Gluten-Free Sourdough Chocolate Chip Cookies

These gluten-free sourdough chocolate chip cookies are so good I might have eaten too much while testing this recipe! Soft and nutty, these cookies literally melt in your mouth just like my buckwheat shortbread. You can make them with gluten-free sourdough starter discard!

These delicious gluten-free sourdough cookies are made with brown butter, gluten-free flour, eggs, and a few other ingredients that make them so soft and airy!

You can make substitutions if you are looking for dairy-free or vegan gluten-free cookies and still have them turn out amazing. This is a great recipe for using your gluten-free sourdough starter discard while you are growing it to be able to bake a loaf of gluten-free sourdough bread!

If you don't have a starter just yet, you should check out these buckwheat flour oatmeal cookies instead!

What is Sourdough Discard?

Sourdough discard is the excess sourdough starter that you need to get rid of every time you feed it. If you don't have a sourdough starter you can easily make one with only water and flour! Here is a recipe for a starter with brown rice flour.

Or you can also make this cookie recipe without the discard. If you are into sourdough, check out my gluten-free sourdough discard cinnamon rolls, soft and moist banana muffins, or sourdough discard banana pancakes! For similar recipes, check out my collection of sourdough discard recipes.

Ingredients

Gluten-Free Flour – I like using homemade blends as they are cheaper and customizable. Here is my gluten-free blend without rice, and here is a blend that uses brown and white rice flours. I provide more exact ingredients in the recipe card at the end of the page! You can also use all-purpose gluten-free 1:1 flour!

Butter - butter adds softness and chewiness to the cookies. I like to brown my butter to add a nutty flavor to the cookies!

Gluten-Free Sourdough Discard - you can use either the discard from the fridge or the one you have on the counter. If you don't have a starter yet, check out my guide for how to make your own starter at home!

Sugar - I like to use both brown and white granulated sugar to ensure both the softness and crispness of the cookies. Plus, brown sugar adds a special flavor to the dough!

Eggs - they add structure to the cookies and make them moister and softer!

Vanilla extract - I like to use pure vanilla extract to have the best vanilla flavor I can possibly get. Cheap versions sometimes only harm your cookies instead of elevating the flavors!

Salt - you would think a dessert doesn't need salt! But it does! Salt elevated the sweetness of the cookies.

Baking soda - baking soda ensures the cookies spread during baking.

Chocolate chips - you can use either semi-sweet, dark, or even white chocolate chips! They add a wonderful flavor to the overall taste.

Substitutes

Butter - for a dairy-free version, you can use vegan butter or coconut oil, although I did not test this recipe with those ingredients!

Eggs - for a vegan version you can try substituting the eggs with chia or flax eggs, although, again, I have not made these cookies with those vegan substitutes.

Step-by-Step Instructions

STEP 1 - brown the butter

To brown the butter, first, start melting it over low-medium heat in a small saucepan. Use a rubber spatula to move the butter around as it melts to prevent burning.

When the butter starts bubbling you need to start stirring continuously to prevent burning. If the butter starts foaming and you can't see the color of it, turn down the heat until you can see the color of the butter. It is easy to burn the butter at this stage.

Once the butter starts looking brown take it off the fire and continue stirring for half a minute. Cool the butter before going forward to prevent the eggs from curdling.

STEP 2 - mix the dough

Add the sugars to the butter and mix until incorporated.

Add the eggs and mix until incorporated.

Add the sourdough discard and mix until combined.

Add the dry ingredients and mix until all flour is incorporated.

Add the chocolate chip and fold with a rubber spatula until incorporated. Let the dough sit for at least 20 minutes to let the liquids absorb.

STEP 3 - bake the cookies

Preheat the oven to 350F/175C and line the baking tray with parchment paper. Then, start forming small dough balls with your hands, or use an ice cream scooper to scoop the dough. Place the balls onto the baking tray lined with parchment paper.

Then, press the dough down with a fork and decorate it with chocolate chips on top. Finally, bake the sourdough cookies for 11 minutes at 350F/175C, then take the cookies out and let them sit for a few minutes before transferring them onto a cooling rack or a plate. Enjoy!

Expert Tips

- Use a kitchen scale for accurate measuring!

- Use room temperature egg and butter. If you forgot to take the ingredients out, you can place eggs in hot water and cut the butter into cubes. Then, leave both to sit for 10 minutes.

- Chill the dough! Gluten-free flour will change its consistency after 20 minutes of rest.

- Use an ice cream scooper to have all cookies the same size as it will ensure even baking. However, you can shape the cookies with your hands, too.

Variations

- Add dried fruits or nuts. You can add raisins, cherries, cranberries, pecans, walnuts, or almonds!

- Use different chocolate chip types. You can use either dark, semi-sweet, or white chocolate chips, or you can mix a few types for more flavor!

- Add spices. A pinch of cinnamon, ginger, or nutmeg will make your cookies perfect for a Fall coffee date!

- Make them dairy-free or vegan with a couple of simple substitutions! Read the substitutes section for more details.

Serving Suggestions

- Serve them as an afternoon snack! This way you both use your starter discard AND provide a fun snack for your family and friends.

- With a cup of tea or coffee. This way you can substitute sugar in your tea and enjoy a delicious gluten-free snack!

- As an element on the dessert platter. Impress your guests with a dessert no one will be able to tell is gluten-free!

- With ice cream! Did you know you only need 2 ingredients and about 20 minutes of hands-on time to make your own homemade ice cream WITHOUT a machine?!

- Add them to a milkshake! Simply crumble the cookies into a milkshake and elevate the experience to a restaurant level!

- Make them into a gift. Get some paper boxes in a baking store and use them for packing your gluten-free creations as gifts! Homemade gifts communicate your care and love for the person like nothing else.

Storing

Keep these gluten-free sourdough cookies in an air-tight container. They will keep at room temperature for 3-4 days, in the refrigerator for up to a week, and for 2 months if you freeze them! To defrost, simply pop them in the microwave for 30-60 seconds until soft and warm.

Frequently Asked Questions