When making chocolate chip cookies.what makes the cookie come out flat opposed to puffy?

Question

My family loves chocolate chip cookies home made. Is it the baking power or baking soda that makes them come out puffy opposed to flat?

Answer 1

It is too much baking soda. I don't recommend baking powder as it will make the cookies more cake-like. Try reducing the soda by about 20%. If your oven is not properly pre-heated, or set too low, that could cause it as well. 350-365 is usually the temp. you want; 375 if at over 5,000' in altitude.

Answer 2

Go easy on the baking powder. Also, take the cookies out of the oven when they are ALMOST done, and let them continue to cook on the baking sheet for a minute (outside of the oven)

Answer 3

Baking powder adds puffiness.

More importantly, add enough flour that the dough is not sticky and almost dry.  Sticky thin dough = flat greasy cookies.  Thick playdoh-like dough will make great cookies!  Keep adding that flour (possibly doubling what the recipe calls for)!

Answer 4

baking powder  makes the cake or biscuit rise . if you are using self raising flour then you dont particully need it because it has it in already but you can add extra if you really wanted to .  

Answer 5

Oleo or margarine melt much faster than real butter would and cause the dough to spread out. I try to use real butter when baking cookies, or butter-flavored Crisco.

The baking powder makes them soft and somewhat puffy. If you like them chewy, take them off the baking tray before they are golden-colored. They will firm up once they cool off.