Introduction
Baking at home is always rewarding, but few recipes combine comfort and creativity like sourdough chocolate chip cookies. These cookies bring together the tangy depth of sourdough starter with the sweetness of chocolate chips, creating a flavor that feels both familiar and unique. The slight tang from the sourdough balances the buttery richness and enhances the chocolate, giving each bite a complex taste that keeps you coming back for more. Using sourdough in cookies also reduces food waste by making use of discard starter, which many bakers love to repurpose. The result is a chewy cookie with crisp edges and a soft center, perfect for an afternoon treat or a sweet ending to any meal. Baking a batch fills the kitchen with an aroma that makes the experience even more special, and sharing them with loved ones guarantees smiles all around.
Ingredients Needed
| Ingredient | Quantity | Calories per serving |
|---|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 2 ½ cups | 1140 |
| Unsalted butter | 1 cup | 1628 |
| Granulated sugar | 1 cup | 774 |
| Brown sugar | 1 cup | 828 |
| Eggs | 2 large | 140 |
| Sourdough starter (discard or active) | 1 cup | 180 |
| Baking soda | 1 tsp | 0 |
| Salt | ½ tsp | 0 |
| Vanilla extract | 2 tsp | 24 |
| Semi-sweet chocolate chips | 2 cups | 960 |
Total approximate calories for the batch: 5674
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit so it is ready once your dough is mixed.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to create a smooth base.
- Stir in the vanilla extract and sourdough starter until fully combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually fold the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Gently stir in the chocolate chips, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Scoop spoonfuls of dough onto a lined baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie.
- Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until the edges turn golden while the centers remain slightly soft.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Tips for Customizing the Recipe
Home bakers can easily adjust this recipe to suit different tastes. Adding chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans brings extra crunch and flavor. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top before baking enhances the balance of sweet and savory notes. If you prefer softer cookies, reduce the baking time slightly. For a richer flavor, try browning the butter before mixing it with the sugars. Chilling the dough for at least an hour before baking also deepens the flavor and improves the texture, giving you thicker, chewier cookies.
Nutritional Information
A single cookie, assuming the batch makes about 36, contains approximately 158 calories. It provides around 2 grams of protein, 9 grams of fat, and 19 grams of carbohydrates. While indulgent, these cookies can fit into a balanced diet when enjoyed in moderation. Using sourdough discard adds a slight nutritional boost by offering beneficial bacteria from fermentation, although the main appeal remains their unique flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Sourdough chocolate chip cookies are delicious on their own, but they can be served in many fun ways. Pair them with a cold glass of milk for a classic combination. They also make an excellent base for ice cream sandwiches, especially with vanilla or salted caramel flavors. For gatherings, stack them on a dessert platter alongside brownies and fruit for a varied spread. Warming them slightly before serving brings out the melty chocolate and enhances the texture.
Conclusion
Homemade sourdough chocolate chip cookies bring a twist to a timeless favorite. The subtle tang of sourdough adds depth that complements the sweetness of chocolate, creating a cookie that feels both nostalgic and new. Baking them is a great way to use sourdough starter while creating a treat that delights both kids and adults. Whether served warm from the oven or stored for later enjoyment, these cookies never fail to impress. Sharing them with family and friends turns a simple recipe into a memory worth keeping.
