How to Make Cookies Without Baking Soda

You want to make a batch of chewy cookies. The eggs and butter are at room temperature. You bought our Test Kitchen’s recommended brand of chocolate chips. But when you reach into the pantry, you’re missing one key ingredient.

It won’t take long to learn how to make cookies without baking soda. Thanks to good ol’ science, all it takes is a quick swap.

Pro Tip: Despite its name, baking soda isn’t just for baking. It also makes an effective shampoo substitute, a refreshing face mask and can help clean almost every part of your home.

Baking Soda vs. Baking Powder

Though baking soda and baking powder look and feel nearly identical, there are some major differences between the two.

Baking soda is used in baking as a leavening agent. Remember that volcano science experiment from when you were a kid? The one where you added vinegar to baking soda and caused an eruption? When baking soda is combined with an acid, such as vinegar, buttermilk or lemon juice, it gives your baked goods the same lift.

Baking powder is a mixture of baking soda and cream of tartar. Because baking powder has the acid built in, it works in recipes that don’t otherwise contain acidic ingredients. Plus, most baking powders are “double-acting.” This means that rising can occur as soon as the baking powder gets wet, and then again when it comes in contact with heat (when it’s baked).

How to Replace Baking Soda

The switcheroo is simple. If you’re fresh out of baking soda, just replace the amount of baking soda with four times the amount of double-acting baking powder (2 tsp. baking powder for every 1/2 tsp. baking soda).

Yes, really—baking soda has four times the leavening power of baking powder.

Pro Tip: There is sometimes a bit of salt in baking powder. Because of this, you can omit any salt the recipe calls for when you’re making this substitution.

Next time you’re out of baking soda, have no fear! Its baking cousin can save the day.

Bake Our Best Cookies Ever

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My take on the classic cookie is inspired by a bakery in California called Hungry Bear. It's big, thick and chewy—truly the best chocolate chip cookie recipe. —Irene Yeh, Mequon, Wisconsin

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Baking peanut butter kiss cookies to share doesn't get much easier than this. Stir together four ingredients. Bake. Top with a kiss. Done! Your family will love this Hershey's peanut butter blossom cookie recipe. —Dee Davis, Sun City, Arizona

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These sprinkle cookies take some time, but, believe me, they are well worth it! My husband and I used to operate an Italian-American restaurant, and this recipe goes back generations. —Gloria Cracchiolo, Newburgh, New York

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The post How to Make Cookies Without Baking Soda appeared first on Taste of Home.

Ceara Milligan