melts in your mouth, the delicate taste of vanilla pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the powdered sugar, creating an unforgettable experience. Perfect for serving at your next gathering or as a thoughtful gift, this shortbread recipe is sure to impress even the most discerning palates.

Red Velvet Cake

Red Velvet Cake

Looking for a show-stopping dessert to impress your friends and family? Look no further than this indulgent red velvet cake recipe. Not only does it boast an eye-catching crimson hue, but its rich, velvety texture and sweet flavor make it a true crowd-pleaser. Ridiculously moist and creamy, this cake is sure to be the star of any celebration.

To add the finishing touches, a generous dollop of powdered sugar frosting is slathered over the top, creating an irresistible contrast of flavors and textures. But beware: with its irresistible charm, your guests may just find themselves engaged in a fierce battle for the final slice.

Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

Unlocking the flavors of Christmas, these red velvet cinnamon rolls are a delightful twist on the classic treat. By infusing the traditional cinnamon roll with the deep, rich flavor of red velvet cake, you’ll experience a match made in heaven. The vibrant red color and warm spices evoke the spirit of the holiday season, making them perfect for Christmas gatherings.

When you take a bite, the gooey cinnamon filling melds perfectly with the decadent chocolate notes, creating a taste sensation that’s simply divine. To complete this indulgent treat, a generous helping of powdered sugar is used to create a thick and sweet frosting.

Eskimo Cookies

Eskimo Cookies

Gathering festive treats has never been easier with this no-bake Eskimo cookie recipe. This Christmasy dessert is perfect for those who want to save time in the kitchen, as it doesn’t require any baking. By simply mixing together the ingredients and shaping them into desired forms, you can create these adorable cookies that are ready to be enjoyed in just a few hours.

The unique combination of powdered sugar, vanilla extract, oats, and cocoa powder creates a one-of-a-kind sweet taste that is sure to delight both kids and adults alike.

French Toast

French Toast

Making breakfast just got a whole lot more exciting! French toast, a classic dish that’s been around for ages, is about to get a makeover with the addition of powdered sugar. Not only is it surprisingly easy to prepare, but it’s also incredibly versatile, allowing you to get creative with your toppings and fruits.

The recipe we’re using today features a simple yet effective combination of syrup and powdered sugar, which not only adds a visually appealing touch but also brings out the full flavor potential of the dish. And let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a good balance of sweetness and fluffiness in their breakfast?

Cookie Butter Buckeyes

Cookie Butter Buckeyes

Fresh from the oven or straight from the jar, cookie butter buckeyes are a delicious treat to share with loved ones at any gathering. The combination of sweet cookie dough and rich white chocolate is unbeatable, making these bite-sized treats perfect for snacking on the go. You can whip up a batch in no time, as this recipe requires just one bowl and minimal ingredients. Simply mix everything together until smooth, shape into balls, and indulge in the creamy goodness.

Don’t be afraid to get creative with the chocolate drizzle – add sprinkles, nuts, or even edible gold dust for an extra touch of elegance. Go To Recipe

Sugar Cookie Bars

Sugar Cookie Bars

Beneath its deceptively simple powdered sugar exterior lies a recipe that packs a punch. Envision your classic sugar cookies but with a thickness that’s double the usual, giving them a more indulgent feel. Then, picture these chunky treats smothered in an incredibly sweet and creamy vanilla frosting – it’s a match made in heaven. And let’s not forget about the sprinkles, which add a playful touch to this already decadent delight.

The result is a sugar rush waiting to happen, one that will satisfy even the most discerning of sweet tooths.

Mexican Wedding Cookies

Mexican Wedding Cookies

Surpassing your expectations, this traditional Mexican wedding cookie recipe is a true delight. With its perfect combination of textures and flavors, it’s no wonder why you’ll thoroughly enjoy every bite. The cookies have a delightful appearance, making them fun to make, while their taste is simply amazing. What more could we ask for? One of the standout features of this recipe is the unique nutty flavor provided by the inclusion of almonds.

But don’t worry, the vanilla extract and powdered sugar dusting balance out the nuttiness with a touch of incredible sweetness. The result is a cookie that’s both crunchy and smooth, making it a true treat for your taste buds.

Sugar Glaze

Sugar Glaze

Finding yourself in need of a reliable sugar glaze recipe is not uncommon. Fortunately, you’ve come across this powdered sugar glaze recipe from Tastes of Lizzy T, which can be a valuable addition to your culinary arsenal. This simple yet effective frosting can be prepared in just five minutes using only three basic ingredients: powdered sugar, flavored extract, and heavy cream.

Once made, the versatility of this glaze allows it to be used for a variety of purposes, making it an excellent choice for topping cakes, donuts, bread, or strudels.

Cinnamon Rolls

Cinnamon Rolls

When it comes to traditional baked goods, few recipes are as beloved as classic cinnamon rolls. If you’re looking for a tried-and-true recipe that will yield delicious results, this one is an excellent choice. While the ingredient list may seem daunting at first, making cinnamon rolls from scratch is surprisingly straightforward and requires minimal effort. You’ll soon find yourself whipping up batches with ease, thanks to the simplicity of this recipe.

The combination of soft, spiced dough and sweet cinnamon filling is a match made in heaven. Note that while you can make these rolls without powdered sugar, adding it will elevate the cream cheese glaze to new heights, imparting an irresistible sweetness that’s hard to resist. In fact, the powdered sugar plays such a crucial role in achieving the perfect balance of flavors that omitting it might compromise the overall taste experience.

As such, we highly recommend incorporating it into your recipe for the best possible outcome.

No-Bake Margarita Cheesecake Bars

No-Bake Margarita Cheesecake Bars

Hitting the spot for anyone with a sweet tooth, these no-bake margarita cheesecake bars are an absolute must-try! With their refreshing and creamy texture, these dessert bars require minimal ingredients and can be whipped up in just over an hour. What we love most about this recipe is how it expertly balances zesty, sweet, and savory flavors to create a truly addictive taste experience.

Additionally, the crunchy biscuit base adds a delightful textural element that elevates these cake bars to the next level.

Muddy Buddies

Muddy Buddies

Lovely treats known as puppy chow or muddy buddies have become a favorite among kids due to their delicious taste, despite not being the most visually appealing sweets. Typically made with Rice Chex cereal and a combination of melted chocolate and peanut butter, this sweet concoction is then topped with powdered sugar, resulting in an explosion of flavors that make them a hit with children. The combination of these ingredients creates a beautifully sweet snack that’s perfect for any occasion.

Final Thoughts

Final Thoughts
Final Thoughts

Dotted throughout your pantry is a versatile ingredient that has been used in a wide range of different recipes, including various desserts. Many recipes, regardless of their complexity or simplicity, rely heavily on powdered sugar to add sweetness and enhance the overall appearance of the dish. In our latest post, we showcased 13 mouth-watering recipes that incorporate powdered sugar as an essential ingredient.

With a plethora of options at your disposal, you now have the perfect opportunity to repurpose any leftover powdered sugar by choosing one of the recipes from our list. Each recipe has its unique charm, so take your pick and get baking!

Directions

Among the recipes listed, choose one that catches your eye. To explore it further, click on the recipe’s name which will direct you to its corresponding webpage. Once there, collect all the necessary ingredients as per the recipe instructions. And finally, indulge in the culinary delight – don’t forget to share your feedback and leave a review for others to learn from.

Leave a Comment