Sourdough Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are thick, soft-baked bars packed with melty chocolate chips and rich buttery flavor, enhanced by the subtle tang of sourdough discard. These easy one-pan treats deliver the taste of classic chocolate chip cookies in a fudgy, chewy bar form. Perfect for dessert, snacks, or sharing, they’re a delicious way to use sourdough discard while baking a crowd-pleasing favorite.
Ingredients
For the Cookie Bar Dough
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup sourdough discard
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1½ cups chocolate chips
Preparation Steps
Step 1: Prepare the Pan
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy lifting.
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a bowl, whisk melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth. Add sourdough discard, egg, and vanilla. Mix until glossy and combined.
Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients
Stir in flour, baking soda, and salt just until a soft dough forms. Fold in chocolate chips evenly.
Step 4: Spread Dough
Press dough evenly into prepared pan. Sprinkle extra chocolate chips on top if desired.
Step 5: Bake
Bake 20–25 minutes, until edges are golden and center is just set for soft bars.
Step 6: Cool and Slice
Cool completely in pan before lifting and cutting into squares for clean edges.
Variations
- Add chopped walnuts or pecans
- Use dark or white chocolate chips
- Swirl in peanut butter
- Add sea salt flakes on top
- Mix in toffee bits
Cooking Notes
- Do not overbake for gooey texture
- Center should look slightly soft when removed
- Use parchment for easy removal
- Brown sugar keeps bars moist
- Cool fully before slicing
Serving Suggestions
- Serve slightly warm
- Pair with milk or coffee
- Top with ice cream
- Drizzle with chocolate sauce
- Serve as dessert squares
Tips
- Measure flour correctly to avoid dryness
- Use room-temperature discard
- Underbake slightly for fudgy bars
- Store airtight up to 4 days
- Freeze bars up to 2 months
Prep Time / Bake Time / Chill Time / Total Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Bake Time: 22 minutes
Chill Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: About 37 minutes
Nutritional Info (Approx.)
Calories: 290 per bar
Protein: 3g
Fat: 14g
Carbohydrates: 38g
FAQs
Can I chill the dough before baking?
Yes, chilling 30 minutes makes thicker bars.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, bake in a 9×13-inch pan and adjust time slightly.
Why are my bars dry?
Overbaking or too much flour can cause dryness.
Conclusion
Sourdough Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are soft, chewy, and loaded with gooey chocolate in every bite. With rich buttery flavor and the subtle tang of sourdough, these easy bars are a perfect homemade treat everyone will love.