My favorite sourdough cookie recipes are the most delicious way to enjoy sourdough discard. From sourdough peanut butter cookies to oatmeal, and just about everything in between.
Crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside, warm and comforting— homemade sourdough cookies really hit the spot.
If you’re looking for the perfect recipe that will take your baking game to the next level, we’ve got you covered.
This article will provide you with six delicious sourdough cookie recipes to choose from (and will be updated as more cookie recipes are created), so you can make your own yummy treats without leaving home.
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned baker, there’s something here to suit all levels. With these recipes, you’ll be able to master the art of baking homemade sourdough cookies in no time.
So preheat your oven, get ready to mix some dough, and let’s get started!
Why you will love these recipes:
Great way to use sourdough discard: Don’t toss out the sourdough starter when you are feeding it. Rather use it in discard recipes. All of these recipes can be made into sourdough discard cookies.
Can be long fermented for better digestion: All of these sourdough starter cookies can be long fermented for better digestion and more nutrition bioavailability. Yes even discard will ferment the dough.
Can be prepped ahead: Make these cookies even months in advance. Perfect for an upcoming holiday, party, or event.
Delicious: There is nothing like homemade cookies right from the oven.
Cookie Making Tips:
- All of these cookies can be made with sourdough discard or active starter. I like using discard though for less waste in the kitchen.
- For long fermentation, I usually suggest making the cookie dough, storing in the fridge for up to three days, then place on a cookie sheet and bake. The longer they are in the fridge the more fermented the grains will become.
- When baking sweets, it’s preferable to use unsalted butter. This gives you greater control over the salt levels in the recipes.
- Cookies do amazingly well in the freezer. Prep cookies ahead and freeze the cookie dough balls in a freezer-safe bag or freeze already baked cookies for up to 3 months.
This post contains affiliate links, which means I make a small commission at no extra cost to you. See my full disclosure here.
Sourdough Cookie Making Tools:
Stand mixer with paddle attachment or an electric hand mixer
Measuring cups and spoons
Baking sheet
Cooling rack
Cookie scoop
Parchment paper
FAQ:
Why are my sourdough cookies flat?
Most likely it is because the oven is too hot or the leaveners are past their prime.
How do you use lots of sourdough discard?
Sourdough discard can be used in just about any sourdough recipes that calls for baking soda and/or baking powder as the leavening agents rather than using the wild yeast in sourdough starter to give it rise.
Check out these 35+ Sourdough Discard Recipes
What does sourdough discard do to baked goods?
It adds a delicious tangy flavor, and, if allowed to sit for some time, it can help ferment the grains to make them easier to digest and the vitamins and minerals more easily absorbed by the body.
What is sourdough discard?
Sourdough discard is a portion of unfed sourdough starter that is to be thrown away (or discarded) while another portion is left to be fed.
6+ Sourdough Cookie Recipes
Sourdough Shortbread Cookies
These sourdough shortbread cookies are buttery, crunchy and delicious. Made with sourdough discard, it’s a simple, sweet treat that is great all year round!
Sourdough Peanut Butter Cookie Recipe
Packed full of peanut butter flavor, these sourdough peanut butter cookies are soft, sweet, and has that slight sourdough tang. They are so so delicious. It’s hard to just stop at one.
Sourdough Sugar Cookies
Perfect for holiday baking, these sourdough cut out sugar cookies are delicious, sweet, and can be cut out with your favorite cookie cutters. Bake and decorate these soft, buttery, and sweet cookies.
Sourdough Oatmeal Cookies
Sourdough oatmeal cookies are here to tantalize your taste buds. This delectable treat combines oats with the complex, tangy flavor of sourdough and plump juicy raisins. Not only do sourdough oatmeal cookies have an unforgettable taste – they’re a cinch to make.
Chewy Sourdough Chocolate Chip Cookies
A soft and chewy sourdough chocolate chip cookie recipe packed with chocolate chunks. Whip this recipe up for a quick dessert, or long ferment for better digestion.
Sourdough Snickerdoodle Cookies
A sourdough twist on the classic snickerdoodle. These cookies have an amazing soft chewy texture, crisp edges, and lots of cinnamon flavor. All the things you expect out of a snickerdoodle.
I absolutely love the idea of using sourdough in cookies! These recipes look delicious and unique. Can’t wait to try the chocolate chip sourdough cookies this weekend! Thank you for sharing these wonderful ideas!
Hi Lisa!
I am a newbie to the sourdough world. I started my journey, back in June of this year.
I have not been able to create a good started, it is being my biggest frustration, to say the least. I have tried different flours to feed my starter, but I do not know what I am doing wrong 🙁 I have baked with my active starter, once I cut my bread, its dense and heavy. I do not want to give up, but I am getting closer to do it.
It could be related to your fermentation time! If it is not fermented long enough, that can also cause your bread to be dense. Is your starter rising and bubbling? Will it pass the float test? I do have a sourdough course if you are interested.
Hi Lisa, thank you for your generosity in sharing your recipes. I am 78 years old and you have inspired me to begin sourdough cooking. I began by making my own sourdough starter following your instructions. I decided not to get into the artisan loaves but make the sandwich loaf which is perfect for my 82 year old husband and myself. I make the two loaves, slices it up and pop it in the freezer it troubles me to waste the discard, so I started making pizza based with some of it, which I also freeze. I am looking for to using some of your cookie recipes using discard. Thank you again. Cheers from Australia. Robyn
Thank you for your kind words, Robyn!
Thanks for sharing your recipes & tips about using Sourdough discard especially! Love it all!
So glad you enjoy them!
Thank you Lisa , you know how to encourage your followers!!
Wish you lots of success and courage. I love also your sister’s website . You are both very alike in the home management… wonderful families!
Take care..👍🏽🫶🏽
Thank you for sharing your amazing life. I can’t wait until I see a new episode from you! You also inspired me to start sour dough starter. Thank you
Thanks for your kind words!