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Sourdough Discard Sugar Cookies

Transform sourdough discard into tender, buttery cookies with a crisp exterior. Easy to make and perfect for quick results.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 42 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 18 cookies
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American, Baking
Calories: 240

Ingredients
  

Dough Ingredients
  • 226 grams unsalted butter Cold but softened slightly
  • 250 grams cane sugar For dough
  • 2 large egg yolks For binding without extra moisture
  • 75 grams active or discarded sourdough starter Provides flavor
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Rounds flavors
  • 300 grams all-purpose flour Provides structure
  • 10 grams baking powder For lift
  • 6 grams fine salt Balances sweetness
For Rolling
  • 100 grams cane sugar For rolling

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line three baking sheets with parchment paper. Chill sheets in the fridge if you have them.
  2. Combine 226 g cold-but-softened butter and 250 g cane sugar in a large bowl. Beat until smooth and no lumps remain — about 2–3 minutes by hand or 1–2 minutes with a mixer.
  3. Add the 2 egg yolks one at a time, mixing until incorporated. Stir in 75 g sourdough discard and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until uniform.
  4. Whisk together 300 g all-purpose flour, 10 g baking powder, and 6 g salt. Fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until no traces of flour remain.
  5. Divide the dough into 18 large portions (about 3 tablespoons each) using a cookie scoop.
  6. Roll each portion in the 100 g cane sugar until evenly coated. Arrange 6 portions on each parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them evenly.
Baking
  1. Bake one sheet at a time on the middle rack for 12 to 14 minutes, or until edges begin to brown and centers look set.
  2. Let cookies cool on the hot baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Notes

These cookies taste best at room temperature. Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days, or freeze for longer storage.