Decorative sugar, like sanding sugar or nonpareils, can be applied to cookies before or after baking, depending on the desired effect and type of sugar. The key is to ensure the sugar adheres properly.
Here's a breakdown of how to apply decorative sugar to cookies:
Before Baking:
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Ensure a Smooth, Slightly Moist Surface: The key is to provide a surface the sugar can grip. If your cookie dough is dry, the sugar may not stick well. Some cookie doughs naturally have enough moisture.
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Apply Sugar: There are several ways to apply the sugar:
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Sprinkling: Sprinkle the sugar evenly over the surface of the unbaked cookies. This works well for sanding sugar and larger sugar crystals.
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Dipping: Gently dip the tops of the unbaked cookies into a shallow dish of sugar. This provides a more uniform coating.
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Lightly Press (Optional): Gently press the sugar into the cookie dough to ensure good adhesion.
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Bake as Directed: Bake the cookies according to your recipe's instructions. The sugar will bake onto the cookies, creating a sparkly, textured finish.
Tips for Best Results:
- Use a Smooth-Topped Cookie: Cookies with a smooth, flat surface are ideal for applying decorative sugar. This provides a consistent surface for the sugar to adhere to.
- Don't Overbake: Overbaking can cause the sugar to melt and become sticky or even burn.
- Type of Sugar Matters: Sanding sugar, with its larger crystals, holds up well to baking. Nonpareils (the tiny round sprinkles) can sometimes lose their color if baked for too long at high temperatures.
