Chocolatey, Fudgy Sourdough Crinkle Cookies: The Ultimate Sweet Treat!

Ever looked at your sourdough discard and thought, “What else can I do with this besides baking bread?” Well, get ready to turn that tangy treasure into the most delightful chocolatey, fudgy sourdough crinkle cookies! These cookies are rich, chewy, and loaded with intense chocolate goodness, all while sporting that classic crinkled sugar-dusted exterior. Perfect for a cozy night in or impressing guests at your next gathering, these treats will have everyone asking for seconds (or thirds!).

Why You’ll Love These Cookies

• Rich & Fudgy Texture – Every bite is soft, chewy, and melts in your mouth!
• Easy to Make – No fancy techniques required; just mix, chill, and bake.
• Perfect Use for Sourdough Discard – Reduce waste and enjoy an incredible treat.
• Visually Stunning – The crinkle effect makes them look bakery-worthy.
• Great for Any Occasion – Perfect for holidays, parties, or just because!

The Secret Behind the Perfect Crinkle Cookies

The magic of crinkle cookies lies in the contrast between the deep cocoa flavor and the powdered sugar coating. As the cookies bake, the dough spreads and cracks, creating those signature fissures that reveal the soft, fudgy interior. Chilling the dough is key—it keeps the cookies from spreading too much and helps them maintain their beautiful crinkle pattern.

Equipment

• Mixing Bowls: One for dry ingredients, one for wet.
• Whisk & Spatula: For mixing ingredients efficiently.
• Electric Mixer (Optional): Speeds up creaming the butter and sugar.
• Baking Sheet: Use parchment paper for easy cleanup.
• Cookie Scoop: Ensures uniform-sized cookies.
• Wire Rack: Helps cookies cool evenly.

What you Will Need ?

Here’s what you’ll need to bring these decadent cookies to life:

• 🍫 1 cup all-purpose flour 🌾 (Can be substituted with whole wheat flour for a heartier texture or gluten-free flour for a GF version.)
• 🍫 1/2 cup sourdough discard (Adds moisture, slight tang, and helps with texture. Can be replaced with Greek yogurt for a similar consistency.)
• 🍫 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder 🍫 (Dutch-processed cocoa will give a deeper, richer color and flavor.)
• 🍫 1/2 tsp baking soda 🌿 (Leavening agent; helps cookies rise and spread. Can substitute with 1 tsp baking powder if needed.)
• 🍫 1/4 tsp salt (Enhances flavor balance.)
• 🍫 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted 🧈 (Can use coconut oil or vegetable oil for a dairy-free option.)
• 🍫 3/4 cup granulated sugar 🍯 (Sweetener; can substitute with coconut sugar or maple sugar for a less refined option.)
• 🍫 1/4 cup brown sugar 🍯 (Adds moisture and depth of flavor; substitute with honey or molasses for a different taste.)
• 🍫 1 large egg 🥚 (Acts as a binder; can replace with a flax egg for a vegan version.)
• 🍫 1 tsp vanilla extract 🍦 (Boosts overall flavor; almond extract can be used for a different twist.)
• 🍫 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for coating) 🍬 (Creates the crinkle effect; can be replaced with a powdered sugar substitute for a low-sugar option.)

Step-by-Step Guide

• Whisk Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures an even distribution of ingredients, which helps the cookies rise properly and develop a balanced flavor. Set aside.
• Mix Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, mix the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth and creamy. Mixing well ensures the sugars dissolve slightly, leading to a chewier cookie texture.
• Incorporate Sourdough Discard: Add the egg, vanilla extract, and sourdough discard to the wet mixture. Stir until everything is well combined. This step is crucial as it allows the sourdough discard to integrate smoothly, adding moisture and a slight tang to the cookies.
• Combine & Chill: Gradually fold in the dry ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms. Cover and chill for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight). Chilling helps solidify the fats in the dough, preventing excessive spreading and ensuring a fudgy center. If in a rush, place the dough in the freezer for 15 minutes.
• Preheat & Prep: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and helps cookies bake evenly.
• Shape & Coat: Roll the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter. Then, generously coat each one in powdered sugar, ensuring a thick layer for the best crinkle effect. For an extra dramatic crinkle, roll each ball in granulated sugar first, then in powdered sugar.
• Bake to Perfection: Place the cookie dough balls on the baking sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart to allow for spreading. Bake for 10-12 minutes. The cookies should appear crinkled on top with slightly soft centers—this ensures a fudgy texture. If you prefer a crispier edge, bake for an additional 1-2 minutes.
• Cool & Enjoy: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This allows them to set properly without becoming too firm. Enjoy these beauties warm or at room temperature!

Pro Tips for the Best Crinkle Cookies

• ✔ Use Dutch-Processed Cocoa – It enhances the chocolate flavor and gives a deeper color.
• ✔ Chill the Dough – This helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much.
• ✔ Roll Generously in Powdered Sugar – The thicker the coating, the more dramatic the crinkle effect.
• ✔ Don’t Overbake – The cookies should be slightly soft in the center for a fudgy texture.

What to Serve with It?

• Milk or Hot Chocolate: Classic pairing with cookies.
• Vanilla Ice Cream: Creates a warm and cold contrast.
• Espresso or Coffee: Balances the sweetness.
• Fresh Berries: Adds a fruity touch.

How to Store

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Refrigerator: Keeps them fresh for 1-2 weeks.
• Freezer: Freeze baked cookies for up to 3 months.
• Dough Storage: Freeze dough balls before baking and bake fresh when needed.

There you have it—chocolatey, fudgy sourdough crinkle cookies that are as easy to make as they are delightful to eat! These cookies strike the perfect balance between rich chocolate, a touch of tangy sourdough, and a crackly powdered sugar coating. Whether you’re looking for a creative way to use your sourdough discard or just want to bake something ultra-chocolatey, these cookies will surely hit the spot. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients, preheat that oven, and get baking! 🍫🍪

Happy baking! 😊

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