Can you bake cookies without baking soda or powder?

Yes, you can bake cookies without baking soda or powder! While they won't have the same light and airy texture, there are a few ways to achieve delicious cookies without relying on leavening agents:

1. Use a Recipe Designed for it:

* Shortbread Cookies: These are traditionally made without baking soda or powder. Their rich, buttery texture comes from the high fat content.

* Meringue Cookies: These cookies are based on egg whites and sugar, which create a light and airy texture through whipping.

2. Adapt Existing Recipes:

* Reduce the Sugar: Less sugar means less volume, leading to a denser cookie.

* Add More Fat: Butter, shortening, or oil can help create a chewy, dense texture.

* Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough allows the gluten to relax, resulting in a more tender cookie.

3. Consider Other Ingredients:

* Cornstarch: A small amount of cornstarch can help create a slightly chewier texture.

* Oatmeal: Oatmeal adds a satisfying chewiness to cookies.

Keep in mind:

* Cookies without leaveners will be denser and chewier than those made with baking soda or powder.

* They may also spread more during baking.

Experiment and find the combinations that best suit your taste!