15 Chocolate Sourdough Recipes to Indulge In
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There are lots of different ways to combine chocolate and sourdough together in a recipe ... and this is great news if you're a chocoholic like me! I want to show you that you that you can use chocolate in lots of different forms to create a diverse tapestry of chocolatey flavors that compliment the sourness of your starter perfectly. Any excuse to break open the chocolate I say!
There are lots of reasons you might want to include some chocolate into your sourdough baking. Sometimes, you might just like to change things up a little bit! But there are other times when chocolate inspired sourdough recipes might be required. Valentine's Day inspired sourdough recipes often use a lot of chocolate, as do sourdough recipes for Easter celebrations. Or maybe you're just looking for the perfect sourdough recipe to celebrate National Chocolate Day!
Different Ways To Incorporate Chocolate Into Sourdough Bread
No matter what type of chocolate you love to eat, there's sure to be a way that you can incorporate it into your sourdough baking. Different types of chocolate can require different methods of incorporation. Here are a few of the ways that I like to use chocolate, along with my sourdough starter in The Pantry Mama kitchen:
- Chocolate Chips - whether you're using semi sweet, dark or even white chocolate chips, you can add these to all kinds of sourdough cookie recipes, as well as sourdough chocolate chip bread and even sourdough quick breads like sourdough banana bread for some chocolate indulgence!
- Cocoa Powder - cocoa powder can be a very economical way to marry some chocolate into your sourdough baking. You can even add some cocoa into your sourdough starter and create a chocolate sourdough starter!
- Nutella or Chocolate Spread - you can fill sourdough donuts, cookie sandwiches and pastries with Nutella or other chocolate spreads. This works really well in recipes like this sourdough chocolate star bread which is made with a brioche dough layered with Nutella.
- Chunks of Chocolate - I love adding chunks of my favorite blocks of chocolate to both muffins and actual loves of sourdough bread. I also love adding little chunks of chocolate to the inside of sourdough brioche rolls (seriously you have to try this!). This is also a great way to use up leftover Easter eggs!
Does Chocolate Affect Sourdough Fermentation?
Chocolate can affect sourdough fermentation, but it generally depends on the form of chocolate you're using, when you're adding it and how much chocolate you're using.
In my experience, adding chocolate chips or chocolate chunks to your sourdough bread during your stretch and folds or during shaping will not affect the fermentation of the dough a great deal (not like adding sugar directly to your sourdough). Adding to much chocolate can cause the gluten network of the dough to collapse and result in a denser loaf of sourdough once baked. It doesn't mean the loaf is bad, it will just be very rich and have a dense, sometime stodgy texture.
Adding cocoa powder to your sourdough can affect the fermentation of your dough. The cocoa will affect the hydration of the dough, so you may need to adjust the amount of water you add (unless you're following a recipe that has already done this for you). Cocoa powder can cause the gluten in your dough to tighten quite a bit, making stretches and folds more difficult. The dough will loosen as it ferments, however wetting your hands as your handling the dough can definitely help. Adding less salt is also a solution to this issue, however, lessening the amount of salt you use really depends on your taste preferences.
Let's Indulge in Sourdough Chocolate Recipes!
I've put together 15 of my favorite chocolate sourdough recipes for you to indulge in! They all use different methods of incorporating chocolate into the bake. Most of them are sourdough discard recipes, but of course you can always use active sourdough starter in these recipes if you prefer too. Here's a great explanation if you're wondering about the differences between sourdough discard and sourdough starter.
Sourdough Chocolate Sandwich Cookies
If you are an Oreo lover, then hold onto your hat, because these beat Oreos hands down! Not only are they better because you know what's in them, they're bigger and have way more filling! And did I mention they're made with chocolate and sourdough starter? Seriously, they are a must bake!
Sourdough Chocolate Waffles
These are one of my favorite ways to each sourdough and chocolate together - mainly because they are so quick to prepare and cook. And also because I can layer more chocolate on top! Win win, right? Another easy win would be adding some chocolate chips to this sourdough pancake batter.
Sourdough Chocolate Cobbler
Chocolate is not something you'd traditionally think of when it comes to a cobbler, but let me tell you it totally works! Serve this one warm with lots of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream and fresh berries! YUM!
Chocolate Sourdough Bread
This soft and decadent sourdough chocolate bread blends the tangy depth of sourdough with the richness of cocoa for an irresistible treat. Whether enjoyed on its own or toasted with a spread of butter, it's a chocolate lover’s dream.
Sourdough Chocolate Chip Scones
These fluffy sourdough chocolate chunk muffins are bursting with rich chocolate pieces and have a tender, bakery-style crumb. Thanks to the sourdough starter they contain, they develop a deeper flavor while staying wonderfully moist.
Sourdough Discard Chocolate Mug Cake
These simple sourdough chocolate cakes are made in a mug in the microwave! They take just minutes to mix and bake and are sure to delight you, whether you're indulging alone, or making them for your whole family. I love these as a sneaky treat when the kids have gone to bed. But they're simple enough for the kids to make too.
Sourdough Chocolate Star Bread
One of the most popular recipes on The Pantry Mama website, this gorgeous sourdough chocolate star bread combines a soft and golden brioche dough, layered with chocolatey Nutella (or other chocolate spread of your choice). Served warm, this tear and share dessert is sure to please even the fussiest of chocolate connoisseur!
Sourdough Chocolate Chip Cookies
These sourdough chocolate chip cookies have the perfect balance of crispy edges and chewy centers, with a subtle tang that enhances the chocolatey goodness. They're a great way to use up sourdough discard while baking a family favorite.
Baked Sourdough Brioche Donut Balls
Sourdough Chocolate Chunk Muffins
These fluffy sourdough chocolate chunk muffins are bursting with rich chocolate pieces and have a tender, bakery-style crumb. Thanks to the sourdough, they develop a deeper flavor while staying wonderfully moist.
Sourdough Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
With their crackly tops and fudgy centers, these sourdough chocolate crinkle cookies bring a touch of sourdough magic to a classic treat. Dusted with powdered sugar, they’re as beautiful as they are delicious.
Sourdough Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie
This is such a fun way to add some chocolate to your sourdough baking! You can create this sourdough chocolate skillet cookie ahead of time, making it the perfect end to a dinner party or just a weekend family favorite! I've added plenty of flavor variations too, so you can add some extra spices to your chocolate too!
Sourdough Chocolate Brownies
Rich, fudgy sourdough chocolate brownies are an absolute must bake when it comes to pairing chocolate with sourdough! There is something truly special about this recipe! And if you are looking for a sourdough chocolate recipe to share with a crowd, these sourdough brownie bites might be just the ticket.
Sourdough Chocolate Cake
This rich and moist sourdough chocolate cake delivers deep chocolate flavor with a slight tang for extra depth. Topped with a silky frosting, it’s a show-stopping chocolate sourdough dessert perfect for any occasion.
Chocolate Cherry Sourdough Bread
This artisan-style chocolate cherry sourdough loaf combines rich cocoa, sweet-tart glace cherries, and a deep, complex sourdough flavor. It’s a perfect balance of chewy, tangy, and sweet—ideal for breakfast or a special treat.
Chocolate Sourdough Discard Loaf
This soft and chocolatey sourdough discard bread is an easy way to use up extra starter while creating a delicious, lightly sweet loaf. With a hint of sourdough tang and a rich cocoa flavor, it’s perfect for snacking or toasting.
Sourdough Chocolate Chip Bread
This tender and lightly sweet sourdough chocolate chip bread is packed with melty chocolate chips, making it an irresistible breakfast or snack. The long fermentation adds extra flavor and a soft, pillowy texture.
