topic Bakers! Why would a cookie recipe call for cornstarch? in Recipes

Bakers! Why would a cookie recipe call for cornstarch?

AuntG — Fri, 19 Apr 2024 21:52:47 GMT

There's a chocolate chip cookie recipe I want to try, but it calls for an ingredient I've never seen in cookie recipes. Just 1 tsp. of corn starch is needed. Not having any in my pantry, I looked online for substitutions, but they all have to do with thickening sauces (like arrow root, flour & mashed potatoes), and nothing to do with baking. Would any of you bakers know the purpose of corn starch in baking?

Re: Bakers! Why would a cookie recipe call for cornstarch?

SandySparkles — Fri, 19 Apr 2024 21:59:54 GMT

I read on several sites that it helps make them light and chewy by softening the proteins in the flour.🥰 It makes a softer cookie dough! This sounds perfect for chocolate chip cookies!

~~~All we need is LOVE💖

Re: Bakers! Why would a cookie recipe call for cornstarch?

Q4u — Fri, 19 Apr 2024 22:05:28 GMT

That's what I understand as well.. it helps make the cookie softer and stop it from spreading too much while cooking.

Re: Bakers! Why would a cookie recipe call for cornstarch?

Snowpuppy — Fri, 19 Apr 2024 23:24:08 GMT

I've seen cornstarch in Crumbl Cookies dupe recipes.

As others have said it's to produce a taller, more dense cookie.

Most Crumbl dupes also suggest using cold, cubed butter instead of softened butter.

Re: Bakers! Why would a cookie recipe call for cornstarch?

AuntG — Sat, 20 Apr 2024 00:23:43 GMT

@Snowpuppy now I have to look up Crumbi cookies. I've never heard that term.

Re: Bakers! Why would a cookie recipe call for cornstarch?

SaveTheTurtles — Sat, 20 Apr 2024 00:36:30 GMT

Interesting, have not seen a teaspoon of cornstarch in a cookie recipe before. My go to waffle recipe combines flour and cornstarch which basically is the mix for cake flour.

Re: Bakers! Why would a cookie recipe call for cornstarch?

PacificNWgal — Sat, 20 Apr 2024 00:41:22 GMT

@SaveTheTurtles wrote:
Interesting, have not seen a teaspoon of cornstarch in a cookie recipe before. My go to waffle recipe combines flour and cornstarch which basically is the mix for cake flour.

Yes. You can add cornstarch to regular flour to make cake flour. Probably the reason for the cornstarch in the cookie recipe.

Re: Bakers! Why would a cookie recipe call for cornstarch?

Snowpuppy — Sat, 20 Apr 2024 14:47:33 GMT

@AuntG wrote:
@Snowpuppy now I have to look up Crumbi cookies. I've never heard that term.

Crumbl Cookies are hugely popular and sold in their stand alone stores. No stores near where I live so I was searching for dupe recipes to make at home.

They are similar to Levain Bakery cookies in NYC. They are large, dense and people stand in line for them. Levain will ship for those who miss the NYC vibe.😊

Re: Bakers! Why would a cookie recipe call for cornstarch?

gardenman — Sat, 20 Apr 2024 11:57:39 GMT

Yeah, cornstarch would make a softer flour and give you a more tender cookie.

Re: Bakers! Why would a cookie recipe call for cornstarch?

Flatbush — Sun, 21 Apr 2024 05:32:20 GMT

@AuntG

Good question. Someone rec using a bit of his to me when I was trying to find how how to make my frosting thicker and more stable. I used some in the frostings and it worked very well.

BTW, the corn starch, lasts forever.

So I keep it the pantry. No exp.date....

Re: Bakers! Why would a cookie recipe call for cornstarch?

ID2 — Sun, 28 Apr 2024 14:48:42 GMT

I add cornstarch to every cookie recipe I make. I found it makes the cookies lighter and doesn't flatten out. I never found it unusual using cornstarch.