Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe Without Baking Soda

Thick centers, crisp edges and a moist crumb these chewy chocolate chip cookies are just as addictive as their chemically leavened counterparts.  Soft and rich, this cookie recipe without baking soda or powder will still be a raving success!  No chilling needed either if you’re in a bind!

It’s all happened to us before.  We get the great idea to make a fresh batch of homemade cookies because <<insert reason here>> (i.e. you forgot about (those kids/dad) dropping by, your coffee will get lonely or just because it’s “just one of dem days”).  You open your pantry to find out you’re clean out of baking soda and powder (or maybe you just never had any to begin with??).  You still want/need those cookies.  And guess what?!  You still can!

I made several versions of this cookie recipe and I must say I’m very happy with this one.  It’s my speedy cookie recipe because there is no need to chill the dough either!  So you can whip up a batch of these and pop them in the oven in record time.  How’s that for satisfying a homemade cookie craving??

Why do cookies need baking soda or baking powder?

Cookies benefit from baking soda and/or baking powder because these leavening agents produce carbon dioxide to help create lift and a thick center.  It is possible to create a soft thick cookie even without leaveners.  Luckily, unlike cakes we don’t usually require a light fluffy texture in cookies and instead enjoy a moist, rich and soft texture.     

What happens if you don’t use baking soda in cookies?

I will point out that a cookie does benefit from an added leavener vs. without it (when all other things are equal) because of the added carbon dioxide.  A cookie recipe without baking soda or powder will be denser but will have a soft, moist crumb reminiscent of a brownie.  I do want to say that even with baking soda or baking powder, a cookie can still fall completely flat without some key cookie techniques.  Want to find out how to foolproof cookies??  Keep reading!

The secret to a thick soft cookie recipe without baking soda (or powder)

The secret to making a thick cookie is a bigger flour to butter ratio, aerated butter, cornstarch and rolling the cookie dough into balls before baking.  It’s important to know how much flour needs to be added to the dough to balance out the butter and avoid over-spreading thin cookies (although there is an appeal to those too).  Also, not too much flour that you end up with dense dough balls.

Aerated butter will make up the lift in the absence of leaveners in the form of steam.  Rolling the dough into balls before baking will help prevent more spread in the oven. Lastly, swapping out some flour and adding cornstarch also helps the cookie structure to stay thick.  You can also omit the cornstarch if you don’t have any, the cookies will still bake up thick.  

Why this cookie recipe without baking soda works

This recipe uses cookie science concepts to make beautiful thick and soft cookies.  Honestly, the crumb was just as delicious, I just gobbled up 2-3 cookies in one sitting without shame.

A well-aerated dough (cool butter and white sugar)

This is crucial to making sure your cookies have some lift and a soft crumb.  Or else you might end up with a cross between a brownie and cookie – a brookie?  Or worse a flat greasy mess.  

Remember, the point of baking soda or baking powder is to introduce lift in the form of carbon dioxide in the cookie.  A cookie without it will still puff as long as you properly cream your butter and sugar.  Creaming incorporates countless tiny pockets of air which will expand during baking in the form of steam.  

The key to successful creaming?  Cool butter.  Butter at room temperature is still cold to the touch, has some give but is never squishy.  Why?  Because overly soft butter can’t hold air.  So if your room temperature butter is smooth enough to spread over your bread, it’s too warm.   This recipe includes white sugar which helps keep those air bubbles intact.  Cream your butter and sugar till it changes lighter in color.

Brown sugar

Unlike white sugar that will add air to our batter, brown sugar will add moisture and chew to our cookies instead by trapping the steam.  This is why this recipe has both.   It also speeds up gluten development so our cookies stay thick and tender.

Eggs

This recipe requires one egg yolk and one egg.  This is for extra protein coagulation (fancy word for runny eggs going solid) giving the cookies more structure.  So when the air pockets expand the eggs solidify and preserve the cookie’s crumb.  The extra yolk also adds richness and chewy cookies.  Note:  I did try with 2 whole eggs but found the batter was too moist and the cookies spread too much and didn’t stay thick.

Flour

This recipe has enough flour to soak up the liquid so we can skip chilling altogether and preserve those lovely air pockets.

How to make chocolate chip cookies without baking soda (or powder): step by step instructions

The instructions are exactly the same as making any cookies.  This recipe was inspired by Sally’s giant chocolate chip cookie recipe!

• Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C).  Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.

Combine Dry ingredients

• Add flour, salt and cornstarch.  Whisk to combine

Combine Wet Ingredients

• Using a handheld whisk or stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine butter and sugar and beat on medium-high until lighter in color, homogenous and no sugar clumps.  About 2-3 minutes.  Scrape down the sides and up the bottom of the bowl as needed.
• Add the egg, egg yolk and vanilla extract.  Whisk another 1-2 minutes.  Batter should be lighter and creamy.

Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients

• Add the flour in two rounds, mixing gently by hand with a spatula until just combined.  Don’t overmix!
• Stir in the chopped chocolate (or chocolate chips), reserving a handful to place on the tops of the cookies after baking.

Roll and Bake

• The cookie dough should resemble soft playdough.  Using your hands roll them into balls about 1.5 Tbsps (45 g) each. The dough shouldn’t be too sticky that you can’t handle it.
• Place cookie balls about 2 inches apart.  Bake for 9-12 minutes or until the edges are slightly brown but the centers are still soft and underbaked.  Place some extra chocolate chunks/chips on top of the cookies for looks (optional).
• Cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes and then transfer to a wire rack.
• Cookies stay fresh in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

Expert Tips for Successful Cookies Without Baking Soda

Follow these key success tips to make sure your chocolate chip cookie recipe without baking soda or powder is a success. Your cookie technique is even more crucial since you have no leavener to fall back on.

Cool butter at room temperature

Make sure your butter is cool when warmed to room temperature.  It should be around 65°F (18°C).  When pressing down with your finger, there should be some give but still feel pretty solid.  If it’s squishy like playdough, it’s too soft and won’t aerate as well which would mean dense cookies.

Whip your butter and sugar till it lightens in color

Creaming your butter and sugar enough is more important than ever since we use no baking soda or baking powder.  Always cream for 2-3 minutes if not longer.  The butter and sugars should change to a paler yellow and look creamy due to the air we’ve whipped into it. 

Measure your flour properly

Make sure you measure your flour using the scoop and spoon method. Fluff your flour with a fork so it’s not packed. Then using a spoon, scoop the flour into your measuring cup. Scrape off the excess off the top with the back of a butter knife. Never scoop flour directly out of the container/bag with your measuring cup. It will always add more flour than you need since it’s densely packed. The most foolproof way is to weigh your flour – if you can.

Don’t over bake your cookies

Always take out your cookies when it’s still soft in the middle.  If you take them out when they look fully cooked, chances are they are overbaked and will be hard.  They will continue to cook on the pan when you remove them. 

Dark pans for more browning

I feel chocolate chip cookies benefit with a bit more color, so I prefer to use a darker pan.  I won’t recommend these for sugar cookies though.  Keep with a light pan if you wish.  It’s your personal preference!

Use silicone mats or parchment paper

Always line your baking sheets with silicone mats or parchment paper for even cooking.  Parchment paper will brown your cookies more.

Keep your cookies at 1.5 Tbsp (no more)

Since there are no leaveners, I won’t recommend making your cookies larger than 45 g.  Anything larger runs the risk of a denser cookie since the steam won’t last long enough for a larger cookie to cook.

Dough should resemble soft playdough

The cookie dough should be soft but dry enough to work with.  If it’s too sticky and soft, add 1-2 tablespoons more of flour but no more (or else you’ll end up with dense cookies).

Substitutions/Variations

Baking Soda/Baking Powder

I know this recipe is without chemical leaveners but it works beautifully with some baking soda!  The acidic ingredients (i.e. brown sugar) work with 1 tsp of baking soda.  You could also use 1 tsp of baking powder as well.

Chocolate

Use chopped chocolate or chocolate chips.  Make sure it’s semi sweet.

Cornstarch

The cornstarch ensures the cookies bake up thick and soft.  You can also omit this if you want.  Cookies are still pretty thick and soft.

Salt

I love the taste of salt in chocolate chip cookies and so I use a full tsp.  If you want to pare down the saltiness, use ½ a tsp instead.

Storing Tips

Cookies stay fresh up to 5 days (if they can last that long) in an airtight container.  Keep it in the fridge for a week and let it warm up to room temperature before eating.  

Freeze cookie dough in balls for up to 2 months.  Leave them on the counter for 15 minutes before baking.  

Freeze baked cookies in your freezer for up to 2 months and place on the counter to defrost for 15 minutes.  Microwave on high for 30-45 seconds.
Love cookies?  Try my delicious matcha cookies!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)