Sourdough Sugar Cookies: A Perfect Blend of Tangy and Sweet

This image features Sourdough Sugar Cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. The cookies are golden in color and topped with sprinkles of sugar on the surface. The background evokes a cozy home kitchen atmosphere with soft natural light, creating a comforting and perfect setting for preparing sweets.

Chewy Sourdough Sugar Cookies offer the perfect balance of tangy and sweet, with a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture. The sourdough discard adds a unique depth of flavor, elevating these classic cookies into something extraordinary. Ideal for any occasion, they’re sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire.

Imagine biting into a perfectly soft and chewy sugar cookie, with a subtle tang and irresistible aroma that hints at something special—that’s the magic of sourdough. These aren’t your ordinary sugar cookies; they’re an elevated version that transforms your discarded sourdough starter into something extraordinary.

Every time I bake Sourdough Sugar Cookies, my kitchen fills with the warm, sweet scent that takes me back to childhood baking sessions with my grandmother. But these cookies have a modern twist: the addition of sourdough discard adds a sophisticated tang that perfectly balances the sweetness, while cornstarch ensures they stay soft and chewy for days (if they last that long!).

The real showstopper? The beautiful crinkled edges created by a special pan-banging technique that not only makes these Sourdough Sugar Cookies Instagram-worthy but also creates the perfect contrast between crispy edges and a chewy center.

Why You’ll Love Sourdough Sugar Cookies

These Sourdough Sugar Cookies aren’t just another cookie recipe—they’re a game-changer. The chewy texture is absolutely perfect, with a satisfying bite that keeps you coming back for more. The subtle sourdough tang adds complexity without overwhelming the classic sugar cookie flavor. For those looking to elevate their cookies even further, the optional toasted sugar technique brings in notes of caramel that make these cookies truly unforgettable.

What makes these cookies truly special is their versatility. They’re simple enough for everyday baking but impressive enough for gifting during holidays or special occasions. Plus, the dough freezes beautifully, so you can always have fresh-baked Sourdough Sugar Cookies at a moment’s notice.

Essential Ingredients for Sourdough Sugar Cookies

Understanding each ingredient’s role will help you achieve the perfect Sourdough Sugar Cookies every time:

The Dry Ingredients

All-Purpose Flour (270g / 2¼ cups)Your main structure-builder in these cookies. Look for a flour with moderate protein content (around 10-12%). If your cookies turn out too tough, try substituting up to ¼ cup with cake flour for an even softer texture.

Cornstarch (28g / ¼ cup)This is our secret weapon for tenderness. Cornstarch inhibits some of the gluten formation, ensuring your cookies stay soft and chewy rather than tough.

Kosher Salt (½ teaspoon)Don’t skip the salt! It enhances all the other flavors and creates the perfect sweet-salty balance.

Baking Soda (1 teaspoon)This reacts with the acids in your sourdough discard to create the perfect rise and spread.

The Wet Ingredients

Unsalted Butter (226g / 2 sticks)Use room-temperature butter that’s soft enough to indent when pressed but still cool to the touch. This ensures proper creaming with the sugar, creating the perfect cookie structure.

Granulated Sugar (250g / 1¼ cups, plus ½ cup for rolling)Regular granulated sugar works beautifully, but for an extra special touch, try toasting it first. Toasted sugar adds subtle caramel notes that complement the sourdough tang perfectly.

Egg Yolks (2) Egg yolks contribute to the chewy texture and rich flavor. Make sure they’re at room temperature to blend seamlessly with your other ingredients.

Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon) Pure vanilla extract provides the best flavor.

Sourdough Discard (100g / ½ cup) The star ingredient! Sourdough discard adds flavor and texture to these cookies, creating a perfect balance of tanginess and sweetness.

Essential Tips for Perfect Sourdough Sugar Cookies

The key to achieving the perfect Sourdough Sugar Cookies lies in a few crucial steps:

1. Chill the Dough

Don’t skip the chilling time—it allows the flour to hydrate properly and the flavors to develop.

2. Use the Pan-Banging Technique

This technique is essential for creating the beautiful ripples in your cookies. Drop the baking sheet against the oven rack midway through baking to achieve this effect.

3. Avoid Overmixing

Stop mixing as soon as the flour is incorporated to ensure tender cookies.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

These Sourdough Sugar Cookies stay fresh for up to 5 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. For longer storage, freeze the baked cookies for up to 3 months or freeze unbaked dough balls for quick cookies on demand.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sourdough Sugar Cookies

Can I add chocolate chips?

Absolutely! Fold in up to 1 cup of chocolate chips for a new twist on these classic Sourdough Sugar Cookies.

What if my cookies spread too much?

Chill the dough longer to prevent excessive spreading.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes! Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and ensure your sourdough starter is also gluten-free.

These Cookies are a must-try recipe for anyone looking to elevate their baking game. Share your experience in the comments below—I’d love to hear how these cookies become a favorite in your home!

Apple Oatmeal Cookies Recipe: A Healthy and Delicious Treat