| ≥1 piece |
Ammonium bicarbonate is a preferred chemical leavening agent for many cookies and crackers. Ammonium bicarbonate reacts rapidly to the presence of moisture and /or heat to release NH3 + CO2 gases which contribute to leavening. Use of ammonium bicarbonate without a leavening acid is limited to products whose final moisture is less than 5% so the ammonia gas can be baked out.
Ammonium bicarbonate increases the spread of cookies, helping to form a more uniform shape. Ammonium bicarbonate can be used in combination with other chemical leavening systems to modify the appearance and eating quality of a product.