Food

Homemade Sourdough Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

Written by MasterClass

Last updated: Dec 9, 2024 • 2 min read

This unique chocolate chip cookie recipe calls for sourdough discard, which lends a tangy, slightly fermented flavor to the bake. Learn how to make sourdough chocolate chip cookies.

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What Are Sourdough Chocolate Chip Cookies?

Sourdough chocolate chip cookies are a twist on the traditional baked treat made with sourdough starter discard. The fermented sourdough starter—typically used for sourdough bread making—contains bacteria and acids, resulting in a pleasantly tangy cookie with a hearty texture.

3 Tips for Making Sourdough Chocolate Chip Cookies

Follow these tips to make the best sourdough chocolate chip cookies at home.

  1. 1. Experiment with additions. Adapt this classic cookie recipe to include your favorite add-ins such as chopped nuts (like walnuts, pecans, and macadamia nuts), different types of chocolate, and savory additions (like crushed pretzels or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt).
  2. 2. Adjust the baking time. Adjust the total baking time for this recipe depending on your texture preferences. For a soft, dense cookie, bake the batch for 6–8 minutes. For a chewy cookie, bake for 8–10 minutes. Bake your cookies for 10–12 minutes for cakey cookies with crispy bottoms.
  3. 3. Proper storage is key. Store your chocolate chip cookies in a zip-top bag or airtight container on the counter for up to 1 week. Always let your cookies cool to room temperature before storing them. Alternatively, freeze your cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Simply thaw the cookies to room temperature overnight before eating them.

Homemade Sourdough Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe

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makes

18 cookies

prep time

20 min

total time

30 min

cook time

10 min

Ingredients

Note: The total time does not include 35 minutes of inactive time.

  1. 1

    In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, or in a large mixing bowl with a handheld mixer, mix together the butter, white sugar, and brown sugar. Cream until fluffy and incorporated, about 5 minutes.

  2. 2

    Add the sourdough starter, egg, and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture, and mix on low until everything combines.

  3. 3

    In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.

  4. 4

    As the mixer runs on low, slowly incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until you have a well-combined dough.

  5. 5

    Using a wooden spoon, gently fold the chocolate chips into the cookie dough.

  6. 6

    Cover the dough with plastic wrap and transfer it to the refrigerator to chill for a minimum of 30 minutes, or overnight.

  7. 7

    When you’re ready to bake the cookies, preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.

  8. 8

    Using a cookie scoop or spoon, make your cookies. Scoop up 2 tablespoons of dough and drop them onto the lined cookie sheet. Repeat this process with the remaining dough, leaving 1 inch of space between each cookie.

  9. 9

    Transfer the baking sheets into the oven. Bake the cookies until they are golden brown and cooked through, about 8–10 minutes.

  10. 10

    Remove the pan from the oven and allow the cookies to rest on the baking tray for 5 minutes.

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