Sourdough Sugar Cookies That Will Be Your New Favorite
Discover the perfect recipe for soft, chewy sourdough sugar cookies that balance sweet and tangy flavors, ideal for any occasion and easy to make!
Ingredients
1 cup sourdough starter (fed and bubbly)
- This ingredient is what gives these cookies their unique and exceptional character. Using an active bubbly sourdough starter adds that signature tang and helps create the perfect chewy texture. Make sure it's well-fed before using it for best results!
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- Butter is key for creating a rich melt-in-your-mouth texture. Be sure to let it soften to room temperature so it blends easily with the other ingredients.
1 cup granulated sugar
- This provides the sweetness that balances out the tangy flavor of the sourdough. The sugar also helps achieve that lovely crisp edge while keeping the inside soft and chewy.
1 large egg
- Eggs are the binding agent in this recipe. They help hold everything together and contribute to the soft tender texture.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Vanilla brings a cozy fragrant note that balances the sugar’s sweetness and elevates the cookies' overall flavor.
2 cups all-purpose flour
- All-purpose flour acts as the base giving the dough the necessary framework. Make sure to measure your flour properly—either with a scale or by spooning and leveling the flour—so the texture turns out just right.
1 teaspoon baking soda
- This helps the cookies rise a little and become light and airy while also enhancing the spread of the dough during baking.
1/2 teaspoon salt
- A pinch of salt helps to balance the sweetness and bring out the flavors in the cookies making them more complex and satisfying.
Instructions
Prepare the Dough
- Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to keep the cookies from sticking and ensure they bake evenly.
Cream Butter and Sugar
- In a large bowl, whip the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and airy. This should take about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer, or a little longer by hand with a whisk. Creaming these ingredients properly is key for achieving that soft, chewy texture we all love.
Add the Wet Ingredients
- Next, beat in the egg and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and combined. The egg will help bind everything together, and the vanilla adds a lovely aroma and flavor to the dough.
Incorporate the Sourdough Starter
- Gently fold in your fed sourdough starter. The starter should be bubbly and active, which helps give the cookies their signature tang and chewy texture. Mix until well combined—don’t overmix, as we want to keep the dough light.
Combine the Dry Ingredients
- In another bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt by whisking them together. Then, slowly incorporate the dry mixture into the wet ingredients. Mix until just combined. You should have a slightly sticky dough that holds together well, but is not too runny.
Chill the Dough
- To achieve optimal results, cover the dough with plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for a minimum of 30 minutes. Chilling the dough helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking, ensuring they stay thick and chewy.
Shape the Cookies
- Once chilled, take the dough out of the refrigerator and portion it into balls using a tablespoon or a cookie scoop. Roll each one between your hands to make smooth, uniform balls. If you like, roll the dough balls in a little extra sugar or cinnamon for added flavor and texture.
Bake the Cookies
- Arrange the dough balls on the lined baking sheets, leaving approximately 2 inches between each to give them room to spread. Gently flatten each ball with the back of a spoon or your fingers. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are nicely browned and the centers have set. Be sure to monitor them closely to avoid baking too long.
Cool and Enjoy
- After baking, allow the cookies to rest on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before moving them to a wire rack to cool fully. This process allows the cookies to firm up correctly and develop the perfect chewy consistency.
Notes
Nutrition Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 80mg
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Sugars: 11g
- Protein: 1g
- Vitamin A: 4%
- Calcium: 2%
- Iron: 3%