There are many reasons why cookies stood the test of time and remained one of the most popular snacks worldwide. One of those reasons is that they’re incredibly delicious yet conveniently easy to make.
That said, I can most definitely relate to that feeling of wanting to be extra creative in your kitchen. You know, adding some unique touch to classic recipes, making them your own, and surprising your guests’ taste buds.
So, are you craving some tasty cookie treats but tired of the old sweet, chewy, buttery flavors? Then let me share some of the most unexpected ingredients to make your cookies even better!
Sugar Cookies? Pour Some Sour Cream
If you’re baking sugar cookies and simply want to make them more tender and moist, adding some sour cream to your recipe is the way to go.
But what does sour cream do to your sugar cookies? You might ask.
See, sour cream is inherently rich in fat. This elevated fat content blends the ingredients better and even enhances the flavor of some ingredients, including butter.
Of course, let’s not forget how fat acts as a lubricant, which makes your cookies chewy. You might find it surprising, but sour cream also adds complex flavors to cookies, transforming traditional recipes into richer and tastier treats!
Add a scoop or two of this dairy product when making your cookie batter and watch the magic happen.
Looking For Better Flavor? Garnish Some Coarse Salt
If you don’t already know, salt enhances the flavors of sweet foods (yes, even cookies). It does this by increasing your tongue’s sensitivity to sweetness while blocking the taste of bitterness.
In short, salt makes the ingredients surrounding it taste more like themselves. Because of this peculiar quality, most cookie recipes call for salt—even for a little bit.
However, have you tried sprinkling the salty goodness on your finished product instead of adding it to the batter? If not, then you should!
Not only will the extra salt make your cookies taste sweeter, but it’ll also lend a charmingly unique appearance to your treats. More importantly, this teeny little trick will leave your guests wanting more.
The trick is to use flaky or coarse sea salt to get the right effect. Sprinkle some on your cookies immediately after pulling them off the oven so they stick and won’t fall off.
Love Yourself Some Crunch? Blend Some Cornmeal
Cornmeal is a notorious key ingredient for cornbread. However, don’t underestimate this gluten-free flour by passing it as a one-note ingredient.
Added to other baked goods, cornmeal’s vibrant color and unique flavor can brighten up your recipes while lending its crispy signature.
But cookies and cornmeal? How would that even work?
Interestingly, cornmeal does add some fascinating qualities to cookies. When making your batter, taking out a portion of the flour and replacing it with cornmeal will result in a notably soft crunch.
This crunchy texture might be somewhat different from what you’re used to, but it works especially well with other unexpected cookie ingredients.
Cornmeal and toffee, for example, is a divine and must-try combination!
Spicy Lover? Sprinkle Some Cayenne Pepper
Yep, you read that right—cayenne pepper. I know it sounds strange, but this extra spicy chili may be the unexpected twist you’re looking for in your cookie recipe.
It’s a little counterintuitive, but don’t knock it until you’ve tried it! Trust me, cayenne chili won’t turn your baked cookies into anything unpleasantly spicy.
On the contrary, it’ll enhance the flavor of your treats! It’s particularly effective for cookie recipes with chocolate chips in them.
Add 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper powder when making your dough. This teeny amount should bring out flavor subtleties you didn’t even know possible in cookies!
Chocolate Chip Cookies? Mix Some Soy Sauce
Here’s another surprising cookie ingredient that’ll make you scratch your head: soy sauce. In what world will soy sauce make your cookies taste better?
That’s what I was thinking, too. That is until I’ve tried it myself.
Let’s start with soy sauce’s saltiness.
As you now know, adding salty ingredients is a superb way to make your cookie ingredients shine. But it also strengthens gluten protein, which makes for a sturdier rise in baked goods.
Used correctly, soy sauce will act like a general flavor enhancer.
Soy sauce is particularly friendly with chocolate cookie recipes. It has a subtle taste yet is strong enough to complement the chocolate chips and give it a little push in flavor.
Final Thoughts
Of course, don’t simply take my word for it! You should try these unexpected ingredients in your cookie recipes and taste for yourself.
Happy baking, and bon appetit!
Sarah is the founder of Baking Kneads, LLC, a blog sharing guides, tips, and recipes for those learning how to bake. Growing up as the daughter of a baker, she spent much of her childhood learning the basics in a local bakery.