A sugar spoon is a piece of formal silverware or flatware that is typically a part of a tea or coffee service. It is a spoon similar to a common teaspoon, though it usually has a somewhat deeper bowl and can often have a squared shape or fluted edges. This spoon is specifically designed for use in spooning granulated sugar into a container, often a cup with tea or coffee, and the shape of the spoon is meant to accommodate a decent amount of sugar and make sprinkling the sugar out of the spoon easier. A powdered sugar spoon can also be found, though this is not necessarily a true spoon and is instead typically a utensil designed to more effectively sprinkle powdered sugar.
One of the most common shapes for a sugar spoon is one with fluted edges and an overall shape similar to a seashell. These types of spoons are often referred to as sugar shells or sugar shell spoons. The shape of the spoon separates the sugar on the spoon, making it easier to only get part of the sugar off the spoon. This allows better control over the sugar, so someone using a sugar spoon to scoop sugar into coffee or tea can limit the amount.
While a sugar spoon can potentially be used to scoop sugar for cooking or baking, this is not frequently the use for such a spoon. Baking often involves precise measurements, and so specific types of measuring spoons are used to ensure proper measuring. A sugar spoon will often be included as part of a silverware or flatware set, though it is not quite as common as it once was. The use of a sugar spoon is typically considered a fairly formal act, yet its use can be rather pragmatic since it allows one spoon to be used for sugar and then guests can use their own spoons for stirring hot beverages.
There is also a kitchen utensil sometimes referred to as a powdered sugar spoon, which is used to more easily distribute powdered sugar into a dish. This type of spoon typically consists of a handle with a rounded bowl at the end, and the bowl is made of wire mesh rather than a solid surface. Powdered sugar, also called confectioner’s sugar or frosting sugar, can then be scooped into the mesh bowl and by gently shaking the handle the sugar passes through. This allows the sugar to be strained to prevent clumping and to evenly distribute the sugar over an area for finishing a prepared dessert.