Brown Butter Sourdough Discard Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

If you’ve ever wondered how to transform your sourdough discard into something irresistible, this Brown Butter Sourdough Discard Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe is your golden ticket. These cookies boast a rich, nutty depth from browned butter combined with the subtle tang of sourdough discard, creating a uniquely chewy and flavorful treat that will quickly become your go-to for any cookie craving. Whether it’s the melty chocolate chips or the perfectly crisp edges, every bite is a warm hug that’s both familiar and exciting at the same time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Don’t be intimidated by the list—these ingredients are straightforward and essential, each playing a starring role in the cookies’ vibrant flavor and texture. From the nutty brown butter to the punch of cinnamon, every component serves a purpose you’ll taste in the final bite.

• Unsalted butter, 1 cup: Browning this butter is where the magic starts, adding that irresistible nutty aroma and richness.
• Light brown sugar, 1 cup: Adds moisture and deep caramel flavors for chewy goodness.
• Granulated sugar, 1/2 cup: Balances sweetness and helps create a crisp edge on the cookies.
• Large egg, 1: Provides structure and tenderness.
• Large egg yolk, 1: Extra richness and softness in the cookie dough.
• Unfed sourdough discard, 1/2 cup: Brings a subtle tang and fantastic chew, making use of every bit of your starter.
• Vanilla extract, 1 tablespoon: Boosts overall flavor with its warm, inviting notes.
• All-purpose flour, 2-1/3 cups: The backbone of the cookie, providing structure and chewiness.
• Baking soda, 1 teaspoon: Helps the cookies spread beautifully while keeping them tender.
• Baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon: Adds a little lift for a perfect texture balance.
• Salt, 3/4 teaspoon: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
• Ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon: Adds a warm, subtle spice that complements the brown butter perfectly.
• Dark or semi-sweet chocolate chips, 1-1/2 cups: Melty pockets of chocolate deliciousness in every bite.
• Extra chocolate chips for topping: To get that eye-catching, chocolatey look on top.
• Flaky sea salt for garnish (optional): A sprinkle adds the perfect pop of salty crunch and enhances sweetness.

How to Make Brown Butter Sourdough Discard Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Butter

Start by melting unsalted butter over medium heat until it turns a golden brown with a nutty aroma filling your kitchen. This is a crucial flavor step that transforms your cookies. Then, let the butter cool for about 10–15 minutes so it’s warm but not hot—this ensures your sugars and eggs mix smoothly in the next steps.

Step 2: Mix in the Sugars

Combine the browned butter with light brown sugar and granulated sugar in a mixing bowl. Whisk these together until the mixture is smooth and slightly fluffy. This step creates a perfect balance of moisture and caramel sweetness essential for those chewy edges we love.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Stir in the large egg, extra egg yolk, and vanilla extract until everything is beautifully smooth. The extra yolk gives your cookies that luscious richness and soft texture, making every bite melt in your mouth.

Step 4: Incorporate the Sourdough Discard

Mix in the unfed sourdough discard until fully blended. This adds a distinctive tang and extra chewiness that sets this cookie apart from anything else you’ll try.

Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon. This ensures the leavening agents and spices are evenly distributed, so your cookies rise perfectly with consistent flavor.

Step 6: Fold Dry Ingredients and Chocolate Chips

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, folding gently until just combined. Then fold in the chocolate chips. Be careful not to overmix, as this keeps your cookies tender and soft instead of tough.

Step 7: Chill the Dough

Cover the cookie dough and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. Chilling is key for developing flavor and achieving the ideal chewy texture and shape during baking.

Step 8: Prepare for Baking

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and create an even bake underneath your cookies.

Step 9: Shape the Cookies

Scoop the chilled dough into balls and place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheets. Top each with a few extra chocolate chips for that luscious chocolatey surface that invites everyone to dig in.

Step 10: Bake to Perfection

Bake the cookies for 10–12 minutes until the edges turn a golden brown but the centers remain soft. This timing gives you that perfect balance of crispy outside and tender chew inside.

Step 11: Cool Before Enjoying

Let the cookies cool slightly on the baking sheets before transferring them to a wire rack. This resting time firms them up just enough, but you can still enjoy them a little warm with chocolate gooey and delightful.

How to Serve Brown Butter Sourdough Discard Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of flaky sea salt right after baking adds an exceptional flavor contrast that enhances the sweetness of the chocolate and buttery cookie base. For that extra touch of indulgence, drizzle with melted chocolate or a light dusting of powdered sugar.

Side Dishes

Serving these cookies with a tall glass of cold milk is a classic combo that never goes wrong. You can also pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an easy dessert upgrade that will impress everyone at your table.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, sandwich two cookies together with your favorite frosting or nut butter in the middle. Arrange them on a beautiful platter with seasonal fruit or nuts to elevate presentation at your next gathering or coffee break.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. This keeps them soft, chewy, and just as satisfying as the first day you baked them.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy these treats later, freeze the dough balls before baking or the baked cookies in a sealed container or freezer bag. Dough balls freeze well for up to 3 months and can be baked directly from frozen with an extra minute or two added to baking time.

Reheating

Warm leftover cookies in the microwave for 10–15 seconds, or pop them in a low oven (300°F/150°C) for 5 minutes. This brings the chocolate back to melty perfection and revives their freshly baked charm.

FAQs

Can I skip browning the butter in this recipe?

You could, but browning the butter adds a unique nutty flavor and depth that plain melted butter can’t match. It’s a small step that makes these cookies truly extraordinary.

What if I don’t have sourdough discard?

This recipe uses sourdough discard to add tang and chew, but you can substitute it with a bit of yogurt or extra buttermilk, keeping in mind the flavor will be slightly different. The discard is special but not exclusively necessary.

Why chill the cookie dough before baking?

Chilling allows the fats to solidify, which prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking and helps develop a more complex flavor. It also results in a chewier texture that’s just heavenly.

Can I use milk or white chocolate chips instead of dark or semi-sweet?

Absolutely! Different chocolate types will give slightly different sweetness profiles and textures—feel free to customize based on your preference or what you have on hand.

How do these cookies differ from classic chocolate chip cookies?

The secret stars here are the browned butter and sourdough discard, which add layers of nutty, tangy, and caramel flavors along with a uniquely chewy texture that sets them apart from your standard cookie.

Final Thoughts

Trust me, once you make this Brown Butter Sourdough Discard Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe, it will become a proud staple in your baking repertoire. The combination of warm browned butter, tangy sourdough, and luscious chocolate chips makes for an unforgettable cookie experience that’s perfect for sharing or indulging all to yourself. So go ahead, try it out and treat yourself to these unforgettable bites!

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