Sourdough blondies combine the richness of butter, sweet brown sugar, tangy sourdough, and other simple ingredients to make the perfect dessert.

sourdough blondies cut into squares on parchment paper.

This sourdough blondie recipe is delicious and dependable. It’s one of those great recipes to keep handy for last-minute desserts or when you need something that is dependably delicious and a crowd-pleaser. This sourdough blueberry cobbler is another great option.

Blondies are similar to brownies in some ways, but their rich, buttery, vanilla flavor is especially warm and addictive. It’s quite easy to eat too many, so be warned. Especially if you pair it with homemade vanilla ice cream.

I’m especially pleased with any dessert that is whipped up quickly and baked all in one dish while also providing many servings.

Also helpful is that frequent bakers will almost always have all of these ingredients on hand. No special trips are needed, and no big prepping– just mixing and baking.

two slices sourdough blondies on a white plate with more blondies in the background.

Why You’ll Love This Sourdough Blondie Recipe

Made with sourdough discard: Whips up in under an hour, uses sourdough discard and you probably have everything you need in your kitchen already! Find more sourdough discard desserts here.

The perfect dessert bars: The blend of butter, sugar, and vanilla gives a sweet butterscotch flavor, making it a delicious treat with a wonderfully chewy texture.

They’re a lot like thick, chewy chocolate chip cookies. The addition of sourdough starter provides complex flavor, and it’s an excellent way to use up extra discard. You can really fancy it up with a scoop of homemade ice cream on top.

Easily modified: While these were made with chocolate chips, you can easily substitute white chocolate chips, toffee bits, nuts, or swirls of peanut butter on top. The addition of flaky sea salt is always delicious and visually appealing.

hand holding a sourdough blondie with a bite taken out. More blondies are in the background

Tips

  • You can use an active sourdough starter or discard. Discard will give a tangier flavor, but either option works! Learn how to make your own sourdough starter.
  • You can easily stir this up by hand, but a stand mixer works well, too!
  • For the perfect gooey blondie, take them out of the oven a couple of minutes early and let them cool completely in the pan. 
  • The bake time for a 9×13 dish is 40-45 minutes. Total time will vary depending on your oven.
  • You’ll know they’re done when the top is golden brown, the edges are crisp, and they are set in the center. A toothpick or knife inserted into the center should come out clean or mostly clean.

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Tools You May Need

Measuring cups and spoons

Large mixing bowl

Metal or glass 9×13 baking dish

Parchment paper

one white bowl with flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt. a bowl of sugar and melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, a jar of chocolate chips, and a measuring cup of starter on a marble counter

Ingredients

Unsalted butter: Two whole sticks of melted butter, cooled.

White sugar: Regular granulated sugar to sweeten this up.

Light brown sugar: Added for the sweetness and classic flavors of brown sugar. You could use dark brown sugar, as well.

Eggs: We’ll use two large whole eggs and an additional yolk. Added egg yolks add to the richness of flavor and texture, while also adding structure.

Sourdough discard: Discard gives a deeper tangy flavor. You can also use sourdough starter for a milder flavor.

Vanilla extract: Vanilla adds so much warmth and natural sweetness to a recipe.

All-purpose flour: I like to use unbleached, organic flour, or mill my own soft white wheat.

Baking soda & Baking powder: These are our leavening agents, giving some rise to our blondies.

Salt: Sea salt to balance the sweetness.

Cornstarch: Cornstarch is a great way to add softness and additional structure to a recipe.

Chocolate chips: A good quality chocolate chip or chocolate chunk makes a difference!

cut squares of chocolate chip blondies on a marble counter top.

How to Make Sourdough Blondies

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line your baking dish with parchment paper.

melted butter and sugar in a glass bowl with a spatula

Grab your favorite large bowl and add the melted butter and white and brown sugar. Whisk thoroughly.

eggs, sourdough starter, and vanilla added to butter and sugar in a glass bowl.

Add the two eggs, egg yolk, sourdough discard, and vanilla on top of the sugar mixture. Whisk it all up until smooth.

Measure your flour, then add the baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cornstarch to the measuring cup of flour. Give it a quick stir to mix them together before adding the dry ingredients to the wet.

mixing dry ingredients into wet ingress in a glass bowl with a spatula

Stir until combined, not over-mixing.

chocolate chips folded into batter in a glass bowl.

Fold in chocolate chips.

sourdough blondie batter in a parchment lined baking pan

Scoop the batter into the prepared baking dish.

Bake for 40 to 45 minutes or until set. The edges will be crisp. 

Cool completely in the pan before serving.

sourdough blondie in a parchment lined baking pan.

Storage

You can store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for several days.

You can also wrap them in parchment or plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container to freeze for several months.

Thaw the sourdough blondies at room temperature when you’re ready to eat. They’re great when gently reheated in the oven, too!

overhead photo of sourdough blondies cut into 12 squares on a marble countertop.

FAQ

What is the difference between brownies and blondies?

Brownies get their name from their color, which is achieved with cocoa powder and/or chocolate. Blondies are similar but made without cocoa, using brown sugar and vanilla instead.

Why are my blondies cakelike?

This could be a result of using too much flour or baking them too long.ย 

How do I know my blondies are done baking?

The edges of the blondies should be crisp and golden, the middle should be set and not wobbly, and a toothpick or knife inserted into the center should come out mostly clean, but certainly not covered in batter. Let them cool completely to set up all the way.

Can I use white sugar instead of brown sugar?

You can! You’ll lose some of that deep brown sugar flavor and some of the golden color, but your recipe will still turn out and be delicious.

Are blondies better the next day?

Wow, that’s a tough one. They are so good when freshly cooled from the oven, but they are just as good the next day! That works out great for prepping them a day ahead of time.

Can this recipe be long fermented?

Absolutely! Prepare the blondies per directions. Place plastic wrap over top and place in the fridge for 2-3 days. When you are ready to bake, preheat the oven, remove plastic and bake for 40-45 minutes.

Self-Paced Online Course

Simple Sourdough

What’s in this course?

  • Make your own robust starter
  • Bake your first loaves of sourdough bread
  • Understand sourdough better
  • Expand your sourdough bread repertoire
  • Download my Complete Recipe Book

More favorite recipes:

Sourdough Blondies

4.70 from 10 votes
Sourdough discard blondies are a rich and chewy cookie bar packed with chocolate chips.
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 45 minutes
Servings: 12
two slices sourdough blondies on a white plate with more blondies in the background
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Equipment

  • 9×13 baking pan

Ingredients 

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, 227 g melted
  • 1 cup white granulated sugar , 200 g
  • 1 cup light brown sugar, lightly packed 200 g
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 egg yolk
  • 3/4 cup sourdough discard , 170 g
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract , 8 g
  • 3 cups all purpose flour , 405 g
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda , 6 g
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder , 2.5 g
  • 1 1/2 teaspoon salt , 7 g
  • 2 teaspoons cornstarch
  • 1 1/2 cups chocolate chips

Instructions 

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line your baking dish with parchment paper.
  • Grab your favorite large bowl and add the melted butter and white and brown sugar. Whisk thoroughly.
  • Add the two eggs, egg yolk, sourdough discard, and vanilla on top of the sugar mixture. Whisk it all up until smooth.
  • Measure your flour, then add the baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cornstarch to the measuring cup of flour. Give it a quick stir to mix them together before adding the dry ingredients to the wet.
  • Stir until combined, not over-mixing.
  • Fold in chocolate chips.
  • Scoop the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread into an even layer.
  • Bake for 40 to 45 minutes or until set. The edges will be crisp.
  • Cool completely in the pan before serving.

Notes

  • Long Fermentation Option: Place plastic wrap over the batter and place in fridge for 2-3 days. Bake according to directions.
  • You can use an active sourdough starter or discard. Discard will give a tangier flavor, but either option works!
  • You can easily stir this up by hand, but a stand mixer works well, too!
  • For the perfect gooey blondie, take them out of the oven a couple of minutes early and let them cool completely in the pan.ย 
  • The bake time for a 9×13 dish is 40-45 minutes. Total time will vary depending on your oven.
  • You’ll know they’re done when the top is golden brown, the edges are crisp, and they are set in the center. A toothpick or knife inserted into the center should come out clean or mostly clean.

Nutrition

Calories: 529kcal | Carbohydrates: 76g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 23g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 84mg | Sodium: 419mg | Potassium: 140mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 47g | Vitamin A: 535IU | Calcium: 57mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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4.70 from 10 votes

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Recipe Rating




27 Comments

  1. Briana says:

    5 stars
    I can’t get enough of this recipe! It’ll definitely be one I have to memorize. I love having a low maintenance dessert recipe I can whip up in a few minutes.

  2. Shelly says:

    5 stars
    Delicious! Like a chocolate chip brownie. Great recipe when a quick, easy dessert is needed. It would please anyone….and it uses up sourdough discard.

  3. Catie says:

    Was looking for discard recipes, since my daughter made a sourdough starter and it was successful. Found this gem and have made them several times. It is for sure a keeper. Love the flavor and texture of them.

    1. Lisa Bass says:

      Glad you enjoy them!

  4. Jennifer Allen says:

    4 stars
    My family really liked them. Pretty easy to make also. I will make again absolutely.

  5. Juli says:

    Hi ๐Ÿ™‚ is the nutritional content for your recipes per serving or for the entire recipe?

    1. Lisa Bass says:

      Per serving. ๐Ÿ™‚

  6. CZ says:

    4 stars
    This is definitely a more cake-like recipe. I prefer a more gooey blondie/brownie…have found other recipes with much less flour and no leavening agents that I will try.

  7. Renee M says:

    4 stars
    I have made these twice and both times they turn out like cake instead of brownies. They still taste but wondering how to get them to be more brownie like.

    1. Lisa Bass says:

      Try halving the baking powder and baking soda! That may help.