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When I first started baking with sourdough, I had no idea what to do with all the extra starter. It sat in my fridge, a constant reminder of my ambitious bread-making adventures. But then, a delightful discovery changed everything: Chewy Sourdough Oatmeal Cookies! Combining the hearty flavor of oats with the tang of sourdough discard, these cookies turned kitchen waste into a beloved snack. The warm aroma of baked oats and brown sugar wafts through my home, inviting everyone to enjoy this delicious treat.

Perfect for a cozy coffee break or an indulgent afternoon pick-me-up, these Sourdough Oatmeal Cookies are effortlessly customizable. Whether you’re a fan of rich chocolate chips or prefer the sweet chewiness of raisins, there’s a mix-in to suit every craving. Not only do they embody the comforting essence of homemade goodness, but they also tap into the joy of reducing waste in the kitchen. Join me on this baking adventure and transform your leftover sourdough starter into morsels of happiness!

Why are Sourdough Oatmeal Cookies a must-try?

Irresistibly Chewy: These cookies offer a delightful texture with every bite, making them a satisfying snack.
Waste Not, Want Not: Perfectly utilize your sourdough discard, turning what might be waste into a treat you’ll crave.
Customizable Goodness: With options for chocolate chips, raisins, or nuts, everyone can enjoy their perfect cookie variation.
Time-Saving: Simple to prepare in just a few steps, making them ideal for anyone short on time.
Crowd-Pleased Treat: Whether for family, friends, or a gathering, these cookies are guaranteed to impress, bringing smiles all around!

Sourdough Oatmeal Cookies Ingredients

For the Batter

Rolled Oats – Ideal for creating a hearty texture; instant oats can be used for a finer consistency.
All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure and stability; accurate measurement is crucial for best results.
Baking Soda – Works as a leavening agent to help the cookies rise perfectly.
Ground Cinnamon – Infuses warmth and spice, enhancing flavor depth.
Kosher Salt – Balances the sweetness, enriching the overall taste.
Unsalted Butter – Adds moisture and richness; ensure it’s softened for easy blending.
Brown Sugar – Brings caramel undertones, contributing to sweetness.
Granulated Sugar – Complements brown sugar, enhancing the overall sweetness of the cookies.
Large Egg – Acts as a binder to keep the cookies together.
Sourdough Starter Discard – Unique flavor enhancer that introduces a slight tang, transforming your cookies.
Vanilla Extract – Adds depth to the flavor profile, complementing the sweetness.

Optional Mix-Ins

Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips – Offers luscious bursts of sweetness, perfect for chocolate lovers.
Raisins – Adds sweet chewiness, giving a classic cookie twist; substitute with dried fruit for a fruity flavor.

Feel free to play around with these ingredients in your Sourdough Oatmeal Cookies – a delicious way to reduce waste while indulging in a chewy treat!

How to Make Sourdough Oatmeal Cookies

Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the rolled oats, all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and kosher salt until evenly combined. This step creates the perfect base for your tasty cookies!
Cream Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together for 2-3 minutes until fluffy. Next, add in the large egg, sourdough starter discard, and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
Combine Ingredients: Gently fold the dry mixture into the wet mixture. Mix just until everything is combined, and then fold in your choice of semi-sweet chocolate chips or raisins for those delightful bursts of flavor.
Chill Dough: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for at least 1 hour (or up to 2 days). This chilling step allows the flavors to meld and helps maintain the shape of your cookies while baking.
Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
Form Cookies: Using a tablespoon, scoop out 2 tablespoons of dough and place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving enough space between each for spreading.
Bake: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 9-11 minutes. Watch for the edges to turn golden brown while keeping the centers soft for that perfect chewy texture!
Cool: After baking, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Optional: Drizzle with a bit of melted chocolate on top for an extra indulgent touch!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Make Ahead Options

These Sourdough Oatmeal Cookies are perfect for busy home cooks looking for time-saving meal prep options! You can prepare the cookie dough and refrigerate it for up to 2 days in advance, allowing the flavors to deepen. Simply mix all the ingredients, cover the bowl with plastic wrap, and store it in the fridge. Alternatively, you can scoop the dough into individual balls, freeze them for up to 3 months, and bake straight from frozen—adding an extra minute or two to the baking time. This way, you’ll have freshly baked cookies ready in no time, just as delicious as if they were made on the same day! When you’re ready to bake, simply preheat the oven, line a baking sheet, and follow the baking instructions for a delightful treat.

What to Serve with Sourdough Oatmeal Cookies?

Experience the cozy comfort of homemade treats as you pair these delightful cookies with simple yet satisfying accompaniments.

Freshly Brewed Coffee: The rich, earthy tones of coffee beautifully complement the sweetness of the cookies, creating a perfect afternoon pick-me-up.
Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve warm cookies with a scoop of ice cream, allowing the melty, cold vanilla to contrast the chewy warmth of each bite.
Fruit Salad: A refreshing medley of seasonal fruits balances the sweetness, adding bright flavors and a refreshing crunch to your dessert spread.
Herbal Tea: Enjoy these cookies with a calming cup of chamomile or mint tea for a tranquil pairing that soothes the senses.
Milk Splash: A classic combo, a glass of milk perfectly enhances the cookies’ chewy texture while bringing out the flavors of chocolate or raisins.
Chocolate Drizzle: Get indulgent by drizzling melted chocolate on top of the cookies before serving for an extra layer of sweetness and richness.
Nutty Trail Mix: A handful of crunchy trail mix not only provides different textures but also complements the oats in the cookies beautifully.
Coconut Chia Pudding: The lightness of chia pudding adds a wholesome element, with coconut enhancing the cookies’ flavors, creating a delightful duo.
Scented Citrus Water: A refreshing beverage like citrus-infused water cleanses the palate, bringing a bright twist to your treat time.

Expert Tips for Sourdough Oatmeal Cookies

Measure Accurately: Use a kitchen scale to ensure proper measurement of flour, preventing cookies from becoming too dry or too dense.
Avoid Overmixing: Gently mix the wet and dry ingredients. Overmixing can lead to tougher cookies rather than the desired chewy texture.
Right Baking Time: Keep a close eye on cookies while baking. Remove them from the oven when the edges are golden but the centers remain soft for the ideal chewy result.
Chilling is Key: Don’t skip the chilling step! Allowing the dough to chill for at least 1 hour helps develop flavors and shapes perfect cookies.
Storage Tips: Store your Sourdough Oatmeal Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their chewyness for up to a week.

Sourdough Oatmeal Cookies Variations

Feel free to spice up these cookies with fun twists that will tantalize your taste buds!

Nutty Twist: Add chopped walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch. The nutty flavor complements the oats beautifully, giving you a comforting texture.
Fruit Swap: Substitute chocolate chips with dried cranberries or apricots for a fruity explosion. These fruity delights not only add sweetness but also brighten up each bite.
Spice Upgrade: Incorporate nutmeg or cardamom for additional aromatic warmth. A sprinkle of these spices can take your cookie to a whole new level, enveloping you in cozy flavors.
Dietary Adaptations: Use gluten-free flour for gluten-free cookies or a flaxseed mixture to replace the egg for a vegan version. This way, everyone can enjoy them, no matter their dietary needs.
Coconut Infusion: Add unsweetened shredded coconut for a tropical variation. The coconut brings a hint of paradise to your cookies, making them uniquely delicious.
Holiday Variants: Mix in pumpkin spice during the fall for a seasonal twist. These cookies will evoke the essence of autumn, making every bite a festive celebration.

How to Store and Freeze Sourdough Oatmeal Cookies

Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 1 week to maintain their delightful chewiness. Adding a slice of bread can help retain moisture.

Freezer: For longer storage, place cookies in a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper. They can be stored for up to 12 months.

Reheating: To enjoy chilled or frozen cookies, reheat in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes, bringing back their chewy goodness.

Thawing: If frozen, allow cookies to thaw at room temperature before enjoying, or heat directly from frozen for a warm treat in minutes.

Sourdough Oatmeal Cookies Recipe FAQs

How do I choose the right ingredients for my Sourdough Oatmeal Cookies?
Absolutely! When selecting ingredients, aim for the freshest rolled oats and soften your butter well before mixing. If you’re using a sourdough starter, ensure it’s active and tangy for the best flavor. If you’re opting for optional mix-ins like chocolate chips or raisins, pick high-quality varieties for a delicious end result.

What is the best way to store my cookies?
Very good question! To keep your Sourdough Oatmeal Cookies chewy and fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. For added moisture retention, you can include a slice of bread inside the container. This little trick can work wonders!

Can I freeze Sourdough Oatmeal Cookies?
Of course! To freeze your cookies, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze until solid. Then, transfer them into a freezer-safe bag or container, layering them with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They’ll maintain their delightful flavor for up to 12 months. Just remember to label them with the date!

What should I do if my cookies spread too much while baking?
The more the merrier when it comes to troubleshooting! If your cookies spread excessively, it may be due to too much moisture in the dough. Make sure you chill the dough properly for at least 1 hour prior to baking. Also, ensure accurate measurements—especially for flour.

Are there any dietary considerations for these cookies?
Definitely! If you’re looking for gluten-free options, substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour mixes. For a vegan variation, replace the egg with a flaxseed mixture (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 2.5 tablespoons water) and use a plant-based butter replacement. Always check for allergens in chocolate chips or dried fruits if you are concerned about allergies.