Can i bake cookies or cake with oil/sugar/baking soda/flour ? Do I have to buy baking powder as well?

Question

I already have vegetable oil, I don't have enough counter/cabinet space to buy too many things, so I just want to use what I already have. Also, can I cover the cookie backing tray with foil?

--Also, is there an alternative to vanilla extract? What is its role? Thanks!

Answer 1

You really need the baking powder if you can get it. Baking soda alone won't do it. It works on the basis of mixing alkalines with acids. Soda is an alkaline, so you need acidic ingredients to provide lift.

Baking powder is an equal mix of alkaline and acid. When it gets wet, they react. The reason many recipes call for both is that some ingredients like milk are slightly acidic, so they need the soda to balance them out.

So if you're making cakes or cookies, then yes you need the baking powder. but if you're making say buttermilk biscuts, then the buttermilk will be your acid, giving you plenty of lift.

As for the vanilla, it is only used for flavor. You can get by without it, although the results will taste a little...flat. It is pretty cheap and doesn't take up much room, so if you can swing it, then definately go for it.

Same with the powder. Its not much, its small, and it lasts for a while, so if you can go for it, then please do. You'll be glad you did.

Answer 2

You can use baking soda, but unfortunately for most cookies and cakes, you do need vanilla extract.

Here are some recipes where you can use baking soda and there is no vanilla extract;

http://allrecipes.com/Search/Ingredients...

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