Chocolate Chip Sourdough Cookies
Golden-edged, chewy-centered, and irresistibly rich — sourdough brings next-level flavor to this bakery classic.
At a Glance
Loaf Style: Drop cookies (starter-enriched)
Skill Level: Beginner-friendly
Total Time: ~12–24 hours (includes optional chill)
Prep Time: ~15 minutes (plus optional resting)
Yield: 16–18 cookies
Hydration: N/A
Bake Temp: 350°F / 175°C
Baking Vessel: Standard sheet trays
Ingredients
100g sourdough starter (active or discard)
115g unsalted butter, softened
100g brown sugar
80g granulated sugar
1 large egg
1½ tsp vanilla extract
½ tsp salt
½ tsp baking soda
¼ tsp baking powder
200g all-purpose flour
150g chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate
Optional: flaky salt for finishing
Instructions
Cream Butter and Sugar
1. In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Add egg, vanilla, and sourdough starter. Mix until smooth and fully incorporated.
Add Dry Ingredients
3. Sprinkle salt, baking soda, and baking powder over the mixture.
4. Add flour and stir just until combined.
5. Fold in chocolate chips or chopped chocolate. Do not overmix.
Rest the Dough (Optional but Recommended)
6. For best flavor and texture, cover and refrigerate the dough for 8–12 hours.
7. If baking immediately, skip to next step.
Bake
8. Preheat oven to 350°F / 175°C. Line baking sheets with parchment.
9. Scoop dough into 2-tablespoon portions and place spaced apart on prepared trays.
10. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until edges are golden and centers are just set.
11. Sprinkle with flaky salt while warm, if desired. Cool on trays for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Visual Cues
Cookies should have golden, crinkled edges with soft, slightly gooey centers.
Interior crumb should be chewy and studded with chocolate pockets.
Why This Works
Sourdough starter gives these cookies a subtle tang that balances the sweetness and enhances chew. The long chill allows the dough to hydrate fully and deepens the flavor, resulting in a cookie that’s chewy, rich, and layered with complexity.
