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There’s something comforting about a jar of peanut butter and a warm oven on a quiet afternoon, and when you add a bit of sourdough starter to the mix, those simple cookies take on a deeper, richer flavor.

These sourdough peanut butter cookies are soft in the center, lightly crisp on the edges, and filled with that classic peanut butter taste we all love. They’re also a perfect way to use up extra sourdough discard without letting anything go to waste.

If you’ve been searching for an easy, from-scratch sourdough cookie recipe, this one is simple, reliable, and sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.

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Why Add Sourdough to Cookies?

At first glance, sourdough and cookies might seem like an unusual pairing, but it works beautifully.

Sourdough discard adds a subtle depth of flavor, extra moisture, a slightly chewy texture, and less waste in your sourdough routine. The tang is mild and blends perfectly with the rich, nutty flavor of peanut butter.

Ingredients for Sourdough Peanut Butter Cookies

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup creamy peanut butter
• ¾ cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 egg
• ½ cup sourdough discard
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Optional:

• Extra sugar for rolling
• Chocolate chips
• Chopped peanuts

How to Make Sourdough Peanut Butter Cookies

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Cream Butter, Peanut Butter, and Sugars

In a mixing bowl, beat together the butter, peanut butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar. Mix until smooth and creamy.

3. Add Wet Ingredients

Beat in egg, sourdough discard, and vanilla extract. Mix until fully combined.

4. Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.

5. Mix the Dough

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Mix until just combined and avoid overmixing.

6. Shape the Cookies

Roll dough into small balls (about 1 tablespoon each).

Place on the baking sheet and gently flatten with a fork in a crisscross pattern.

(Optional: roll in sugar before flattening for a slightly crisp exterior.)

7. Bake

Bake for 10–12 minutes, until edges are lightly golden and centers are set.

Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Long-Fermented Option

For those who prefer traditional sourdough methods, you can ferment the dough.

1. Mix butter, peanut butter, sugars, sourdough discard, and flour.
2. Cover and refrigerate for 8–12 hours.
3. Add egg, baking soda, salt, and vanilla before baking.

This enhances flavor and digestibility.

Tips for the Best Peanut Butter Cookies

Use creamy peanut butter
It creates a smoother dough and more consistent texture.

Don’t overbake
Cookies will continue to firm up as they cool.

Chill dough if needed
If the dough feels too soft, chill for 20–30 minutes.

Use a fork for classic texture
The crisscross pattern helps cookies bake evenly.

Flavor Variations to Try

Once you’ve made the base recipe, it’s easy to customize.

Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Cookies
Fold in ½ cup chocolate chips.

Honey Peanut Butter Cookies
Replace some sugar with honey for a softer texture.

Crunchy Peanut Butter Cookies
Use crunchy peanut butter for added texture.

Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookies
Add a small dollop of jam to the center before baking.

How to Store Sourdough Peanut Butter Cookies

Room temperature:
Store in an airtight container for 3–4 days.

Refrigerator:
Keeps for up to 1 week.

Freezer:
Freeze baked cookies or dough balls for up to 2 months.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sourdough Peanut Butter Cookies

Can I use sourdough discard in peanut butter cookies?

Yes! Sourdough discard works perfectly in peanut butter cookies. It adds moisture and a subtle depth of flavor without making the cookies taste overly sour.

Do sourdough peanut butter cookies taste sour?

Not really. The sourdough flavor is very mild and blends into the rich peanut butter taste. Most people won’t even notice a tang, just a more complex flavor.

Can I use active sourdough starter instead of discard?

Yes. Both active starter and discard work well in this recipe since the cookies rely on baking soda for structure rather than fermentation.

Why are my peanut butter cookies dry?

Dry cookies are usually caused by overbaking, too much flour, not enough fat.

For best results, bake just until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are still soft.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes. You can refrigerate the dough for up to 24 hours before baking. This can even improve flavor and texture.

Can I freeze sourdough peanut butter cookie dough?

Absolutely. Roll the dough into balls and freeze on a baking sheet, then store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.

Bake directly from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes to the bake time.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

You can try substituting a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, though texture may vary slightly.

Why do peanut butter cookies have fork marks?

The classic crisscross pattern helps flatten the dense dough so the cookies bake evenly. It also gives them that traditional homemade look.

Can I add mix-ins to this recipe?

Yes! These cookies are easy to customize. Try adding:

• Chocolate chips
• Chopped peanuts
• White chocolate chips
• A dollop of jam for peanut butter & jelly cookies

A Simple Treat from a From-Scratch Kitchen

Some recipes don’t need to be complicated to be memorable.

These sourdough peanut butter cookies come together with simple ingredients, use what you already have on hand, and bring a little warmth to your day.

They’re the kind of cookies you bake when your sourdough jar is full, the afternoon feels slow, and you want something homemade without much fuss.

And more often than not, they disappear just as quickly as they came out of the oven.

If you make this recipe, be sure to leave me a star rating and a comment below. Share what you made and tag me on Instagram@keepingitholistic! For more simple sourdough recipes & guidance, small-space gardening tips, and cozy, slow living inspiration, subscribe to my newsletter and follow me on YouTube and Instagram!

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This free, simple sourdough starter guide walks you step-by-step through creating, feeding, and baking with your very own sourdough starter without overwhelm. Simple, everyday sourdough recipes included.

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