{"id":5965,"date":"2023-05-26T17:01:17","date_gmt":"2023-05-26T17:01:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sweethaus.com\/?p=5965"},"modified":"2023-11-15T17:24:22","modified_gmt":"2023-11-15T17:24:22","slug":"what-does-baking-soda-do-in-cookies","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sweethaus.com\/what-does-baking-soda-do-in-cookies\/","title":{"rendered":"What Does Baking Soda Do In Cookies?"},"content":{"rendered":"<style>img#mv-trellis-img-1::before{padding-top:66.69921875%; }img#mv-trellis-img-1{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-2::before{padding-top:66.69921875%; }img#mv-trellis-img-2{display:block;}<\/style>\n<p>In many cookie recipes, you may well see baking soda listed as an ingredient. It may only be a teaspoon but you really should include it in your mix. <\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/sweethaus.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/What-Does-Baking-Soda-Do-In-Cookies-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"What Does Baking Soda Do In Cookies\" class=\"wp-image-5970\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sweethaus.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/What-Does-Baking-Soda-Do-In-Cookies-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/sweethaus.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/What-Does-Baking-Soda-Do-In-Cookies-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/sweethaus.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/What-Does-Baking-Soda-Do-In-Cookies-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/sweethaus.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/What-Does-Baking-Soda-Do-In-Cookies-960x640.jpg 960w, https:\/\/sweethaus.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/What-Does-Baking-Soda-Do-In-Cookies-1080x720.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/sweethaus.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/What-Does-Baking-Soda-Do-In-Cookies.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 40px), 728px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201024%20683'%3E%3Crect%20width='1024'%20height='683'%20style='fill:%23e3e3e3'\/%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" alt=\"What Does Baking Soda Do In Cookies\" class=\"wp-image-5970 lazyload\" sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 40px), 728px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/sweethaus.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/What-Does-Baking-Soda-Do-In-Cookies.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-1\" data-src=\"https:\/\/sweethaus.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/What-Does-Baking-Soda-Do-In-Cookies-1024x683.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/sweethaus.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/What-Does-Baking-Soda-Do-In-Cookies-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/sweethaus.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/What-Does-Baking-Soda-Do-In-Cookies-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/sweethaus.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/What-Does-Baking-Soda-Do-In-Cookies-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/sweethaus.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/What-Does-Baking-Soda-Do-In-Cookies-960x640.jpg 960w, https:\/\/sweethaus.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/What-Does-Baking-Soda-Do-In-Cookies-1080x720.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/sweethaus.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/What-Does-Baking-Soda-Do-In-Cookies.jpg 1200w\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>There is a certain science that relates to why baking soda is included. You may even want to alter the mix a tiny bit to get more of a reaction. That&rsquo;s as long as you know why you are using it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In this guide, we will ask; what does baking soda do in cookies? We will look at why creaming butter and sugar is essential in cookie mixes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Also, we will look at the other function of baking soda in cookie mixes, the history of baking soda as an ingredient, and its other uses.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-left\"><strong>What Does Baking Soda Do In Cookies?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>On a fundamental level, baking soda acts as a leavening agent in a range of desserts. With cake batter, you may use baking soda if your mix includes yogurt, coffee, and buttermilk. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>These are acidic liquids yet you should get the batter in a preheated oven quickly. The reaction with baking soda begins almost immediately so if you want an airy product, time is of the essence.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It&rsquo;s a different story with cookies as the acidity comes from decidedly dry ingredients. That could be natural cocoa powder or brown sugar so pay attention to the list of ingredients. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The recipe will include various elements to consider that chemical reaction. You may also be advised to chill the dough and that&rsquo;s because the mixture will keep well when chilled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The acidic and alkaline elements will fail to combine until the butter has melted. Until you expose the cookies to heat in the oven, the reaction cannot begin. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Yet as soon as that butter turns into liquid, the carbon dioxide will filter through the dough. Effectively, the cookie dough will be held aloft as those air cells expand.&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.pinterest.com.au\/pin\/296745062959098380\/\"><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Unless there are already air cells trapped in the dough, you may not get that desired effect. As the cookies set after baking, you should see a cracked surface. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This is where the carbon dioxide bubbles have burst and then been preserved.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-left\"><strong>Why You Need To Cream Butter And Sugar In Cookie Mixes&nbsp;<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>To create those bubbles of air, the recipe should insist that you cream the butter and sugar. You can do this by hand with a wooden spoon yet it can be done quicker with an electric mixer. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Work quickly and the mixture will become light and fluffy as those tiny pockets of air are contained in the dough. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Even coarse ingredients like rolled oats can effectively smuggle in some air into the mix, hence their inclusion as an ingredient.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-left\"><strong>The Other Function Of Baking Soda In Baking Recipes<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/sweethaus.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/What-Does-Baking-Soda-Do-In-Cookies-1-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"What Does Baking Soda Do In Cookies \" class=\"wp-image-5972\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sweethaus.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/What-Does-Baking-Soda-Do-In-Cookies-1-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/sweethaus.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/What-Does-Baking-Soda-Do-In-Cookies-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/sweethaus.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/What-Does-Baking-Soda-Do-In-Cookies-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/sweethaus.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/What-Does-Baking-Soda-Do-In-Cookies-1-960x640.jpg 960w, https:\/\/sweethaus.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/What-Does-Baking-Soda-Do-In-Cookies-1-1080x720.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/sweethaus.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/What-Does-Baking-Soda-Do-In-Cookies-1.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 40px), 728px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201024%20683'%3E%3Crect%20width='1024'%20height='683'%20style='fill:%23e3e3e3'\/%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" alt=\"What Does Baking Soda Do In Cookies \" class=\"wp-image-5972 lazyload\" sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 40px), 728px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/sweethaus.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/What-Does-Baking-Soda-Do-In-Cookies-1.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-2\" data-src=\"https:\/\/sweethaus.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/What-Does-Baking-Soda-Do-In-Cookies-1-1024x683.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/sweethaus.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/What-Does-Baking-Soda-Do-In-Cookies-1-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/sweethaus.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/What-Does-Baking-Soda-Do-In-Cookies-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/sweethaus.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/What-Does-Baking-Soda-Do-In-Cookies-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/sweethaus.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/What-Does-Baking-Soda-Do-In-Cookies-1-960x640.jpg 960w, https:\/\/sweethaus.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/What-Does-Baking-Soda-Do-In-Cookies-1-1080x720.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/sweethaus.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/What-Does-Baking-Soda-Do-In-Cookies-1.jpg 1200w\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>While baking soda is predominantly used as a leavening agent in baking recipes, it has another function too. Its inclusion in the mixture will raise the pH which is really important. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As the dough becomes more alkaline, you can expect protein coagulation to slow down so the dough can spread out before those beaten eggs can set. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For cookies, that means you will have to spread out the cookie dough balls on the baking sheet as they will expand.<a href=\"https:\/\/www.pinterest.com.au\/pin\/417216352991527429\/\"><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Baking soda will also encourage a uniform thickness of the final dough, from the center to the very edge. The cookies will bake evenly and the alkaline mix will work to weaken the gluten. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>That will create tender, soft cookies and help those crucial colors and deep flavors to develop quicker. This final feature is known as the Maillard reaction and can be a crucial element in creating cookies.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-left\"><strong>The History Of Baking Soda As An Ingredient<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The ingredient is added to create air bubbles in baking goods and has been commonly available since the mid-19th century. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>That&rsquo;s when Arm &amp; Hammer began selling pure sodium bicarbonate and the company became increasingly popular. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Instead of turning towards biological leavening, as seen in cakes and yeasted breads, many turned to chemical leavening. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>That&rsquo;s why many home cooks decided to use baking soda for their muffins, quick breads, and cookies as it worked quicker.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-left\"><strong>The Other Uses Of Baking Soda<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>As sodium bicarbonate, you may also have used baking soda in a few science experiments. When combined with vinegar, baking soda produces an explosive chemical reaction. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you have ever wanted to replicate the sight of an exploding volcano then you would be advised to mix vinegar and baking soda. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>That&rsquo;s because the two components are opposites; the acidic vinegar reacts with the alkaline baking soda to produce carbon dioxide and water.&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.pinterest.com.au\/pin\/358951032774531350\/\"><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-left\"><strong>Final Thoughts<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you are wondering why baking soda is included in a recipe and not baking powder then it is down to science. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Baking soda works on a much more powerful level, even if you only include a teaspoon. For Snickerdoodles and Gingersnaps, it becomes an essential ingredient. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Not only will the surface be cracked but the chemical properties will help the actual baking of the cookies.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-left\"><strong>Frequently Asked Questions<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-left\"><strong>What Are The Consequences Of Not Adding Baking Soda If It Is Specified In A List Of Ingredients?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>There are particular reasons why baking soda will be included in a list of ingredients. Not just as a leavening agent but also to help the mixture spread out and create soft cookies. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Without baking soda, you can expect decidedly dense cookies. That&rsquo;s because there is a limited chemical reaction to introduce gas bubbles to help the cookies rise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>How Else Can You Create Chewy Cookies?&nbsp;<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>With just an hour in the refrigerator, you can drastically change the composition of your cookies. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Once you have created a smooth ball of cookie dough, wrap it in plastic wrap, and leave it in the refrigerator. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Give it an hour and some of the water will evaporate to create a distinct chewiness. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The sugar content will also increase so they may even taste sweeter than you may expect.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed aligncenter is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<div class=\"container-lazyload preview-lazyload container-youtube js-lazyload--not-loaded\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=ByNlGBo3ybk\" class=\"lazy-load-youtube preview-lazyload preview-youtube\" data-video-title=\"What happens if you make cookies without baking soda?\" title='Play video \"What happens if you make cookies without baking soda?\"'>https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=ByNlGBo3ybk<\/a><noscript>Video can&rsquo;t be loaded because JavaScript is disabled: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=ByNlGBo3ybk\" title=\"What happens if you make cookies without baking soda?\">What happens if you make cookies without baking soda? (https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=ByNlGBo3ybk)<\/a><\/noscript><\/div>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>In many cookie recipes, you may well see baking soda listed as an ingredient. It may only be a teaspoon but you really should include it in your mix. There is a certain science that relates to why baking soda is included. You may even want to alter the mix a tiny bit to get &hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":5970,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"disable-in-feed":false,"article-schema-type":"","disable-critical-css":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[7],"tags":[],"mv":{"thumbnail_id":5970,"thumbnail_uri":"https:\/\/sweethaus.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/What-Does-Baking-Soda-Do-In-Cookies-300x200.jpg"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/sweethaus.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5965"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/sweethaus.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/sweethaus.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sweethaus.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sweethaus.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5965"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/sweethaus.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5965\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5975,"href":"https:\/\/sweethaus.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5965\/revisions\/5975"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sweethaus.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/5970"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/sweethaus.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5965"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sweethaus.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5965"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sweethaus.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5965"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}