is baking powder bad for cut out sugar cookies

Should I Put baking powder in my cut out sugar cookies?

ByLiz Capozzoli
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If you’ve ever made cut-out sugar cookies that puffed up, lost their shape, or came out looking more like clouds than crisp little shapes, you’re not alone.

One of the most common culprits? Baking powder. But does it actually ruin cut-out sugar cookies? Let’s dig in.

What Baking Powder Does in Cookies

Baking powder is a leavening agent. That means its job is to create lift—making baked goods rise and become lighter and fluffier.

It’s great in cakes, muffins, and soft cookies. But when it comes to cut-out sugar cookies, that rise can be more of a problem.

😬 Why Baking Powder Can Be a Problem

When you’re making cut-out cookies, you usually want cookies that:

  • Hold their shape
  • Have flat, even tops
  • Create a smooth surface for decorating with royal icing

Adding baking powder can cause cookies to:

  • Puff up and spread slightly
  • Lose clean, sharp edges
  • Develop soft, rounded tops (not ideal for decorating)

So you would think it would be best to leave it out, right?

The Case For Baking Powder

Baking powder does have its perks—especially when it comes to texture and taste.

Baking powder helps create a lighter, softer crumb, giving cookies a more tender bite. It adds just enough lift to prevent cookies from feeling too dense or doughy.

Some bakers also find that a touch of baking powder can enhance the overall flavor, adding a subtle airiness that balances sweetness and gives the cookie a more classic, nostalgic feel.

Cookies made without a leavening agent are dense. And while yes, the edges are a bit more defined, you’re sacrificing taste for looks.

To be honest, you can give me the prettiest looking cookie, but if it tastes bad, what good is that?!

So if your priority is a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture, baking powder might still earn a spot in your dough.

💡 Pro Tips for No-Puff Sugar Cookies:

  • Mix it perfectly – do not under mix or over mix!
  • Roll to an even thickness using guide rings or dowels
  • Bake on parchment or silicone mats for consistency
  • Try a recipe designed for decorating (like mine!)

🧁 Final Verdict

Baking powder makes your sugar cookies tastier. As long as you follow the recipe exactly, you can still achieve crisp looking cookies!

CLICK HERE FOR MY GO-TO, NO-PUFF, NO-SPREAD SUGAR COOKIE RECIPE!