How to soften brown sugar, make your own in minutes: Video

Brown sugar shouldn't be solid, but it happens. You haven't used it in a while, and it lost some moisture. So when you pull it out of your cupboard to make cookies, you realize you have something closer to Lego than soft, sweet granules. 

Before you rush to the store to get a fresh bag, try restoring what you already have. Or, if you find you don't have any brown sugar at all, make your own.

Watch this video to learn how to salvage brown sugar.

Soften brown sugar

An easy method for softening it is to zap it in the microwave. Put the brown sugar in a microwave-safe bowl and cover it with a damp paper towel. Microwave it in 30-second bursts, breaking up the sugar in between until it reaches its normal, fluffy consistency. 

If you have more time, add a slice of bread will do the trick. Break up any big chunks of sugar and lay the bread slice on top, then seal it in an airtight container for about a day. The brown sugar will absorb moisture from the bread, making it soft again. If it needs more time, replace the bread with a fresh slice and let it sit again. This method might not be the best if you or someone in your home has a gluten allergy or intolerance, as the bread can introduce gluten into the sugar.

To prevent it from hardening altogether, use a terracotta brown sugar keeper to keep the brown sugar moist and fluffy. Just remember to resoak the terracotta disc every so often. You may also be able to find containers with a slot in the lid designed to hold the terracotta disc.

Shop top-rated related products:  

• Rotating fridge organizer: Non-Skid Turntable Organizer 
• Self-adhesive paper towel holder: Dr. Catch Under Cabinet Paper Towel Holder 
• Space-saving organization: HuggieGems 4-Pack Magnetic Spice Storage Rack Organizer 
• Best under-sink mat: Forwos Waterproof Under-Sink Mat 
• Top-rated pull-out under-sink organizer: Sevenblue 3-Pack Under-Sink Organizer 
• Customer-favorite: Landneoo Stackable Water Bottle Organizer Holder 
• Popular cabinet organizer: Deco Brothers Expandable 3-Tier Spice Rack 
• Fridge organizer for eggs: YouCopia RollDown Egg Dispenser 
• Deli containers: DuraHome Food Storage Containers with Lids 

Make brown sugar 

Did you know you can make brown sugar? It's incredibly easy and can be a more cost-effective option for some. This method works for light brown sugar and dark brown sugar. The two are basically the same, except one has more molasses than the other.  

Watch this video for a step-by-step guide to making brown sugar.

To make light brown sugar, you need:

• 1 cup granulated white sugar.
• 1 teaspoon molasses.

Combine the two ingredients in a food processor or blender. If dark brown sugar is what you need, add more molasses and blend until combined.