Simple Sourdough Discard Cookies (Ready in 30 Minutes)

There’s something so satisfying about using what you already have… especially when it turns into something this good.

The other day, I had some sourdough discard sitting in my fridge, and I really didn’t want to waste it. I didn’t have a plan, didn’t have all the “perfect” ingredients either… but I still decided to make something simple.

And these cookies? They came together in less than 30 minutes and turned into the coziest little snack for our family.

That’s what I love about sourdough… it doesn’t have to be complicated 🤍

Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• ½ teaspoon baking soda

• Just under ½ teaspoon salt

• ¼ cup (56 g) unsalted butter, softened

• ½ cup (100 g) brown sugar (light or dark, packed)

• ¼ cup (58 g) sourdough discard (unfed)

• 1 egg, room temperature

• 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract

• ⅓ cup (60 g) chocolate chips (or whatever you have on hand)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175–177°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper if desired.

In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until smooth and well combined. Take your time here—this helps give the cookies a soft texture.

Add in the sourdough discard, then mix in the egg and vanilla extract until everything is smooth.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently just until combined. Avoid overmixing.

Fold in your chocolate chips (or any mix-ins you have).

Scoop the dough into balls (about 2 tablespoons each) and place them on your baking sheet, leaving space between each one.

Bake for 8–11 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden but the centers still look soft.

Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a rack.

Notes & Tips

• Don’t worry if you don’t have all the ingredients—this recipe is very forgiving.

• You can mix and match add-ins (chocolate chunks, nuts, etc.).

• Slightly underbaking keeps them soft and chewy 🤍

• A pinch of flaky salt on top takes them to another level.

Simple Baking for Real Life

This is one of those recipes that reminds me… it doesn’t have to be perfect to be good.

Sourdough can feel overwhelming at first, but it can also be simple, flexible, and fit into your everyday life—even on busy days.

If you’ve been wanting to start sourdough but don’t know where to begin, I created something just for you:

✨ The Simple Sourdough Guide

A step-by-step, realistic approach for busy moms who want to bake from scratch—without the overwhelm.

And if you’re curious about the tools I use daily in my kitchen, I’ve also put together a list of my favorite sourdough essentials:

✨ My Amazon Favorites for Sourdough Baking