The rich, buttery flavor of these Sourdough Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars combined with their chewy texture makes them an irresistible treat. The sourdough discard adds a slight tang, enhancing the sweetness and creating a perfect balance of flavors.
Perfect for gatherings, bake sales, or a cozy night in, these cookie bars are simple to prepare yet deliver an indulgent dessert experience. Enjoy them warm with a glass of milk or topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate comfort treat.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup sourdough discard
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips (dark, milk, or semi-sweet)
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth.
- Add eggs and vanilla extract, then mix until fully combined.
- Stir in the sourdough discard until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.
- Fold in the chocolate chips and chopped walnuts (if using).
- Spread the dough evenly into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow to cool in the pan before slicing into squares.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes
Kcal: 285 kcal | Servings: 16 bars
The Ultimate Guide to Sourdough Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
If you’re an avid baker or someone passionate about reducing food waste, sourdough discard recipes offer a perfect way to combine creativity and sustainability. One delightful way to use that extra discard is by baking Sourdough Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars a rich, chewy, and deeply satisfying dessert that blends the tangy notes of sourdough with the sweet comfort of chocolate chip cookies. These bars are easy to make and perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings.
Why Bake with Sourdough Discard?
Sourdough discard is the portion of starter that gets removed during the feeding process to maintain a healthy sourdough culture. While discarding may seem wasteful, it’s actually a goldmine for creative baking projects. Sourdough discard not only helps reduce kitchen waste but also enhances the texture and flavor of baked goods. In cookie bars, the discard creates a wonderfully chewy consistency with a subtle tang that balances the sweetness.
The Magic of Flavor and Texture
The beauty of these Sourdough Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars lies in their texture and depth of flavor. The melted butter in the recipe ensures a rich, buttery base that melts in your mouth, while the brown sugar provides a deep caramel-like sweetness. The sourdough discard introduces a slight tang, which cuts through the richness and creates a well-rounded taste.
The addition of chocolate chips brings bursts of gooey, melted chocolate in every bite. For extra crunch, walnuts or pecans can be included, adding a delightful contrast to the soft texture of the cookie bars. The balance between soft, chewy centers and golden, slightly crisp edges makes these bars completely irresistible.
Ideal for Various Occasions
These cookie bars are perfect for casual get-togethers, bake sales, school lunchboxes, or as an easy dessert for family dinners. Because they are sliced into individual squares, they are also incredibly convenient to serve at parties or events. Their rich flavor and chewy texture make them a hit for both kids and adults alike.
The Versatility of Sourdough Cookie Bars
One of the greatest perks of this recipe is its flexibility. While chocolate chips are the classic choice, you can experiment with a variety of mix-ins to suit your taste preferences. Here are some creative ideas to try:
- White Chocolate & Macadamia Nuts: Add creamy white chocolate chips and crunchy macadamia nuts for a tropical twist.
- Peanut Butter Swirls: Swirl peanut butter into the batter before baking for a decadent peanut butter-chocolate combination.
- Dried Fruits & Nuts: Incorporate dried cranberries, cherries, or raisins with toasted nuts for added flavor and texture.
- Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle melted caramel on top before baking for an extra layer of sweetness.
Storing and Freezing Tips
These Sourdough Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 4 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week. If you’d like to freeze them, simply wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap, then place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When ready to enjoy, allow the bars to thaw at room temperature or warm them slightly in the microwave for that freshly-baked taste.
Nutritional Benefits of Sourdough Discard
Beyond flavor enhancement, sourdough discard also offers some nutritional advantages. Because the discard is part of the fermentation process, it can improve digestibility and may help break down certain gluten proteins, making the final product easier on the stomach. This makes sourdough-based baked goods an appealing choice for those who find traditional wheat products harder to digest.
Additionally, the fermentation process in sourdough discard may increase the bioavailability of certain nutrients, such as B vitamins, iron, and magnesium. While these cookie bars are undoubtedly a sweet indulgence, they carry a unique nutritional edge that traditional cookie recipes may lack.
Tips for Perfect Cookie Bars Every Time
For flawless Sourdough Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars, follow these key tips:
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensuring your eggs and sourdough discard are at room temperature helps the ingredients blend evenly, resulting in a smoother batter.
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the batter can cause gluten development, leading to tougher cookie bars. Mix just until the ingredients are incorporated.
- Bake with Parchment Paper: This makes it easier to lift the bars out of the pan for even slicing.
- Allow Cooling Time: While it’s tempting to dig in right away, letting the bars cool ensures they firm up for cleaner cuts and better texture.
Conclusion
Sourdough Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are a delicious way to use your sourdough discard while treating yourself to a chewy, chocolatey dessert. Their rich flavor, versatile mix-in options, and ease of preparation make them a must-try recipe for bakers of all skill levels. Whether you enjoy them fresh out of the oven or saved for later as a grab-and-go treat, these cookie bars are sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
By embracing sourdough discard in your baking, you’re not only reducing food waste but also elevating the flavor and texture of your desserts. So the next time you’re feeding your sourdough starter, don’t throw away that precious discard turn it into these decadent cookie bars that everyone will love.