Sourdough Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars combine the best flavors of classic cookie bars with the unique tang of sourdough. With a chewy texture and rich chocolate goodness, these bars are perfect for any occasion. They are easy to make and use simple ingredients, making them a go-to treat for family and friends.
Why Make This Recipe
Making Sourdough Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars is a fantastic way to use up that extra sourdough starter sitting in your fridge. Not only do these bars taste incredible, but they also have a wonderful texture thanks to the sourdough. These bars are a delightful twist on traditional cookie recipes, bringing something unique to your baking routine. Plus, who doesn’t love sharing a delicious dessert?
How to Make Sourdough Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
Ingredients
- 1 cup sourdough starter, unfed
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups chocolate chips or chunks
- 1 cup walnuts, chopped (optional)
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until well mixed.
- Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated.
- Stir in the sourdough starter.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in the chocolate chips and walnuts (if using).
- Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes before lifting out and cutting into bars.
How to Serve Sourdough Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
Serve these delicious bars warm or let them cool completely. You can enjoy them plain, or add a scoop of ice cream on top for a special dessert. They are great with a glass of milk or your favorite beverage.
How to Store Sourdough Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
Store any leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze the bars. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container. They will last for up to 3 months in the freezer.
Tips to Make Sourdough Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
- Make sure your sourdough starter is at room temperature for better mixing.
- Don’t overmix the batter; mix until just combined for the best texture.
- Feel free to swap out the chocolate chips for your favorite mix-ins, like dried fruit or different nuts.
Variation
You can easily customize these bars by adding flavors like cinnamon or swapping some of the chocolate for peanut butter chips. For a fun twist, try adding a sprinkle of sea salt on top before baking.
FAQs
1. Can I use fed sourdough starter for this recipe?
While unfed sourdough starter is recommended, you can use fed starter. Just keep in mind that it may alter the texture slightly.
2. What can I use instead of walnuts?
If you don’t like walnuts, you can leave them out or replace them with any other nut, like pecans or almonds, or simply add more chocolate chips.
3. Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure it has a one-to-one ratio for the best results.
Enjoy making and sharing your Sourdough Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars! Happy baking!
Sourdough Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup sourdough starter, unfed Make sure it’s at room temperature for better mixing.
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup brown sugar Packed.
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 pieces eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour Can be replaced with gluten-free flour.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
Mix-Ins
- 2 cups chocolate chips or chunks Feel free to swap with dried fruit or another type of chip.
- 1 cup walnuts, chopped Optional, can be replaced with other nuts or omitted.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until well mixed.
- Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated.
- Stir in the sourdough starter.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in the chocolate chips and walnuts (if using).
- Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes before lifting out and cutting into bars.
