If you’ve ever looked at your jar of sourdough discard and thought, there must be a better way to use this, you’re in the right place. These easy thumbprint sourdough discard cookies are buttery, tender, lightly tangy, and filled with glossy jam just like the ones in the photos. Simple, elegant, and incredibly satisfying, they’re the kind of cookies that disappear faster than you expect.
Let’s be honest, thumbprint cookies already have that classic, bakery-style charm. Add sourdough discard to the mix, and suddenly they’re elevated. Not complicated. Not fussy. Just better.
If you’ve ever made sourdough red velvet cookies with frosting or tried chocolate ice cream sandwiches with discard, you’ll already know how versatile sourdough leftovers can be.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love These Thumbprint Sourdough Discard Cookies
These cookies check every box:
- Easy to make
- No special equipment needed
- Perfect use for leftover sourdough discard
- Soft, buttery texture
- Bakery-style appearance
They’re cozy, comforting, and just fancy enough to impress.
I like to think of this recipe as the meeting point between comfort and creativity. If you’ve ever baked sourdough discard espresso chocolate cookies, you already know how well butter and discard play together. Butter provides richness, while discard brings in depth and moisture
Ingredients Overview
Key Pantry Staples
You don’t need anything unusual here. Just classic baking ingredients working together:
- Butter for richness
- Sugar for sweetness
- Egg for structure
- Flour for body
- Sourdough discard for depth
Simple ingredients, big payoff.
Below is a quick reference to help you fine-tune your cookies based on texture preference:
| Texture | Butter to Discard Ratio | Baking Time |
|---|---|---|
| Soft & Chewy | ½ cup butter : ½ cup discard | 10-12 minutes |
| Crisp & Buttery | ½ cup butter : ⅓ cup discard | 13-15 minutes |
Best Jams and Fillings to Use
Fruit Jams
Apricot, raspberry, strawberry, and blackberry all work beautifully. Go for thick jams or preserves to keep the centers neat.
Chocolate and Nut Fillings
Chocolate spread, dulce de leche, or even nut butter can be used for a more indulgent twist.
For a fun twist, try peanut butter filling inspired by my sourdough peanut butter cookies recipe. It adds a nutty aroma that pairs beautifully with the sourdough tang.
How to Make Thumbprint Sourdough Discard Cookies
Preparing the Dough
The dough comes together quickly. Cream the butter and sugar until light, then mix in the sourdough discard and egg. Fold in the dry ingredients just until combined. The dough should be soft but not sticky.
Shaping the Thumbprints
Roll the dough into small balls and place them on a lined baking sheet. Use your thumb (or the back of a spoon) to gently press an indentation into the center. This is where the magic happens.
Filling and Baking
Spoon a small amount of jam into each indentation. Bake until the edges are set and lightly golden while the centers remain soft.
If you’re inspired by fruity versions like my apple pie thumbprint cookies recipe, you’ll appreciate how fillings transform with heat. Jam will thicken and bubble slightly, giving you that glossy bakery finish, while chocolate centers stay gooey if added after baking. For even more inspiration, check out my best sourdough dessert recipes to try, it’s filled with creative ways to make your discard shine in desserts.
Baking Tips for Perfect Results
Preventing Cookie Spread
Chilling the dough for 20–30 minutes helps the cookies hold their shape. It’s a small step that makes a big difference.
Keeping the Centers Beautiful
Don’t overfill. A teaspoon of jam is plenty. Too much filling can bubble over and lose that clean, bakery-style look.
Flavor Variations and Creative Ideas
Holiday Versions
- Cranberry jam for winter
- Fig preserves for fall
- Lemon curd for spring
Everyday Flavor Twists
- Roll dough balls in sugar before baking
- Add vanilla or almond extract
- Use mixed berry jam for a marbled look
Valentine Thumbprint Cookies
Soft, buttery thumbprint cookies dressed up for Valentine’s Day. These festive versions keep the classic tender cookie base but swap in romantic shapes, colors, and fillings that make them perfect for gifting, parties, or a sweet homemade surprise.
How to Get the Valentine Look
- Shape the thumbprint into a heart using your thumb and index finger instead of a round well.
- Fill with deep red jams like raspberry, strawberry, or cherry for that classic Valentine color.
- Lightly dust with powdered sugar after baking for a soft, elegant finish.
Valentine Candy Melt Version
- Press a pink or red candy melt or chocolate heart into the center right after baking.
- Let the warmth of the cookie soften it slightly, then allow it to set for a smooth, glossy center.
- Roll the dough balls in pink or white sanding sugar before baking for sparkle and texture.
Decorative Finishing Touches
- Add Valentine sprinkles around the edges before baking.
- Drizzle with white or dark chocolate once cooled.
- Mix red, pink, and white candy melts for a playful, bakery-style assortment.
These Valentine thumbprint cookies keep the same easy dough but transform into something eye-catching, festive, and gift-worthy, perfectly matching the look and feel of the photos 💕🍪
How to Store and Freeze Thumbprint Cookies
Storage Tips:
- Once your thumbprint sourdough discard cookies have cooled completely, store them in an airtight container at room temperature.
- They’ll stay fresh for up to 5 days, keeping their soft center and crisp edges thanks to the natural moisture from sourdough discard.
- To extend freshness, separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking or smudging of the jam centers.
Freezing Instructions:
- If you enjoy freezer-friendly sourdough bakes, try my sourdough discard blueberry muffins for another easy storage winner.
- To freeze unbaked cookies, shape the dough into balls, press the centers, and place them on a lined baking tray.
- Freeze until solid, then store in a freezer bag for up to 2 months.
- When ready to bake, thaw slightly at room temperature, then bake as usual.
- For baked cookies, freeze them in a single layer separated by parchment paper.
- Thaw for 15 minutes or microwave for 5 seconds for that fresh-from-the-oven texture.
Serving Ideas and Pairings
These cookies pair beautifully with:
- Coffee, tea or milk
- Hot chocolate
- A simple dessert platter
- For a holiday touch, dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with white chocolate.
- For chocolate lovers, explore the double chocolate thumbprint cookies, a decadent variation with rich, gooey centers.
They’re perfect for holidays, afternoon treats, or gifting.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overmixing the dough (leads to tough cookies)
- Overfilling the centers
- Baking too long (they should stay pale and soft)
Easy Thumbprint Sourdough Discard Cookies
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Hand mixer or whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Spoon
Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup sourdough discard
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon baking powder Optional
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup thick jam or preserves apricot, raspberry, strawberry
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg, sourdough discard, and vanilla extract and mix until smooth.
- Stir in the flour, baking powder and salt until a soft dough forms. Chill the dough for 20 minutes if needed for easier handling.
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Press your thumb gently into the center of each ball to create an indentation.
- Spoon a small amount of jam into each indentation.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden.
- Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Calories: 120
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fat: 6g
- Protein: 2g
FAQs
What’s the best jam for thumbprint cookies?
Thick jams like apricot or raspberry work best.
Can sourdough thumbprint cookies be frozen?
Yes, freeze the unbaked dough balls or baked cookies without jam.
Can I make the thumbprint sourdough cookies dough ahead of time?
Yes, the dough can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours.
How do I make thumbprint sourdough discard cookies soft and chewy?
Use room-temperature butter, don’t overmix, and bake for 10-12 minutes. The higher butter-to-discard ratio keeps them soft while maintaining a tender crumb.
These thumbprint sourdough discard cookies prove that simple baking can still feel special. They’re buttery, tender, and beautifully balanced, with just a hint of tang that makes you reach for another. Once you try them, you’ll never look at sourdough discard the same way again.
