Turbinado Sugar Substitutions

Flavor: Turbinado has a subtle molasses undertone from its minimal processing, while granulated sugar is pure sweetness. In most recipes, this difference is minor, but in simple cookies or shortbread where sugar flavor matters, the swap produces a slightly less complex result.

Texture: Granulated sugar dissolves much more readily in batters, producing a smoother, more uniform texture. If turbinado was being used as a crunchy topping (sprinkled on muffins or scones before baking), granulated sugar will melt rather than maintaining that sparkly crunch — use sanding sugar instead for that purpose.