A Sweet Way to Use Up Your Starter

If you’re a sourdough baker, you know that sourdough discard can pile up quickly. Instead of tossing it, why not turn it into something irresistible? These Sourdough Discard Chocolate Chip Cookies are the perfect solution — combining the chewy, goodness of classic chocolate chip cookies with a subtle bread-like depth from the discard. 

This recipe is proof that sourdough baking doesn’t have to be wasteful or complicated. Using your discard is a smart way to add flavor and texture to a beloved treat — with just the right balance of sweetness, spice, and that slightly note only sourdough can deliver.

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Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter

• ½ cup light brown sugar, packed

• ¼ cup granulated sugar

• 1 large egg

• ¼ cup sourdough discard (unfed)

• ½ tablespoon vanilla extract

• 1¾ cups all-purpose flour

• ½ teaspoon baking soda

• ½ teaspoon baking powder

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon or allspice

• ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

How to Make Them:

1. In a mixing bowl, beat together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until fluffy and combined.

2. Add the egg and vanilla extract, whisking until the mixture is smooth and glossy.

3. Stir in the sourdough discard — your batter will become extra fluffy here!

4. In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon (or allspice).

5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, stirring gently until just combined.

6. Fold in the chocolate chips or chunks.

7. Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. This step is necessary, for the ingredients to combine and for your butter not to spread too quickly.

8. When ready, preheat your oven to 375°F. I bake on silicone sheets or parchment paper.

9. Scoop out 2 ounce balls of dough and place them on the baking sheets, they will not spread very much.

10. Bake for 8-10 minutes, until the edges are golden and the centers still look slightly soft.

Why You’ll Love These Cookies:

The sourdough discard adds a subtle chewy texture that’s unlike any traditional chocolate chip cookie you’ve tried. Best of all? These cookies aren’t too sweet — making them the perfect everyday treat or an impressive bake to share with friends and family.

So next time you’re staring at that growing jar of sourdough discard, grab this recipe and transform it into a batch of delicious cookies. Your taste buds will thank you!

Ready to bake? Save this recipe, share it with your baking buddies, and let me know how your cookies turn out!