When you think of homemade cookies, chocolate chip cookies instantly spring to mind. Now imagine adding a delightful twist to this classic treat by incorporating sourdough. Easy Sourdough Chocolate Chip Cookies are not only incredibly simple to make, but they also provide a unique flavor profile that will leave you craving more. This recipe beautifully balances sweet chocolate goodness with the subtle tang from the sourdough discard, resulting in cookies that are both tender and chewy.
Why We Love This Easy Sourdough Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe
There’s something comforting about the smell of cookies baking in the oven. With this easy sourdough chocolate chip cookie recipe, you can enjoy that comforting feeling while also making great use of your sourdough discard. No need to waste that precious starter; instead, transform it into a treat your friends and family will adore. The combination of ingredients in this recipe not only makes for a scrumptious cookie but also creates a deeper flavor, thanks to the fermentation process of sourdough. Plus, these cookies are easy to whip up, which makes them perfect for any occasion or just a cozy night at home.
Ingredients for Easy Sourdough Chocolate Chip Cookies
To make these delicious cookies, you will need the following ingredients:
- 450 grams all-purpose flour (3 cups)
- 6 grams baking soda (1 tsp)
- 3 grams baking powder (1/2 tsp)
- 100 grams sourdough discard (1/2 cup)
- 2 large eggs
- 228 grams unsalted butter at room temperature (1 cup)
- 150 grams brown sugar (3/4 cup, lightly packed)
- 150 grams white sugar (3/4 cup)
- 5 grams salt (1 tsp)
- 4.2 grams vanilla extract (1 tsp)
- 340 grams chocolate chips (2 cups)
How to Make Easy Sourdough Chocolate Chip Cookies
Making Easy Sourdough Chocolate Chip Cookies is a simple process that even beginner bakers can master. Follow these steps for perfect cookies every time:
- Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures that the cookies bake evenly.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients first helps to evenly distribute the leavening agents.
- In a large bowl, cream together your sourdough discard, brown sugar, white sugar, and softened unsalted butter. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat the mixture until it becomes light and fluffy, which usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
- Once the mixture is fluffy, add in the eggs and vanilla extract. Make sure to mix thoroughly until everything is well combined. The trick here is to blend until there are no visible streaks of egg left.
- Gradually incorporate the dry ingredient mixture you prepared earlier. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to combine everything until just incorporated. Be careful not to over-mix, as this can lead to tough cookies.
- Now it’s time for the chocolate chips! Fold them in gently with a spatula so that they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Scoop the dough onto a lined cookie sheet. Ideally, you should use a medium cookie scoop for uniformity. Once you have scooped out the dough, refrigerate it for about 20 minutes. Chilling the dough will help prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
- After the chilling period, bake the cookies in your preheated oven for about 10 minutes. You will know they’re ready when the edges are golden brown but the centers remain soft.
- Once they are out of the oven, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. After that, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
How to Serve Easy Sourdough Chocolate Chip Cookies
When it comes to serving Easy Sourdough Chocolate Chip Cookies, the options are endless! You can simply enjoy them warm from the oven for the ultimate comfort treat. Pair these cookies with a cold glass of milk for a classic combination that everyone loves. Want to elevate the experience? Serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, creating a delightful cookie sandwich that will impress your guests. For added fun, consider dusting the cookies with a light sprinkle of sea salt to bring out the sweetness of the chocolate. You can also package these cookies nicely in a jar tied with twine for a thoughtful homemade gift.
Expert Tips: Easy Sourdough Chocolate Chip Cookies
Even an easy recipe can benefit from a few expert tips. Here’s how you can ensure your Sourdough Chocolate Chip Cookies come out perfectly every time:
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature. This helps all the ingredients blend more smoothly, resulting in a better texture.
- Don’t Skip Chilling: Chilling the dough before baking helps create a better structure and prevents excessive spreading. If you have the time, you can chill the dough for longer, even overnight.
- Measure Flour Properly: When measuring flour, use the spoon-and-level method to avoid overpacking. Too much flour can lead to dry cookies.
- Watch Baking Time: Every oven is different. Keep an eye on the cookies towards the end of the baking time to prevent overbaking.
- Experiment with Chocolate: You can mix different types of chocolate chips or even add chunks of chocolate for a variety in texture and flavor. Dark, milk, or even white chocolate can work magic in these cookies.
How to Store Easy Sourdough Chocolate Chip Cookies
Storing your Easy Sourdough Chocolate Chip Cookies properly will keep them fresh and tasty for longer. Once the cookies have completely cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. If kept this way, the cookies should stay fresh for about a week. For extended storage, consider freezing them. Simply place the cookies in a freezer-safe bag or container, and they can be stored for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, just thaw them at room temperature or pop them in the microwave for a few seconds to regain that fresh-baked feel.
Variations of Easy Sourdough Chocolate Chip Cookies
While the original recipe for Easy Sourdough Chocolate Chip Cookies is delicious as it stands, you can take your baking creativity to the next level with a few variations:
- Nutty Additions: Incorporate your favorite nuts like walnuts or pecans for added crunch and flavor. Just chop them roughly and fold them in along with the chocolate chips.
- Oats: For a heartier cookie, try adding a cup of rolled oats to the dough. The oats will provide a chewy texture and enhance the nutritional profile.
- Spices: Sprinkle in some cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, cozy flavor that pairs beautifully with chocolate.
- Dried Fruit: Add dried fruits like cranberries or raisins for a chewy contrast to the chocolate chips. Sprinkle them in as you fold in the chocolate.
- Chocolate Variations: Instead of using just semi-sweet chocolate chips, consider using dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or even flavored chips like mint or orange for a unique twist.
FAQ
What makes Easy Sourdough Chocolate Chip Cookies unique?
Easy Sourdough Chocolate Chip Cookies stand out due to the addition of sourdough discard. This ingredient not only reduces waste but also adds a pleasant tang and complexity to the flavor, enhancing the overall cookie experience.
Can I use active sourdough starter instead of discard?
Yes, you can use an active sourdough starter, but you might need to adjust the other ingredients slightly since the active starter contains a bit of water. Just remember to keep the overall consistency in mind.
How should I store Easy Sourdough Chocolate Chip Cookies?
After cooling, store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness. For long-term storage, freeze them in a sealed container, and they can last up to three months.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Absolutely! You can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make a gluten-free version of these cookies. Just be sure that the blend contains binding agents to mimic the properties of gluten.
How long do Easy Sourdough Chocolate Chip Cookies stay fresh?
When stored properly in an airtight container, these cookies can remain fresh for about a week. For long-term storage, freeze them for up to three months.
Now that you have all the information you need, you’re ready to whip up a batch of Easy Sourdough Chocolate Chip Cookies. Enjoy the delightful baking experience and the tasty results!
Easy Sourdough Chocolate Chip Cookies
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 450 grams 450 grams all-purpose flour About 3 cups
- 6 grams 6 grams baking soda 1 tsp
- 3 grams 3 grams baking powder 1/2 tsp
- 5 grams 5 grams salt 1 tsp
Wet Ingredients
- 100 grams 100 grams sourdough discard 1/2 cup
- 228 grams 228 grams unsalted butter at room temperature 1 cup
- 150 grams 150 grams brown sugar 3/4 cup, lightly packed
- 150 grams 150 grams white sugar 3/4 cup
- 2 large 2 large eggs At room temperature
- 4.2 grams 4.2 grams vanilla extract 1 tsp
Add-ins
- 340 grams 340 grams chocolate chips About 2 cups
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream together your sourdough discard, brown sugar, white sugar, and softened unsalted butter until light and fluffy.
- Add in the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
- Gradually incorporate the dry ingredient mixture until just combined; avoid overmixing.
- Fold in the chocolate chips gently with a spatula.
- Scoop the dough onto a lined cookie sheet and refrigerate for about 20 minutes.
Baking
- Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes, until the edges are golden brown and the centers are soft.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
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