Does expired baking soda cause cookies to harden quickly?

While expired baking soda doesn't directly cause cookies to harden quickly, it can lead to a few things that indirectly contribute to the hardening process:

* Reduced leavening power: Baking soda relies on chemical reactions to create air bubbles, which give cookies their soft texture. Expired baking soda might have lost some of its potency, resulting in less rise and denser, potentially harder cookies.

* Increased moisture absorption: Over time, baking soda can absorb moisture from the air. This can make the cookie dough drier, which can lead to harder cookies.

* Unbalanced chemical reactions: If the baking soda has degraded significantly, it might not react properly with the acidic ingredients in the cookie recipe. This can lead to uneven leavening and a less consistent texture, which can also make the cookies harder.

However, the hardening of cookies is primarily influenced by:

* Sugar content: Cookies with a higher sugar content tend to stay soft for longer.

* Fat content: Butter and oil help to keep cookies moist and chewy.

* Storage: Cookies stored in an airtight container at room temperature will stay fresh longer than those stored in an open container.

Therefore, while expired baking soda might have a slight impact on cookie texture, it's not the primary cause of rapid hardening. It's more likely a combination of the other factors mentioned above.

To ensure optimal cookie texture:

* Use fresh baking soda.

* Check the expiration date on your baking soda and replace it if it's expired.

* Use the right amount of ingredients and follow the recipe closely.

* Store your cookies properly.