Four Tips to Soften Brown Sugar

Nothing is more frustrating than realizing the brown sugar you plan to use for whatever you’re baking is not soft, but hard as a rock instead. Brown sugar, when properly stored, is easy to measure and work with. But improper storage can transform it into a nightmare. With a few simple tips to soften up brown sugar and a couple of storage techniques to consider, you can keep your brown sugar soft and ready to use whenever baking inspiration strikes.

What is Brown Sugar?

Brown sugar adds depth and richness to many recipes. But what exactly is it? Brown sugar is a flavorful combination of granulated white sugar and molasses. The molasses is what gives brown sugar its distinctive flavor and moist texture. The amount of molasses used determines the sugar’s shade and intensity. Light brown sugar boasts a milder taste with a lighter color due to less molasses, while dark brown sugar offers a deeper, caramel-like flavor thanks to its higher molasses content.

Tips for Softening Brown Sugar

Hardened brown sugar can be frustrating, especially when you really want to bake right away. This is a common problem that many come across since brown sugar is not used as regularly as granulated sugar may be. Aside from running to the store to buy a new bag of brown sugar, take a look at these four tips and consider trying out one of these methods to restore your brown sugar.

One: Oven Method

You can use the oven to soften up hardened sugar, but this method does require attention since you can easily burn or melt the sugar if your temperature is too high or you leave the sugar in too long.

Preheat your oven to 250℉.
Place the brown sugar in an oven safe bowl and place into the oven.
Check sugar every few minutes by carefully removing the bowl and breaking up the brown sugar using a heat-resistant silicone spoon. The sugar may be hot so be careful.
Remove from the oven. Sugar is softened when it easily crumbles and feels softer.
Don’t leave the sugar in the oven too long (no longer than 5 minutes at most) or you risk overheating the sugar, burning or melting it.

Two: Microwave Method

Using the microwave to soften up hardened sugar is quick and efficient, but requires attention since it can be easy to burn or melt the sugar.

Place hardened brown sugar into a microwave-safe glass bowl.
Take a damp paper towel and put it over the sugar. You’ll need the moisture to help soften up the brown sugar.
Microwave in small increments, about 10 seconds at a time.
Stir the brown sugar using a heat-resistant silicone spoon to break up chunks and to check for softness.
Do not microwave for too long or you may burn or melt the brown sugar.

Three: Food Processor Method

If you have a lot of brown sugar to soften, or if you need to soften it quickly without worrying about burning or melting the sugar, the food processor method may be best.

Place hardened brown sugar into a food processor.
Pulse the sugar until hardened lumps are broken down.
Use once softened or place the brown sugar back into your container and seal it tightly.

Four: Terracotta Stone Method

Using a stone allows you more control since you cannot burn or melt the sugar while softening it. However, this method is best if you are not planning on using your brown sugar immediately.

Soak a terracotta stone in water for about 20 minutes.
Dry it off a bit so it is just damp versus soaking.
Place the stone into your container and seal it tightly.
The stone will absorb excess moisture, helping to keep the brown sugar soft.

Brown Sugar Storage and Prevention Tips

Hardened brown sugar can be frustrating. For optimal flavor and texture, store brown sugar in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. To keep your brown sugar soft and ready to use, follow these storage and humidity control tips.

Airtight Storage

Choosing the right container to store your brown sugar is key. Look for the following:

Container Type: use a container with a tight-fitting lid to help prevent air from getting into the sugar.
Container Size: avoid oversized containers, as excess air can contribute to hardening the brown sugar.
Container Seal: no matter what type of container you use, make sure that the lid is securely fastened after each use to help prevent moisture from escaping.

Humidity Control

Humidity plays a factor in whether your brown sugar is soft or hard. Consider trying one of these options to keep your sugar soft.

Humidity Packets: use food-safe humidity packets to absorb excess moisture, thus creating an ideal environment for brown sugar.
Clay Stone: a damp terracotta stone can also help regulate humidity levels. Soak the stone in water before placing it in the container.
Marshmallows: a few marshmallows placed into a storage container can also help maintain moisture.

Make Your Own Brown Sugar

If you are unable to soften up your brown and sugar, you can make a brown sugar substitute. For light brown sugar, add in 1 tablespoon of molasses to 1 cup of granulated sugar; for a darker and richer brown sugar, add in more molasses, about 2 tablespoons to 1 cup of sugar. Whether you prefer light or dark brown sugar, either can be used interchangeably.

And while granulated sugar and brown sugar has its rightful place in any recipe, technically you can substitute white sugar in equal parts for brown sugar, if needed. Keep in mind that using all granulated sugar in a recipe that does call for some brown sugar may make your cookies crispier and they may spread more, too, as the molasses in the brown sugar is what helps to make a cookie soft and chewy. The flavor profile of the cookie may be slightly different as well. Check out other baking tips and kitchen skills for more helpful tips.