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    Home Β» Recipes Β» Cookies

    This site contains affiliate links to various websites, including Amazon.com. read more

    Sourdough Ginger Cookies A Unique Sourdough Recipe

    Published: Nov 9, 2022 Β· Modified: Jan 2, 2025 by Audrey Β· This post may contain affiliate links.

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    Sourdough Ginger Cookies are a festive way to use sourdough discard. Loaded with warm spices and molasses they are a treat for the senses.

    Sourdough for dessert? You betcha! This recipe uses tangy sourdough starter or discard as the base for delicious ginger spiced cookies perfect for the holiday season.

    cookies dipped in white chocolate on a plate with text overlay "sourdough ginger cookies"

    If you have a sourdough pot you are always on the lookout for new ways to use up excess starter. Bread, pancakes, waffles even muffins, are all delicious with the tangy addition of sourdough starter. But cookies? It wasn't my first thought either.

    The recipe is based on one in an older edition of Alaska Sourdough by Ruth Allman. It was a gift from my mom who lived in Alaska pre-statehood. If you are going to get into sourdough baking I highly recommend this one to learn more about the pioneer uses of sourdough.

    About Sourdough Starter

    Long before sourdough became trendy it was the leavener of choice for pioneers, miners and other homesteaders. None of this "hydration" talk or "discarding" starter nonsense (throw away food?! heaven forbid!). You used it to cook with regularly and always saved a bit to keep the starter going for the next recipe.

    If you do not have sourdough starter ask around to see if you can get some. Sourdough fans love to share starter, knowledge and recipes. Or you can make your own (it will take a week or more) with these easy instructions from Erin at The Spiffy Cookie.

    Can you use sourdough discard? I am not a big fan of the term "discard". But, yes, you can. The sourdough is here for taste, the leavening comes from the baking soda.

    Christmas Cookies Week

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    Welcome to #ChristmasCookies Week! That time of year when we soften the butter, fire up the oven, and make cookie trays for family, friends, and neighbors. This year more than 20 top-notch bloggers are sharing their very favorite creations for all to make and enjoy. Join us for a week’s worth of Christmas cookie deliciousness.
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    cookies dipped in white chocolate on a plate with text overlay "sourdough ginger cookies"

    Recipe

    Print Recipe Pin Recipe

    Ingredients
     

    • Β½ cup shortening
    • ΒΎ cup sugar
    • Β½ cup molasses
    • 1 large egg
    • 2 teaspoons grated orange or lemon peel
    • Β½ cup sourdough
    • 3Β½ cups flour (more or less)
    • 2 teaspoons ground ginger
    • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
    • 1 teaspoon baking soda
    • 1 teaspoon ground cloves
    • Β½ teaspoon ground cardamom
    • 8 ounces white candy melts (or other color) (optional)

    Instructions
     

    • In a mixing bowl, cream together sugar and shortening. Add molasses, egg and orange rind beating until smooth. Mix in sourdough.
    • Beat in 3 cups flour, baking soda and spices. Add enough extra flour to make a soft dough. It should be soft, but not sticky.
    • Wrap dough in plastic wrap and chill at least 1 hour.
    • Preheat oven to 375Β° F.
    • Roll out the dough on a floured board to about β…› inch. Cut with cookie cutters, or in circles with a biscuit cutter or glass. Place on baking sheet 1 inch apart.
    • Bake until the middles are set, about 10 minutes. Move cookies to a cooling rack to cool completely.
    • Optional: melt candy coating per package directions. Add a little of each of the spices above. Dip each cookie halfway in the coating and set on waxed paper to set.

    Sound fabulous? Share it!

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    Until next time, happy eating!
    ~Audrey

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    audrey humaciu in kitchen

    Welcome, I'm Audrey, an avid "maker" that believes home made is better.

    Whether it's cooking, crafting, gardening, home dΓ©cor, even blog design, I love getting my hands dirty and trying new things... even if I make a mess in the process.

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