Vanilla Sourdough Sugar Cookie bars are a delightful treat that combines the classic flavor of sugar cookies with a unique twist from sourdough starter discard. These cookie bars are soft, chewy, and topped with a creamy vanilla frosting that enhances their flavor. The subtle tang from the sourdough adds depth to the sweetness, making them irresistible. They are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re baking for a party or just to indulge yourself. Let’s dive into this easy and rewarding recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Vanilla Sourdough Sugar Cookie

There are countless reasons to love these Vanilla Sourdough Sugar Cookies. First, they utilize sourdough starter discard, reducing waste and enhancing flavor. They’re incredibly easy to make, making them a great option for beginner bakers. The soft and chewy texture ensures each bite is satisfying, while the creamy frosting adds a touch of indulgence. You can customize them with sprinkles or try variations like adding chocolate chips. Plus, they are vegetarian-friendly, making them suitable for many diets. If you’re looking for the best Vanilla Sourdough Cookie recipe, this is it!

Ingredients for Vanilla Sourdough Sugar Cookie

Gather these items:

½ cup unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup sourdough starter discard (unfed)
1½ cups all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
1½ tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional: sprinkles for topping

How to Make Vanilla Sourdough Sugar Cookie Step-by-Step

Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 or 9×9-inch pan with parchment paper.
Step 2: Beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Step 3: Mix in egg, vanilla, and sourdough starter until smooth.
Step 4: Stir in flour, baking soda, and salt until just combined.
Step 5: Spread batter evenly in the pan and bake for 18–22 minutes until edges are lightly golden.
Step 6: Beat butter, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until creamy.
Step 7: Cool bars completely, frost, slice, and enjoy.

Pro Tips for the Best Vanilla Sourdough Sugar Cookie

Keep these in mind:

Store leftovers in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Use unfed sourdough starter for best results in flavor and texture.
Add sprinkles for a fun touch to your cookie bars.
Consider chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking to enhance the cookies’ texture.

Best Ways to Serve Vanilla Sourdough Sugar Cookie

These delicious cookie bars can be served in various ways. You can cut them into small squares to make them perfect for sharing at gatherings. Pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert experience. They also make a great afternoon snack with a cup of tea or coffee. Try them with a drizzle of chocolate for an extra treat!

Delicious Vanilla Sourdough Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe - Vanilla Sourdough Sugar Cookie - main visual representation

How to Store and Reheat Vanilla Sourdough Sugar Cookie

To store your cookie bars, place them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to a week. If you want to enjoy them warm, simply reheat in the microwave for a few seconds until slightly warm. This is a great way to experience the soft texture of these bars again!

Frequently Asked Questions About Vanilla Sourdough Sugar Cookie

What’s the secret to perfect Vanilla Sourdough Sugar Cookie?

The secret to perfect Vanilla Sourdough Sugar Cookies lies in using unfed sourdough starter and ensuring the butter is at room temperature. This creates a soft and chewy texture that is incredibly satisfying.

Can I make Vanilla Sourdough Sugar Cookie ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can make the cookie bars a day in advance. Just store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh, and frost them right before serving for the best taste.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Vanilla Sourdough Sugar Cookie?

To avoid mistakes, ensure you accurately measure your ingredients and do not overmix the batter. Also, watch the baking time closely to prevent overbaking, which can lead to dry cookies.

Variations of Vanilla Sourdough Sugar Cookie You Can Try

There are many fun variations of these cookie bars! You can create Gluten-Free Vanilla Sourdough Sugar Cookies by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. For a chocolate twist, add chocolate chips or cocoa powder. You could even make Vanilla Infused Sourdough Sugar Cookies by steeping vanilla beans in the butter for a more intense flavor. Lastly, consider adding nuts or dried fruits for added texture!

Delicious Vanilla Sourdough Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe - Vanilla Sourdough Sugar Cookie - additional detail

For more delicious recipes, check out Easy Cinnamon Rolls or Homemade Tomato Sauce. You can also explore Caprese Salad for a refreshing side dish!

Delicious Vanilla Sourdough Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Soft and chewy vanilla sourdough sugar cookie bars topped with creamy vanilla frosting.

Author: Emily
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 16 bars 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

½ cup unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup sourdough starter discard (unfed)
1½ cups all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
1½ tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional: sprinkles for topping

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 or 9×9-inch pan with parchment paper.
Beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Mix in egg, vanilla, and sourdough starter until smooth.
Stir in flour, baking soda, and salt until just combined.
Spread batter evenly in pan and bake 18–22 minutes until edges are lightly golden.
Beat butter, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until creamy.
Cool bars completely, frost, slice, and enjoy.