5 Best Cornstarch Substitutes for Sugar Cookies

Arrowroot powder is a starch extracted from tropical plants and acts as a neutral thickener and tenderizer, similar to cornstarch. It helps inhibit gluten formation by coating flour proteins, resulting in a soft, tender sugar cookie.

To use arrowroot powder successfully, measure it exactly as you would cornstarch. It dissolves well and does not require pre-cooking, making it easy to incorporate into cookie dough. Avoid overheating as it can break down under prolonged heat.

Compared to cornstarch, arrowroot yields a similarly tender and slightly lighter texture, preserving the cookie’s delicate crumb and preventing excessive spreading.

Rice flour is a fine, gluten-free flour that can mimic some of cornstarch’s tenderizing effects by diluting gluten proteins and absorbing moisture. It is less refined than cornstarch but still light enough to keep sugar cookies tender.

When substituting, sift rice flour to avoid clumps and mix thoroughly into the dough. It may slightly increase the cookie’s density, so avoid overusing.

The final cookie will be tender but with a slightly more crumbly texture and subtle graininess compared to the smoothness cornstarch provides.

Potato flour is made from whole potatoes and contains starches that help retain moisture and tenderize baked goods. It can replace cornstarch’s thickening role but tends to hold more water, which can soften sugar cookies.

Use sparingly and combine with other flours to avoid overly soft or gummy cookies. Mix well to ensure even distribution.

Cookies made with potato flour will be softer and less crisp, with a slightly denser bite than those made with cornstarch.

Wheat starch is a refined starch extracted from wheat and acts similarly to cornstarch in thickening and tenderizing. However, unlike cornstarch, it contains trace gluten which can develop some elasticity in dough.

Use only if gluten content is not a concern. It should be mixed thoroughly to avoid clumping.

Sugar cookies with wheat starch may be slightly chewier and less tender than those with cornstarch, but still acceptable in texture.

Tapioca starch is a starch derived from cassava root that thickens and tenderizes dough. However, it has a higher gelatinization temperature and can increase moisture retention, leading to more spreading and chewiness.

To minimize spreading, reduce other liquids slightly or chill dough before baking.

Cookies will be softer and chewier with a less crisp edge compared to cornstarch-based cookies.