Sourdough Discard Gingerbread: A Festive Treat With a Twist
Looking for a creative way to use your sourdough discard this holiday season? This Sourdough Discard Gingerbread recipe brings a delightful twist to a classic treat, blending the rich, spiced flavours of gingerbread with the tangy undertones of sourdough. Not only does it reduce waste, but it also results in cookies with a uniquely soft and flavourful crumb.
Why Use Sourdough Discard in Gingerbread?
Sourdough discard is an underrated ingredient. Though "inactive," it still packs flavour and moisture, enhancing baked goods with depth and complexity. In this gingerbread recipe, the discard works harmoniously with warming spices like cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg, offering a festive flavour profile with a tangy twist.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups plain flour (365g)
- 2 tsp cinnamon
- 2 tsp ground ginger
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 200g unsalted butter (1 cup), softened
- 185g brown sugar (3/4 cup)
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup (150g) inactive sourdough starter
- 1/3 cup golden syrup (100g)
Method
Prep the Dry Ingredients:In a medium bowl, whisk together the plain flour, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
Cream the Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This step helps ensure your gingerbread has a tender texture.
Add Wet Ingredients:
Beat in the egg, followed by the sourdough discard and golden syrup, mixing until fully combined.
Combine and Chill:
Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until a dough forms. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Chilling helps the dough firm up, making it easier to roll out.
Shape the Dough:
Preheat your oven to 180°C. On a floured surface, roll the chilled dough to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use cookie cutters for festive shapes if desired.
Bake:
Place shapes on a lined baking sheet and bake for 8–10 minutes, or until lightly browned at the edges.
Cool and Decorate:
Let your gingerbread cool completely before decorating with icing or enjoying plain with a cup of tea.
Tips for the Perfect Gingerbread
- Texture Matters: Adjust the thickness of your dough depending on your preference for soft or crispy cookies.
- Decorate Creatively: Use royal icing, sprinkles, or edible glitter for festive flair.
- Double Up: This recipe doubles beautifully if you're baking for a crowd.
Make It Your Own
This Sourdough Discard Gingerbread recipe is incredibly versatile. Whether you shape it into gingerbread men, festive shapes, or even build a gingerbread house, it’s sure to impress. Using sourdough discard is a fantastic way to add an extra layer of flavour while minimising waste—a win-win during the season of giving!
Happy baking, and don’t forget to share your creations! @youkneadsourdough
