Best Baking Powder Substitutes for Cookies: Complete Guide
Find the best substitutes for baking powder in cookies. Learn proper ratios, techniques, and tips for perfect cookie texture.
Quick Answer
For cookies, the best baking powder substitutes are Baking Soda + Cream of Tartar (1:1), Self-Rising Flour (1:1), or Buttermilk + Baking Soda (1:1). Each provides the leavening needed for proper cookie texture.
Best Substitutes
Baking Soda + Cream of Tartar
1:1 (1 tsp baking powder = 1/4 tsp baking soda + 1/2 tsp cream of tartar)Combination of baking soda and cream of tartar that replicates baking powder's leavening action. Perfect for most cookie recipes.
Best for:
Mix the baking soda and cream of tartar together before adding to your cookie dough. This combination provides the same leavening action as baking powder.
Self-Rising Flour
1:1 (replace all-purpose flour + baking powder with self-rising flour)Pre-mixed flour that contains baking powder and salt. Convenient substitute when making cookies.
Best for:
Self-rising flour contains baking powder and salt, so reduce or eliminate these ingredients in your cookie recipe.
Buttermilk + Baking Soda
1:1 (1 tsp baking powder = 1/2 tsp baking soda + 1/2 cup buttermilk)Acidic liquid combined with baking soda that provides leavening action. Good for when you want additional moisture in cookies.
Best for:
This combination provides leavening and adds moisture to your cookie dough. Adjust other liquid ingredients accordingly.
Yogurt + Baking Soda
1:1 (1 tsp baking powder = 1/2 tsp baking soda + 1/2 cup yogurt)Acidic dairy product combined with baking soda that provides leavening action. Good for when you want additional moisture in cookies.
Best for:
This combination provides leavening and adds moisture to your cookie dough. Adjust other liquid ingredients accordingly.
Lemon Juice + Baking Soda
1:1 (1 tsp baking powder = 1/2 tsp baking soda + 1/2 tsp lemon juice)Acidic liquid combined with baking soda that provides leavening action. Good for when you want minimal additional ingredients in cookies.
Best for:
This combination provides leavening with minimal additional ingredients. The lemon juice adds a slight tangy flavor to cookies.
Cooking Tips
- 💡Baking powder is essential for proper cookie texture as it provides the leavening action
- 💡Mix dry ingredients thoroughly before adding wet ingredients for even distribution
- 💡Don't overmix cookie dough - mix just until ingredients are combined
- 💡Chill cookie dough for 30 minutes before baking for better texture
- 💡Bake cookies on the middle rack of the oven for even cooking
- 💡Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 2-3 minutes before transferring to a wire rack
- 💡Store cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best baking powder substitute for cookies?
Baking soda + cream of tartar works best for cookies as it provides the same leavening action as baking powder. Use 1/4 teaspoon baking soda + 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar per teaspoon of baking powder.
Can I use self-rising flour instead of baking powder in cookies?
Yes, self-rising flour contains baking powder and salt. When using it, reduce or eliminate these ingredients from your cookie recipe.
Why do cookies need baking powder?
Baking powder provides the leavening action that makes cookies rise and have proper texture. Without it, cookies would be dense and flat.
Can I use buttermilk instead of baking powder in cookies?
Yes, but you need to add baking soda. Use 1/2 teaspoon baking soda + 1/2 cup buttermilk per teaspoon of baking powder.
How do I make cookies without baking powder?
Use baking soda + cream of tartar, or self-rising flour. Make sure to mix the dough gently and chill it before baking for best results.
Summary
Find the best substitutes for baking powder in cookies. Learn proper ratios, techniques, and tips for perfect cookie texture.