Q: I made a huge batch of chocolate chip cookie dough and then realized I had used baking powder instead of baking soda. Do I need to throw it out and start over?

My rule of thumb: Never throw something out without baking some to see how it tastes. You’ve already got the dough, and you’ll learn something by giving it a try.

Usually, swapping baking powder for baking soda will make cookies that spread more. So make sure the dough is good and cold before you put it on the baking sheet. You also could add a little more flour to balance it out.

Followup: The reader baked the cookies and they tasted fine, although they didn’t look great.

Email questions about food and cooking to Kathleen Purvis at kpurvis@charlotteobserver.com.