Rose Sugar is a fragrant, floral treat made simply by blending edible rose petals with a high-quality sugar and then drying the mixture. That’s it. This easy, beautiful recipe adds a touch of elegance to everything. It can be added to teas and lemonades or sprinkled on sugar cookies, cupcakes, and cakes. It’s a natural way to infuse desserts with a delicate rosy flavor and aroma and an enchanting pink hue.
I used petals from my unsprayed rose bush just outside my front door. Make sure the rose petals you use are from roses that haven’t been sprayed with anything like pesticides or even fertilizers. Another consideration is to only use roses that are away from roads that may have dust that contaminates them.
I like rose sugar sprinkled over shortbread cookies and stirred into tea. The subtle flavor is floral without being overwhelming, and the soft blush of pink looks like magic dust. It’s become one of my favorite seasonal kitchen projects. It makes a great gift, too.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Two Ingredients Only: Just rose petals and sugar.
- Beautiful & Practical: Pretty enough to give as a gift, useful enough to keep stocked.
- Versatile: Add to teas, sprinkle on cookies, dust over cakes, or stir into lemonade.
- Customizable: Choose different rose varieties or sugars for unique flavors and colors.
- Naturally Plant-Based: 100% vegan and gluten-free depending on your sugar choice.
- Fast & Easy: The blender and a parchment-lined tray do all the work.
Simple Ingredients in Rose Sugar
Fresh rose petals: Fragrant and pesticide-free petals are the star here. They bring color, aroma, and delicate floral notes.
Good quality sugar: White sugar works best for a pastel look, while raw or organic cane sugar adds warmth and depth. Choose one that matches your recipe needs.
Not all roses are safe to eat. Only use petals from roses grown without pesticides, herbicides, or chemical fertilizers. Organic roses, wild roses, or those from your own untreated garden are best. Always wash and gently dry petals before blending.
How to Prep for This Recipe
Equipment Needed: A food processor or blender, a parchment-lined baking sheet, and an airtight jar for storage.
Make sure petals are completely clean and free of insects or sprays. Pat them dry if freshly rinsed.
How to Make
Place rose petals and sugar in a food processor.
Blend until petals are fully incorporated and sugar is evenly tinted.
Spread mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet in a thin, even layer.
Let dry at room temperature for 12–24 hours, or until no moisture remains.
Transfer to a clean jar and seal tightly.
Tips & Tricks
Use the most fragrant roses you can find for maximum flavor.
The ratio can be adjusted: about 1 cup sugar to ½ cup loosely packed petals works well.
To speed drying, place the tray in a low oven (no higher than 170°F/75°C) with the door cracked open.
Make Your Own Rose Sugar Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup clean fresh rose petals
Instructions
- Place the sugar and rose petals in a food processor and grind until the rose petals are finely chopped and incorporated into the sugar.
- Spread the rose sugar out on a parchment lined baking sheet.
- Place in a warm, dry place to dry for several hours. If needed, use an unheated oven with the convection fan on or a warm oven, no more than 170 degrees F, to dry the sugar.
- Once bone dry, break up any clumps and pour into lidded glass jars.
- These will last for several months in the cupboard. And they make great gifts!
Hello! I’m Lisa, a vegan artist, photographer, author, Vegan Life Coach Educator, and RYT 200 yoga teacher. I love showing others how simple and delicious a plant-based diet can be. I draw and paint, cook, write, take lots of pics, eat lots of chocolate, and practice gratitude daily.