Are you making a snickerdoodle recipe that calls for cream of tartar but you’re all out? No need to worry, there are a number of substitutes you can use no matter what recipe you are using.
Snickerdoodles have a wonderful flavor like a cinnamon sugar cookie with a bit of tang. They are a great cookies to bake homemade (and taste wonderful right out of the oven).
And most snickerdoodle recipes call for cream of tartar, which is important for the texture, and the signature flavor snickerdoodles are known for.
So what can you substitute for cream of tartar when baking snickerdoodles?
The top cream of tartar alternatives you can use in any snickerdoodle recipe are baking powder, vinegar, and lemon juice.
We will also give you a few more options in case you don’t have any of these ingredients on hand. Make sure to read on to learn how to use each cream of tartar substitute in your snickerdoodle recipe.
Cream of Tartar Alternatives when Baking Snickerdoodles
So you are about to make some snickerdoodles! These wonderful, chewy cookies have such a tasty flavor. And a huge part in achieving that classic snickerdoodle flavor and texture is using cream of tartar.
But if you are all out of cream of tartar you can still make your snickerdoodles! Simply use one of the replacement ingredients below to get a similar flavor and texture in your cookies.
Related: Cream of tartar alternative in angel food cake
Baking Powder
Baking powder is an excellent substitute for cream of tartar for snickerdoodles. In fact, it will provide you with the best results when replacing cream of tartar.
Most classic snickerdoodle recipes call for both cream of tartar and baking soda, and since baking powder is actually composed of cream of tartar and baking soda it’s the perfect substitute!
And even if your recipe doesn’t call for baking soda, baking powder can still be used instead of cream of tartar.
Baking powder will produce snickerdoodles with an ideal flavor and texture.
If your recipe calls for both baking soda and cream of tartar, use equal amounts of baking powder as your recipe calls for in baking soda and cream of tartar combined. If your recipe does not call for baking soda, use the ratio below.
Equivalent
1 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder equals 1 teaspoon of cream of tartar
Vinegar
While not as good as baking powder, distilled white vinegar can be used to replace cream of tartar in snickerdoodles.
While it does produce a flatter texture if no other leavening agent is in your cookie dough, if your recipe uses baking soda then vinegar will give your snickerdoodles the acidity it needs.
You can also use apple cider vinegar, but I’ve found distilled white vinegar provides the better flavor.
Related: Coconut vinegar replacement
Equivalent
1 teaspoon of vinegar equals 1 teaspoon of cream of tartar
Lemon Juice
Lemon juice is another cream of tartar substitute you can use if you’re all out of baking powder. Much like vinegar, lemon juice provides acidity and produces a flavor similar to snickerdoodles made with cream of tartar.
It is best used in recipes that include baking soda since lemon juice alone produces flat and crunchy cookies.
Related: Lemon juice vs lemon zest
Equivalent
1 teaspoon of lemon juice equals 1 teaspoon of cream of tartar
Cream of Tartar Replacement FAQ
Can you use buttermilk instead of cream of tartar?
Yes buttermilk can be used instead of cream of tartar when baking snickerdoodles. Buttermilk provides a rich flavor with the right amount of acidity for a flavor similar to what you get when using cream of tartar.
Because buttermilk is a liquid, you will need to reduce the other liquid in your batter. For each teaspoon of buttermilk you use in your recipe, reduce other liquids by one teaspoon.
One cup of buttermilk equals 1/2 teaspoon of cream of tartar.
Related: Dairy free buttermilk alternatives
Can you use Greek yogurt instead of cream of tartar?
Yes, yogurt can be used in place of cream of tartar. You will need to combine about four tablespoons of milk for each cup of yogurt used to thin it enough for your recipe.
Use 1/2 cup of unflavored Greek yogurt for each teaspoon of cream of tartar. Reduce the other liquid in your recipe by the amount of yogurt used.
Related: Greek yogurt replacements
Can you leave cream of tartar out of snickerdoodles?
Yes, you can leave cream of tartar out of your recipe as long as another leavening agent is used. So if your recipe calls for baking soda, you can leave cream of tartar out. You can also use baking powder in your snickerdoodles and omit the cream of tartar.