Out of Baking powder, one case
Baking powder substitutes for cookies
5 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Baking soda + cream of tartar
Per 1 tsp baking powder
¼ tsp baking soda + ½ tsp cream of tartar
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.
- Verdict —
- Works
- Best for —
- cookies
One casethe full baking powder card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of 1 tsp baking powder | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Baking soda + cream of tartarcookies | ¼ tsp baking soda + ½ tsp cream of tartarWorks | Works |
| 2 | Self-rising flourcookies | Same amountReplace all-purpose flour + baking powder with self-rising flourWorks | Works |
| 3 | Buttermilk + baking sodacookies | ½ tsp baking soda + ½ cup buttermilkTweak it | Tweak it |
| 4 | Yogurt + baking sodacookies | ½ tsp baking soda + ½ cup yogurtTweak it | Tweak it |
| 5 | Lemon juice + baking sodacookies | ½ tsp baking soda + ½ tsp lemon juiceTweak it | Tweak it |
Baking soda + cream of tartar
similar taste and texture
Combination of baking soda and cream of tartar that replicates baking powder's leavening action. Good for most cookie recipes.
- Best for
- cookies, when you want same leavening, most cookie recipes, chocolate chip cookies
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
similar taste and texture
Pre-mixed flour that contains baking powder and salt. Convenient substitute when making cookies.
- Best for
- cookies, when you want convenience, quick cookie recipes, when you're using flour
Self-rising flour contains baking powder and salt, so reduce or eliminate these ingredients in your cookie recipe.
Buttermilk + baking soda
different taste, similar texture
Acidic liquid combined with baking soda that provides leavening action. Good for when you want additional moisture in cookies.
- Best for
- cookies, when you want moisture, soft cookies, when you have buttermilk
This combination provides leavening and adds moisture to your cookie dough. Adjust other liquid ingredients accordingly.
Yogurt + baking soda
different taste, similar texture
Acidic dairy product combined with baking soda that provides leavening action. Good for when you want additional moisture in cookies.
- Best for
- cookies, when you want moisture, soft cookies, when you have yogurt
This combination provides leavening and adds moisture to your cookie dough. Adjust other liquid ingredients accordingly.
Lemon juice + baking soda
different taste, similar texture
Acidic liquid combined with baking soda that provides leavening action. Good for when you want minimal additional ingredients in cookies.
- Best for
- cookies, when you want minimal ingredients, most cookie recipes, when you have lemon juice
This combination provides leavening with minimal additional ingredients. The lemon juice adds a slight tangy flavor to cookies.
How it behaves in this recipe
For cookies, baking powder substitutes must provide the leavening action that makes cookies rise and have proper texture. The recommended substitutes work because they can create the necessary rise and texture in cookie dough.
Tips for substituting baking powder
7 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
Notes on baking powder
- Use baking soda + cream of tartar for most similar results
- Use self-rising flour for convenience
- Use buttermilk + baking soda for additional moisture
- Use yogurt + baking soda for additional moisture
Questions
5 questionsWhat'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 ¼ teaspoon baking soda + ½ 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 ½ teaspoon baking soda + ½ 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.