For a gathering I am hosting shortly, I neglected to bring the cream of tartar with the Snickerdoodle cookies, This is what distinguishes a Snickerdoodle, and I feel ridiculous for having overlooked it!
To make up for it, I have to add something mildly tart. Do you think anyone would notice if I added frosting?
No worries!
It’s easy to overlook an ingredient, especially when you’re busy preparing for a gathering.
For Snickerdoodles, cream of tartar.) gives them their signature tangy flavor.
If you don’t have it, you can use a substitute to achieve a similar taste.
Here are a few alternatives you can try:
Lemon Juice or Vinegar: Use 1 teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar for every 1 teaspoon of cream of tartar. This will give your cookies the tanginess they need.
Baking Powder: Replace both the cream of tartar and baking soda with baking powder. Use 2 teaspoons of baking powder for every 1 teaspoon of cream of tartar and 1 teaspoon of baking soda.
Adding frosting might change the texture and overall flavor of the cookies, making them sweeter rather than giving them the slight tang that cream of tartar provides.
If you want to stick closer to the traditional taste, using one of the substitutes mentioned above would be a better option.
Do you have any of these substitutes on hand?
Cream of tartar doesn’t add a tanginess, IME. It’s to do with the chemistry of the cookie and impacts the texture in the final product. If the texture is OK, I wouldn’t worry about it.
Forgot cream of tartar in your Snickerdoodles? No worries!
Focus on the yummy extras and enjoy your gathering!
Although some claim it gives the cookie more tang, I’ve discovered that most people don’t notice the change and mostly concentrate on the cinnamon sugar’s flavor. You’ll be good as long as you’re satisfied with the texture and chewiness of your cookies—an additional benefit of the cream of tartar.