What Is Cream of Tartar?

The byproduct of winemaking has a myriad of uses in your kitchen, from baking to cleaning coffee stains.

March 12, 2024
Cream of Tartar Spilled from a Teaspoon

1296629351

Cream of Tartar Spilled from a Teaspoon

Photo by: Michelle Lee Photography/Getty Images

Michelle Lee Photography/Getty Images

By Jessie Sheehan for Food Network Kitchen

Jessie Sheehan is a baker and cookbook author.

Cream of tartar is one of the most versatile ingredients in the baking aisle – making your cookies chewy, your egg whites billowy and your toilets sparkle (yup, it’s true). With a forever shelf-life that its spice section compatriots – cardamom, nutmeg and baking powder, we’re looking at you – can only dream about, it truly is a hero, not only when baking, but also when cleaning too (see above toilet reference if you don’t believe us). Cream of tartar is similar to both vinegar and lemon juice in its acidity, and each of them will work in its place, in a pinch. Below you will find answers to critical cream of tartar questions, such as what does cream of tartar actually do? What is cream of tartar used for? And with what can I replace cream of tartar if I run out? – among others that you will not want to miss.

What Is Cream of Tartar?

Cream of tartar is a dry, powder-like, acidic byproduct of winemaking called for in a myriad of different baking recipes (from cookies to cakes to frosting). Grapes are a natural source of cream of tartar’s main ingredient: tartaric acid (hence the “tartar” in its name). And when tartaric acid is half neutralized with potassium hydroxide, cream of tartar is the result, crystalizing into a hard crust on the inside of wine barrels.

What Does Cream of Tartar Do?

Cream of tartar is a multi-talented and highly skilled powder. It is perhaps most famous for adding flavor to cookies, as in the acidity it adds to snickerdoodles, providing them with their characteristic tang. It is also known for its ability to stabilize egg whites, as it prevents the egg proteins from bonding, resulting in a smooth, billowy meringue. But it also stops sugar from crystalizing, meaning it can do wonders for simple syrup, as well as the chewy texture of cookies (sugar crystallization in a cookie leads to crispiness, the enemy of chewy…). And, finally, it is a fantastic metal and porcelain cleaner. Just mix it with water, lemon juice or vinegar until a paste forms, and voila! Your kitchen (and bathroom) will sparkle like nobody’s business.

Overhead view of homemade snickerdoodle cookies with a bite missing

1191780242

Overhead view of homemade snickerdoodle cookies with a bite missing

Photo by: LindasPhotography/Getty Images

LindasPhotography/Getty Images

What Does Cream of Tartar Do in Cookies?

Cream of tartar makes cookies chewy, as it precludes the sugar in the dough from crystalizing, which would lead to crispiness (ie: the opposite of chewiness). It can also add flavor, like in the case of snickerdoodles, which have cream of tartar to thank for their quintessentially tangy flavor – which marries beautifully with the warm cinnamon. And it stops cookies from browning, again due to how it reacts with sugar, which is why you may find it in a decorated sugar cookie recipe, as such cookies benefit from a white “canvas,” as opposed to a lightly browned one.

512137769

Photo by: BRETT STEVENS/Getty Images

BRETT STEVENS/Getty Images

What Does Cream of Tartar Do to Egg Whites?

Cream of tartar stabilizes the tiny bubbles in the egg whites, by precluding the egg proteins from sticking together. It thus speeds up the egg white whipping process and contributes to a stable, billowy, glossy meringue, perfect for cookies, topping pies, and folding into cake. The ratio is usually 1/8 teaspoon of cream of tartar for every egg white.

What Kind of Recipes Call for Cream of Tartar?

A variety of different recipes call for cream of tartar, such as those that require beaten egg whites (meringue cookies, meringue-topped pies, and angel food cake); those for chewy cookies (snickerdoodles and some chocolate chip cookies); those for cookies that you do not want to brown (sugar cookies) and those for simple syrup.

How to Make Cream of Tartar

One can’t actually make cream of tartar at home (but a little lemon juice or vinegar will work some similar cream of tartar magic in your baked goods), as it is quite literally a byproduct of the winemaking process.

What is a Good Replacement for Cream of Tartar?

A good replacement for cream of tartar in baking is 1 teaspoon of vinegar or lemon juice for every 1/2 teaspoon of cream of tartar.

What is a Good Cream of Tartar Substitute when Making Meringues?

You can substitute lemon juice for cream of tartar when making meringues. The substitution ratio is 1:2 — for your recipe's measurement of cream of tartar, use double that amount of lemon juice.

empty coffee cup on the wooden table

1280463240

empty coffee cup on the wooden table

Photo by: Kilito Chan/Getty Images

Kilito Chan/Getty Images

How Do You Clean Coffee Stains with Cream of Tartar?

Incredibly, cream of tartar will remove the dark brown coffee stains in the bottom of your favorite mug. Just add a pinch to the bottom of the mug, plus a few drops of water, create a little paste, let it sit a bit and then scrub. You can also use a cream of tartar-water paste to clean your toilet and your stainless-steel fridge.

How long will Cream of Tartar last?

We get it: it’s been a long time since you made anything with that cream of tartar sitting in your spice drawer, but after reading this, you’re ready. Never fear – cream of tartar lasts forever(ish) – nothing is “forever,” right? – as long as it is kept in a cool dark place.

Recipes with Cream of Tartar

Want to watch cream of tartar in action? Check out some of the different recipes for which it is called – and then make them all.

Photo by: Brian Kennedy ©2013, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

Brian Kennedy, 2013, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

It wouldn’t be a snickerdoodle (everyone’s favorite old-fashioned cinnamon cookie) without cream of tartar, which contributes chewiness and that quintessential tangy flavor.

FNM_Cookies_Cover_2011 3704.tif

Photo by: Steve Giralt Prop Stylist: Marina Malchin 917 751 2855

Steve Giralt Prop Stylist: Marina Malchin 917 751 2855

With their crispy exteriors and their marshmallow-like interiors, who doesn’t love a meringue? And thanks to a little cream of tartar, your egg whites will whip up perfectly every time.

Food Network Kitchen Step by Steps

Food Network Kitchen Step by Steps

Photo by: Lucy Schaeffer

Lucy Schaeffer

Cream of tartar helps to stabilize the meringue batter, so it bakes into an airy, lofty cake.

Food Stylist: Christine Albano

FN0115131_SINGLE MACAROON_01_001.tif

Food Stylist: Christine Albano

Photo by: Levi Brown

Levi Brown

The crisp, ethereal cookies you know and love have egg whites to thank for their texture. Ensure the meringue turns stiff and glossy by adding in a pinch of cream of tartar.

Related Links:

Next Up

What's the Difference Between Glass and Metal Baking Pans?

You’ll want to read this before making your next batch of brownies.

10 Baking Questions We Hear All the Time (That You Won't Like the Answers To)

Do you really need to abide by all these finicky baking rules? Let us give it to you straight.

Why Did My Cake Sink In the Middle? (And How to Fix It)

You might be making one of these seven common mistakes.

A Comprehensive Guide to Baking at High Altitudes

Did you know you should you use less baking soda at higher altitudes?

How to Proof Yeast

A guide to when you need to test yeast and how to do it.

What's the Difference Between Dry and Liquid Measuring Cups?

Hint: which one you use makes a big difference.

Everything You've Ever Wanted to Know About Making a Bundt Cake

Including how to make sure it releases in one beautiful piece.

What Is Bread Flour? Bread Flour vs All-Purpose Flour

And can you just use all-purpose flour instead?

What Is Xanthan Gum?

You’ve seen it in gluten-free baking recipes, and maybe the back of an ice cream carton.

Check Out Our

Get a sneak-peek of the new Food Network recipe page and give us your feedback.

See it Now!