So, I ran into a bit of a baking mishap last weekend. I was all set to bake my famous chocolate chip cookies when I realized I was completely out of baking soda! I ended up trying some random advice from a friend who suggested using extra baking powder instead, but it didn’t quite turn out as I hoped.
Has anyone else ever faced this? What do you use as an alternative for baking soda when you’re in a pinch? Any tried and tested substitutes that won’t mess up my cookies?
There won’t be an alternative. To be more precise, browning and a host of other factors are impacted by the fundamental PH level of baking soda. Try a different recipe that might not call for baking soda.
I’ve definitely been in that situation before! When you’re out of baking soda, baking powder is a common substitute, but since baking powder is less potent than baking soda, you need to use more of it. However, it sounds like your cookies didn’t turn out as expected, which can happen due to the differences in how these leavening agents work.
Here are a few alternatives you can try:
Baking Powder: If you use baking powder, you’ll need about 3 times the amount of baking powder compared to baking soda. For example, if a recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of baking soda, use 3 teaspoons of baking powder. Make sure to adjust the amount of other acidic ingredients (like buttermilk or yogurt) in your recipe, as baking powder already contains an acid.
Cream of Tartar: You can combine 1.5 teaspoons of cream of tartar with 0.5 teaspoons of baking soda to replace 1 teaspoon of baking soda.
Buttermilk or Yogurt: These acidic dairy products can react with baking powder. You can use 1/2 cup of buttermilk or yogurt plus 1/4 teaspoon of baking powder for each teaspoon of baking soda.
Self-Rising Flour: If you have self-rising flour, you can use it as a substitute. Just remember that self-rising flour already contains baking powder and salt, so you’ll need to adjust the amounts of these ingredients in your recipe.
Hope this helps, and that your next batch of cookies turns out perfectly!