Description
These sourdough discard chocolate chip cookies are incredibly forgiving, tender, and chewy. The acidity in the discard creates a complex flavor and ensures the cookies stay soft for days, making them the perfect way to use up starter waste.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup (240g) sourdough discard (unsalted, unfed)
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, room temperature
- ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 1 cup (200g) light brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups (315g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 2 cups (340g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
- Flaky sea salt (for topping)
- Optional: ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar on medium-high speed for 3 minutes until pale and fluffy. Scrape down the sides.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract; mix until combined. Add the sourdough discard and mix on low speed just until incorporated.
- Reduce mixer speed to low. Add flour, baking soda, and salt. Mix until just combined and no flour streaks remain. Do not overmix.
- Switch to a spatula and gently fold in the chocolate chips (and nuts if using).
- Scoop dough balls (about 2 tablespoons each) onto prepared sheets, spacing them 2 inches apart.
- Bake one sheet at a time in the center of the oven for 12-14 minutes, until edges are golden brown but centers look slightly soft.
- Let cookies sit on the hot pan for 5 minutes to set, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Sprinkle with flaky sea salt while still warm.
Notes
For best texture, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. Store cookies in an airtight container with a slice of bread to keep them soft for up to 5 days. Dough can be frozen and baked from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to bake time.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-14 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 16
- Fat: 9
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Carbohydrates: 24
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 2
Keywords: sourdough discard, chocolate chip cookies, baking, easy dessert, sourdough recipes, chewy cookies