Sourdough Butter Cookies

Buttery, tender, and perfectly crisp around the edges, these Sourdough Butter Cookies are a delicious twist on the classic homemade cookie. Adding sourdough discard gives the cookies a subtle tangy flavor that balances the sweetness beautifully while creating an incredibly rich texture.

These cookies are simple to make and perfect for using up extra sourdough discard. Whether you enjoy them plain, dipped in chocolate, decorated with icing, or sandwiched with jam, they make a wonderful treat for holidays, afternoon tea, cookie exchanges, or everyday baking.

With their melt-in-your-mouth texture and delicate buttery flavor, these sourdough butter cookies are sure to become a favorite in your baking collection.

Why You’ll Love These Sourdough Butter Cookies

• Great way to use sourdough discard
• Rich buttery flavor
• Crisp edges with tender centers
• Easy beginner-friendly recipe
• Perfect for holidays and gifting
• Customizable with icing, sprinkles, or chocolate
• Dough can be made ahead of time

What Are Sourdough Butter Cookies?

Sourdough butter cookies are traditional butter cookies made with added sourdough discard. The discard enhances the flavor without making the cookies taste sour.

The result is a cookie that is:

• Slightly tangy
• Rich and buttery
• Soft yet crisp
• Wonderfully flavorful

The dough can be piped, rolled, or sliced depending on your preferred cookie style.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup sourdough discard
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Optional Add-Ins

• Melted chocolate
• Colored sprinkles
• Sanding sugar
• Jam
• Lemon zest
• Almond extract

Ingredient Notes

Sourdough Discard

Use unfed sourdough discard at room temperature. It adds depth of flavor and helps create tender cookies.

Butter

Use high-quality unsalted butter for the richest flavor.

Vanilla

Pure vanilla extract enhances the buttery sweetness beautifully.

Kitchen Tools Needed

• Mixing bowls
• Hand mixer or stand mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper
• Cookie scoop or piping bag
• Cooling rack

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Chill Time: 30 minutes
• Bake Time: 12–15 minutes
• Total Time: About 1 hour

Oven Temperature

Bake at:

350°F (175°C)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.

This step helps create tender, delicate cookies.

Step 2: Add Wet Ingredients

Mix in:

• Sourdough discard
• Egg
• Vanilla extract

Beat until smooth and fully combined.

Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients

Gradually add:

• Flour
• Salt

Mix until a soft dough forms.

Do not overmix.

Step 4: Chill the Dough

Cover the dough and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Chilling helps:

• Prevent spreading
• Improve texture
• Make shaping easier

Step 5: Shape the Cookies

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

Line baking sheets with parchment paper.

You can shape the cookies several ways:

• Pipe swirls using a piping bag
• Roll into balls and flatten slightly
• Slice from a cookie log
• Use cookie cutters

Place cookies about 2 inches apart.

Step 6: Bake

Bake for 12–15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.

The centers should remain pale for a tender texture.

Step 7: Cool

Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.

Cool completely before decorating.

Decorating Ideas

These cookies are delicious plain or decorated.

Chocolate-Dipped

Dip half of each cookie in melted chocolate.

Jam Sandwich Cookies

Spread raspberry or strawberry jam between two cookies.

Holiday Cookies

Decorate with royal icing and sprinkles.

Lemon Butter Cookies

Add lemon zest for bright citrus flavor.

Tips for Perfect Butter Cookies

Use Softened Butter

Butter should be soft but not melted.

Chill the Dough

This prevents cookies from spreading too much.

Don’t Overbake

Butter cookies continue firming up while cooling.

Measure Flour Correctly

Too much flour can make cookies dry.

Flavor Variations

Almond Butter Cookies

Replace vanilla with almond extract.

Chocolate Butter Cookies

Add cocoa powder to part of the flour.

Cinnamon Sugar Cookies

Roll dough balls in cinnamon sugar before baking.

Coconut Butter Cookies

Add shredded coconut for extra texture.

Storage Instructions

Room Temperature

Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.

Refrigerator

Store for up to 2 weeks.

Freezer

Freeze baked cookies or cookie dough for up to 3 months.

Make-Ahead Tips

You can prepare the dough ahead and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before baking.

Frozen dough can be baked directly from frozen by adding 1–2 extra minutes to baking time.

Nutritional Information

Approximate per cookie (based on 24 cookies):

• Calories: 120
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 35mg

Nutrition values may vary depending on ingredients used.

Common Questions

Does the Cookies Taste Sour?

No. The sourdough discard adds subtle depth of flavor, not strong sourness.

Can I Use Active Sourdough Starter?

Yes, but discard works best and avoids wasting starter.

Why Did My Cookies Spread Too Much?

The butter may have been too warm or the dough wasn’t chilled long enough.

Can I Pipe This Dough?

Yes. If the dough feels too stiff for piping, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes.

Best Occasions for These Cookies

These cookies are perfect for:

• Holiday baking
• Christmas cookie trays
• Tea parties
• Homemade gifts
• Afternoon snacks
• Cookie swaps