Sourdough sugar cookie bars blend the cozy tang of sourdough with the melt-in-your-mouth sweetness of classic sugar cookies. They’re thick, buttery, and tender, perfect for holidays, bake sales, or quiet nights at home. Unlike regular cookies, these bars use sourdough discard to give every bite a gentle tang and chewy richness that lasts for days. If you’ve ever wanted a treat that balances homestyle comfort and bakery-level flavor, these are it. Inspired by the festive feel of Easy Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars, this recipe turns simple ingredients into something irresistibly soft and nostalgic.
Table of Contents
What Makes Sourdough Sugar Cookie Bars Unique
While classic sugar cookies are crisp at the edges and delicate in the center, sourdough sugar cookie bars are thicker, softer, and stay moist for days. The sourdough discard acts like a secret ingredient, keeping them fresh long after they’ve cooled. The buttery base meets a tangy undertone that makes the sweetness pop, while the frosting adds a smooth finish that complements every bite. Much like Valentines Sourdough Discard Sugar Cookies, these bars carry that same homemade charm but in a simpler, shareable form that’s perfect for gatherings or cozy nights in.
Sourdough Sugar Cookie Bars
Equipment
- 9×13-inch baking pan
- Mixing bowls
- Hand or stand mixer
- Whisk
- Spatula
- Parchment paper
- Knife or offset spatula
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup sourdough discard unfed
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- 1 pinch salt
Frosting:
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Red or holiday sprinkles optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs and vanilla extract; beat until smooth.
- Mix in sourdough discard until combined.
- In another bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients.
- Spread the dough evenly in the prepared pan.
- Bake for 22-25 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Allow to cool completely before frosting.
- To make frosting, beat butter, powdered sugar, cream, and vanilla until fluffy.
- Spread evenly over cooled bars and top with sprinkles if desired.
- Cut into squares and enjoy.
Notes
- Calories: 260
- Total Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Sugar: 21g
- Protein: 3g
- Sodium: 110mg
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Bars
The magic behind great sourdough sugar cookie bars comes down to balance, creamy butter, tangy discard, and just the right sweetness. Each ingredient has a role, and with a few smart substitutes, you can adapt this recipe to fit your pantry or dietary preferences.
| Ingredient | Quantity | Substitute |
|---|---|---|
| Unsalted butter (softened) | 1 cup | Coconut oil or vegan butter |
| Granulated sugar | 1½ cups | Coconut sugar or cane sugar |
| Eggs | 2 | Flax eggs or applesauce (¼ cup per egg) |
| Vanilla extract | 2 teaspoons | Almond extract or maple syrup (1 tsp) |
| Sourdough discard | 1 cup | Plain Greek yogurt or buttermilk (¾ cup) |
| All-purpose flour | 2¾ cups | Gluten-free flour blend (1:1 ratio) |
| Baking soda | ½ teaspoon | 1 teaspoon baking powder |
| Baking powder | ½ teaspoon | Extra ¼ tsp baking soda |
| Salt | Pinch | Sea salt or kosher salt |
| Butter (for frosting) | ½ cup | Vegan butter or margarine |
| Powdered sugar | 2 cups | Coconut powdered sugar |
| Heavy cream | 2 tablespoons | Milk or non-dairy cream |
Step-by-Step Method for the Softest Cookie Bars
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper.
- Cream butter and sugar until fluffy.
- Add eggs, vanilla, and sourdough discard; mix until smooth.
- In another bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually mix dry ingredients into wet ingredients.
- Spread dough evenly in the pan.
- Bake 22–25 minutes, until edges turn golden.
- Cool completely before frosting.
- Frost with vanilla buttercream and top with sprinkles for a festive finish.
For another delicious discard dessert, try Easy Sourdough Gingerbread Cookies. These chewy cookies share the same cozy sourdough base that makes every bite flavorful and perfectly balanced.
Baking Tips & Variations
Tips for a Perfect Bake Every Time
Mastering sourdough sugar cookie bars is easier than it looks, but a few small tweaks can make a big difference. These tips guarantee a soft, flavorful bake Tips for a Perfect Bake Every Time
Mastering sourdough sugar cookie bars is easier than it looks, but small adjustments can make all the difference. Follow these simple tips for the best results every time:
- Use room-temperature ingredients. Cold butter or eggs can make the batter dense instead of airy.
- Don’t overmix. Once you add the dry ingredients, stir gently to keep the texture light and tender.
- Watch the bake time. Start checking at 22 minutes. The edges should turn golden while the center stays pale and soft, it’ll continue to set as it cools.
- Cool completely before frosting. A warm base melts buttercream, leaving it greasy instead of creamy.
- Use quality vanilla extract. It enhances the sourdough tang and buttery sweetness beautifully.
- Add a flavor boost. Try lemon zest, almond extract, or a pinch of cinnamon for depth, similar to the cozy warmth of the Sourdough Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe.
- Cut cleanly. Use a sharp knife and wipe between each slice for smooth, bakery-style squares.
These small touches make your sourdough sugar cookie bars soft, flavorful, and perfectly balanced every time.
Creative Variations for the Holidays
Once you’ve mastered the base recipe, it’s time to have fun with it. These sourdough sugar cookie bars adapt beautifully to any celebration or craving:
- Festive Frosting: Tint the frosting red or green and top with sprinkles for a holiday-ready tray.
- Flavor Swaps: Add crushed candy canes, coconut flakes, or mini chocolate chips for a fun twist.
- Citrus Twist: Mix in orange or lemon zest for a bright, fresh flavor reminiscent of Christmas Cookie Cake.
- Brown Butter Upgrade: Replace regular butter with brown butter for a nutty, caramelized depth.
- Fruity Layers: Spread a thin layer of raspberry or strawberry jam between the cookie and frosting for a bakery-style finish.
These easy ideas transform one simple dough into endless creative variations, each bite buttery, tangy, and joyfully homemade.
Serving & Storage
How to Serve Sourdough Sugar Cookie Bars
The beauty of sourdough sugar cookie bars is their versatility, they’re perfect for gatherings, gifts, or quiet nights in. When they come out of the oven, frosted and sprinkled, the golden edges gleam just like fresh holiday treats from a hometown bakery.
Here are some simple serving ideas to make them shine:
- For a cozy afternoon: Pair a warm bar with coffee or tea. The sourdough tang balances the sweetness perfectly.
- At festive gatherings: Arrange bars on a vintage platter with a dusting of powdered sugar. They’ll fit right in beside treats like Hot Cocoa Cookies with Marshmallow Frosting.
- For gifting: Wrap cooled bars individually in parchment and tie them with rustic kitchen twine. They make heartfelt, homemade gifts.
- For dessert boards: Cut bars into small squares and serve alongside fruit, chocolates, or other sourdough treats for a cozy dessert spread.
These cookie bars also travel well, making them a favorite for potlucks or bake swaps. Their soft texture and frosted top make them irresistible on any dessert table.
Storing and Freezing for Freshness
Proper storage keeps your sourdough sugar cookie bars soft, flavorful, and ready whenever the craving strikes.
- Room temperature: Store frosted bars in an airtight container for up to three days.
- Refrigeration: Keep them chilled if your kitchen runs warm. The texture stays dense and chewy, similar to the Sourdough Brown Butter Brookies Recipe.
- Freezing: Freeze unfrosted bars for up to two months. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic and seal in a freezer-safe bag.
- To serve again: Thaw overnight, frost, and enjoy. They’ll taste just as soft and buttery as the day you baked them.
Sourdough discard helps preserve their moisture, giving these bars a bakery-fresh bite that lasts longer than traditional sugar cookies.
FAQs
How do I keep my sourdough sugar cookie bars soft after baking?
The key is proper storage. Once cooled, store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If your kitchen runs warm, refrigerate them. The sourdough’s natural acidity locks in moisture, keeping them soft and flavorful longer than traditional cookies.
Can I make sourdough sugar cookie bars ahead of time and freeze them?
Absolutely. Bake and cool the bars completely before frosting. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight at room temperature, frost, and enjoy. They’ll taste just as fresh as the day you baked them.
Can I use active sourdough starter instead of discard?
Yes, but it’s best to use unfed discard for a more balanced flavor. Active starter can make the dough rise more and alter the texture slightly. If you only have active starter, reduce the baking powder by a pinch to keep the bars from puffing up too much.
What makes sourdough sugar cookie bars different from regular sugar cookie bars?
The difference lies in flavor and texture. Sourdough sugar cookie bars use sourdough discard, which adds a subtle tang and extra moisture that regular sugar cookie bars lack. The discard also gives them a soft, chewy texture that stays fresh longer, even days after baking.
These sourdough sugar cookie bars capture everything we love about homemade baking, buttery comfort, a touch of tang, and a texture that melts in your mouth. What makes them special is the way sourdough discard turns a simple dessert into something extraordinary, adding depth and tenderness you can’t get from ordinary dough.
Whether you’re serving them alongside Iced Ginger Molasses Cookies at a holiday party or pairing them with a warm mug of tea on a quiet Asheville evening, these bars bring joy to every table.
If you’ve fallen in love with the flavor of sourdough sweets, explore more cozy treats like Sourdough Crinkle Cookies. Each recipe celebrates the heart of home baking, simple, satisfying, and made with love.
So grab your wooden spoon, a bit of discard, and that well-loved baking pan. These bars aren’t just cookies, they’re a little piece of homemade happiness.
