Chocolate Chip Sourdough Brownies

Name: Chocolate Chip Sourdough Brownies
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 16 brownies
Ingredients: 1 cup sourdough starter (active and bubbly); 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1 cup brown sugar; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup cocoa powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 cup chocolate chips

Highlighted under: Treats & Confections

I absolutely love making these Chocolate Chip Sourdough Brownies whenever I have some extra sourdough starter on hand. The combination of chocolate and the tangy flavor from the sourdough creates a unique twist that is simply irresistible. Each bite offers a rich, chewy texture that is both satisfying and delicious. The addition of chocolate chips ensures that every piece is a delightful treat, perfect for any chocolate lover. Not only are they a great way to use up leftover starter, but they also impress anyone who tries them!

Created by

Emma

Last updated on 2026-01-27T09:13:27.340Z

When I first started experimenting with sourdough, I discovered how versatile the starter can be beyond just bread. I decided to create a brownie recipe that utilized my leftover starter, and the results were fantastic! The slight tang of the sourdough works harmoniously with the rich chocolate, creating an unexpected yet delightful flavor.

I found that letting the brownies rest for a bit after baking enhances their taste and texture. Even the next day, they are deliciously fudgy, making them perfect for sharing or enjoying over a couple of days. Plus, they never last long in my house!

Why You Will Love These Brownies
Rich chocolate flavor balanced by tangy sourdough
Fudgy, chewy texture that's hard to resist
A creative way to use up sourdough starter

Mastering the Brownie Texture

Achieving the perfect fudgy texture in these brownies hinges on not overmixing the batter. Once the dry ingredients are combined with the wet ingredients, mix gently until there's no visible flour. Overmixing can introduce too much air, altering the dense texture that characterizes a great brownie. Aim for a batter that is thick and glossy, showing some small lumps from the chocolate chips and the flour.

When the brownies are baking, keep an eye on them as oven temperatures can vary. They are usually ready when the edges appear set, and the center looks slightly underbaked. This is crucial because the brownies will continue to firm up while cooling. Trust your instincts and perform the toothpick test; it should come out with a few moist crumbs for that desired chewy consistency.

Ingredient Substitutions and Additions

If you find yourself out of brown sugar, you can substitute it with an equal amount of granulated sugar mixed with a tablespoon of molasses. This will not only retain the moisture but also provide that deep caramel flavor that complements the rich chocolate in the brownies. Alternatively, for a less sweet version, experiment with using coconut sugar as a healthier alternative.

For those looking to enhance the flavor, consider adding a pinch of espresso powder to the batter. It’ll elevate the chocolate taste without imparting any coffee flavor. Moreover, feel free to swap out chocolate chips for chunks of your favorite chocolate bar or even a mix of nuts for added crunch and flavor complexity.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to get started:

Ingredients for Chocolate Chip Sourdough Brownies

1 cup sourdough starter (active and bubbly)
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup chocolate chips

Now that you have all the ingredients ready, let's move on to the steps.

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your brownies:

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x9-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.

Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, sourdough starter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Mix well until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, stirring in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated.

Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined.

Fold in the Chocolate Chips

Gently fold in the chocolate chips, ensuring they're evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Bake the Brownies

Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly. Bake for 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.

Cool and Serve

Let the brownies cool in the pan before cutting them into squares. Enjoy your delicious Chocolate Chip Sourdough Brownies!

These brownies are best enjoyed fresh, but they also store well for a few days in an airtight container.

Pro Tips

For an extra touch, sprinkle sea salt on top before baking to enhance the chocolate flavor even more.

Storing and Freezing Brownies

To maintain the freshness of your Chocolate Chip Sourdough Brownies, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They can last about 3-4 days. If you live in a humid environment, refrigerating them can help prevent them from becoming too soft or sticky.

If you want to prepare brownies in advance, you can also freeze them. Allow the brownies to cool completely and slice them into squares. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months; simply thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Serving Suggestions

These brownies serve beautifully as a standalone dessert, but a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top creates an indulgent treat that takes it to the next level. The warmth of the brownie paired with cold ice cream provides a delightful contrast in temperatures and textures that’s simply irresistible.

For a gourmet touch, drizzle melted chocolate or caramel sauce on top before serving. Adding a sprinkle of sea salt can also intensify the chocolate flavor while providing a pleasing crunch that enhances the overall experience of these brownies.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use discard sourdough starter for this recipe?

Yes, this recipe works great with discard sourdough starter as it adds a pleasant tangy flavor.

→ How do I store leftover brownies?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days, or refrigerate to keep them fresh longer.

→ Can I freeze these brownies?

Absolutely! You can freeze the brownies, wrapped tightly, for up to three months. Thaw them at room temperature before serving.

→ What can I substitute for eggs?

For an egg substitute, you can use 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or mashed banana for each egg.