5-Step Irresistible Sourdough Sugar Cookie Recipe

If you love soft, chewy sugar cookies with a little something extra, this sourdough sugar cookie recipe is about to become your new favorite.

Adding sourdough starter brings a subtle tang and rich depth of flavor you just can’t get from a standard sugar cookie.
The result? A perfectly balanced cookie — crisp at the edges, soft in the center, and layered with flavor.

Even better, this is a great way to use up sourdough discard — turning what might otherwise go to waste into a batch of irresistible treats.

Whether you’re baking for a holiday tray, a cozy weekend, or just a sweet snack to pair with coffee, these soft sourdough sugar cookies deliver every time.

Ready to bake?
Let’s dive into this 5-step irresistible sourdough sugar cookie recipe and create cookies you’ll crave again and again.

What Is Sourdough Sugar Cookie?

A sourdough sugar cookie is exactly what it sounds like — a soft, buttery sugar cookie made with a touch of sourdough starter for added flavor and texture.

Unlike traditional sugar cookies, which are purely sweet and buttery, these cookies have a subtle tang from the starter that balances the sweetness perfectly.
It’s the kind of flavor that keeps you coming back for “just one more” bite.

In this sourdough sugar cookie recipe, the starter also brings another bonus:
It helps create a wonderfully soft and tender crumb — giving you those coveted soft sourdough sugar cookies that stay chewy in the center while crisping up slightly at the edges.

If you’ve been baking sourdough bread, this is also a fantastic way to use up your sourdough discard.
Rather than tossing it, you can turn it into a batch of irresistible sourdough discard sugar cookies that everyone will love.

And yes — you can absolutely make these cookies with either active starter or discard — both versions turn out beautifully.

So whether you’re new to sugar cookies with sourdough starter, or looking for a new twist on an old favorite, this recipe is the perfect place to start.

Why You’ll Love This Sourdough Sugar Cookie Recipe

There’s something extra satisfying about transforming a humble sourdough starter into something sweet, soft, and utterly crave-worthy.
That’s exactly what this sourdough sugar cookie recipe delivers — and here’s why you’ll want to bake it again and again:

A Subtle Tangy Twist on a Classic

Adding sourdough discard to your cookie dough brings a light, pleasant tang that perfectly balances the sweetness.
If you love sugar cookies but sometimes find them too one-note, this flavor depth will win you over.

Perfect Soft & Chewy Texture

The sourdough starter helps create beautifully soft sourdough sugar cookies with tender centers and just the right crisp edge.
Every bite is buttery, melt-in-your-mouth good.

A Delicious Way to Use Sourdough Discard

Rather than tossing your extra starter, turn it into something delicious.
These sourdough discard sugar cookies are one of my favorite ways to cut down on kitchen waste while treating yourself.

Quick & Simple to Make

No complicated techniques here — this recipe is beginner-friendly and perfect for when you want a homemade treat without spending hours in the kitchen.

Fun to Customize

This base recipe is endlessly adaptable.
Add citrus zest, vanilla bean, chocolate chips — or pair your cookies with bold dishes like this flavorful Curry Apple and Deep Fried Rice Recipe for a playful contrast on your next menu.

Whether you’re baking for a holiday cookie tray or just craving a comforting bite, this sourdough sugar cookie recipe delivers simple joy with every batch.

Ingredients You’ll Need 

This sourdough sugar cookie recipe comes together with simple pantry staples and a bit of extra love from your sourdough starter.
Each ingredient plays a key role in creating soft, flavorful cookies with the perfect hint of tang.

Here’s what you’ll need — and why it matters:

Ingredient	Why It’s Used
Unsalted butter (softened)	Provides richness and that classic melt-in-your-mouth texture
Granulated sugar	Sweetens the cookies and helps create crisp edges
Egg	Adds structure and helps bind the dough for **soft sourdough sugar cookies**
Vanilla extract	Enhances sweetness and adds warm flavor notes
All-purpose flour	Provides the structure for **sourdough sugar cookie recipe** and balances the wet ingredients
Baking powder	Gives the cookies a slight lift and soft texture
Salt	Balances sweetness and enhances flavor in **sourdough discard sugar cookies**
Sourdough starter (active or discard)	Adds tangy flavor and moisture — the signature ingredient in **sugar cookies with sourdough starter**

With these simple ingredients, your sourdough sugar cookie recipe will come together quickly — creating soft, tender cookies with a delightful flavor twist.

5-Step Irresistible Cooking Guide

Ready to bake the best sourdough sugar cookie recipe you’ve ever tasted?
Here’s my tried-and-true 5-step method to get soft, flavorful cookies with just the right hint of tang.

This guide is designed to help even beginners achieve perfect results — just follow each step and you’ll be golden.

Step 1 – Prepare the Sourdough Starter & Dough

When: First thing — your dough needs proper mixing and rest.

Why it matters:
Using a well-fed or sourdough discard starter adds both moisture and flavor to your cookies.
Mixing the dough correctly ensures the perfect balance of chew and softness.

How:

• In a large bowl, cream softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

• Beat in the egg and vanilla extract.

• Add your sourdough starter (discard or active) and mix until fully incorporated.

Pro Tip:
Don’t overmix once you add the starter — gentle mixing preserves the tender texture of your soft sourdough sugar cookies.

Step 2 – Chill the Dough for Best Texture

When: Right after dough is mixed.

Why it matters:
Chilling allows the dough to firm up, prevents spreading, and gives time for the flavors to deepen — key to achieving perfect sourdough discard sugar cookies.

How:

• Wrap the dough in plastic wrap or cover the bowl.

• Chill for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results.

Pro Tip:
Overnight chilling brings out even more tang from your sugar cookies with sourdough starter.

Step 3 – Roll & Shape the Cookies

When: After chilling.

Why it matters:
Proper shaping ensures even baking and that beautiful, uniform look.

How:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

• Roll chilled dough into 1–1.5 inch balls.

• Optionally, roll balls in granulated sugar for a classic sugar cookie finish.

• Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet with room to spread.

Pro Tip:
For extra soft centers, slightly under-bake and allow the cookies to finish setting on the baking sheet.

Step 4 – Bake to Soft, Chewy Perfection

When: After shaping.

Why it matters:
Careful baking locks in moisture while giving you crisp edges — the ideal balance for this sourdough sugar cookie recipe.

How:

• Bake for 9–11 minutes, until edges are set and lightly golden.

• Centers should look soft and slightly underbaked — they’ll firm up as they cool.

Pro Tip:
Resist the urge to overbake — this is the key to soft, chewy cookies!

Step 5 – Cool & Add Final Touches

When: Right after baking.

Why it matters:
Cooling allows the cookies to set perfectly and enhances flavor.

How:

• Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes.

• Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Optional:
Sprinkle with a touch of coarse sugar or drizzle with icing if desired — but honestly, these sourdough discard sugar cookies are perfect as they are.

And that’s it!
Follow these simple steps and you’ll be rewarded with a batch of soft sourdough sugar cookies that taste every bit as irresistible as they look.

Pro Tips for Perfect Texture & Flavor

Now that you’ve got the basics of this sourdough sugar cookie recipe, let’s take it to the next level.
These expert tips will help you fine-tune flavor, control texture, and bake cookies that wow every single time.

Use a Well-Maintained Starter

The fresher and more flavorful your sourdough starter, the better your cookies will taste.
A well-fed starter (or discard that’s no older than a few days) adds the perfect subtle tang without overpowering the sweet profile of soft sourdough sugar cookies.

Chill for Optimal Flavor & Structure

Don’t skip the chill time!
It helps solidify the butter, reducing spread during baking, and allows the tangy, complex flavors to develop fully — one of the secrets to perfect sourdough discard sugar cookies.

Don’t Overmix the Dough

Overmixing develops too much gluten, which can make cookies tough.
For soft, tender results, mix only until the ingredients are combined — especially after adding flour.

Watch the Bake Time Carefully

Keep a close eye toward the end of baking:

• For soft sourdough sugar cookies, pull them when edges are set but centers still look soft.

• They’ll continue to set as they cool.

For more helpful tips on mastering sugar cookies, I highly recommend this excellent guide from King Arthur Baking — it’s packed with expert advice for getting your cookies just right.

Customize Flavor with Add-Ins

Don’t be afraid to get creative with your sugar cookies with sourdough starter:

• Add citrus zest for brightness.

• Try a splash of almond extract for depth.

• Fold in white chocolate chips or toffee bits for extra indulgence.

By keeping these pro tips in mind, your sourdough sugar cookie recipe will consistently deliver cookies that are perfectly soft, flavorful, and impossible to resist.

Variations to Try

One of the best things about this sourdough sugar cookie recipe is how versatile it is.
Once you’ve mastered the basic version, there are so many fun ways to customize these cookies — perfect for every season and craving.

Here are some of my favorite variations to inspire your next batch:

🍊 Citrus Twist

For bright, refreshing soft sourdough sugar cookies, add:

• 1–2 tsp lemon zest or orange zest to the dough.

• A simple citrus glaze (powdered sugar + lemon juice) on top.

🍫 Chocolate Chip Delight

Fold in mini chocolate chips or white chocolate chips before chilling the dough.
The slight tang of sourdough discard sugar cookies pairs beautifully with creamy chocolate.

🌰 Nutty Crunch

Add ½ cup finely chopped toasted pecans or almonds to the dough.
This adds a satisfying crunch to the sugar cookies with sourdough starter.

🌿 Vanilla Bean Elegance

For a more elevated flavor:

• Use vanilla bean paste instead of vanilla extract.

• Top baked cookies with a light dusting of vanilla sugar.

🌈 Holiday Sparkle

Perfect for festive cookie trays:

• Roll cookie dough balls in colored sanding sugar before baking.

• Add festive sprinkles for extra fun.

These are just a few ideas — once you start experimenting, you’ll see just how flexible this sourdough sugar cookie recipe can be.

So go ahead — get creative and bake a version that’s perfectly you!

How to Store Sourdough Sugar Cookies

Once you’ve baked a batch of these irresistible sourdough sugar cookies, you’ll definitely want to keep them fresh as long as possible.
Here’s how to store them the right way — so you can enjoy soft sourdough sugar cookies for days to come.

🏠 At Room Temperature

Best for: Enjoying within 3–4 days.

How:

• Allow cookies to cool completely.

• Store in an airtight container at room temperature.

• Place a small piece of parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Pro Tip:
Adding a slice of bread to the container helps keep sourdough discard sugar cookies extra soft — the bread absorbs excess moisture.

🧊 In the Refrigerator

Best for: Warmer climates or longer storage.

How:

• Place cookies in an airtight container.

• Store in the fridge for up to 1 week.

• Bring to room temperature before serving to enjoy full flavor and texture.

❄️ Freezing for Longer Storage

Best for: Saving a batch for later.

How:

• Place fully cooled sugar cookies with sourdough starter on a baking sheet.

• Freeze until firm (about 1 hour).

• Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper.

• Freeze for up to 3 months.

To serve:
Let cookies thaw at room temperature for 20–30 minutes, or warm gently in the oven for that fresh-baked taste.

Handled properly, this sourdough sugar cookie recipe will reward you with perfectly soft, flavorful cookies that stay delicious well beyond baking day.

FAQs About Sourdough Sugar Cookie Recipe

Have questions about making the perfect sourdough sugar cookie recipe?
You’re not alone! Here are some of the most common questions I get — and exactly what you need to know:

Can I use sourdough discard in this recipe?

Absolutely!
This recipe is a great way to use up sourdough discard. It brings a subtle tang and soft texture to your sourdough discard sugar cookies without needing an active starter.

How tangy are these cookies?

The tang is very subtle — think of it as a slight depth of flavor rather than a strong sour note.
It beautifully balances the sweetness in soft sourdough sugar cookies and makes them more interesting than your average sugar cookie.

Can I freeze the cookie dough?

Yes!
You can freeze this sugar cookies with sourdough starter dough:

• Shape dough into balls.

• Freeze on a baking sheet.

• Transfer to a freezer bag once firm.

• Bake straight from frozen — just add an extra minute or two to the bake time.

How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?

Chilling the dough is key.
Be sure to chill for at least 2 hours, ideally overnight, to ensure your sourdough discard sugar cookies bake up soft and thick with crisp edges.

Can I make these cookies dairy-free?

Yes!
Substitute the butter with a high-quality plant-based butter substitute.
Keep in mind this may slightly change the flavor and texture, but your sourdough sugar cookie recipe will still turn out delicious.

With these FAQs in hand, you’ll be ready to bake a batch of soft sourdough sugar cookies with confidence.
The hardest part? Not eating them all at once!

Final Thoughts

This sourdough sugar cookie recipe is proof that simple ingredients — with a little creative twist — can deliver something truly special.
Whether you’re using up extra starter or simply craving a cookie with more depth and character, these soft sourdough sugar cookies always hit the spot.

I love how the sourdough discard brings subtle tang and tenderness, making every bite perfectly balanced — not too sweet, not too plain — just right.
And the best part? You can easily customize this recipe to match your mood or the season.

So the next time you’re looking for a fun baking project or a new way to use your sugar cookies with sourdough starter, give this recipe a try.
It’s the kind of treat that brings comfort and joy with every batch.

Happy baking — and enjoy every soft, chewy bite of these delightful sourdough sugar cookies!