One of our favorite ways to use up extra Amish Friendship Bread or sourdough starter discard is to make cookies. Oatmeal, snickerdoodle, chocolate chip, sandy pecans, almond, peanut butter … the list goes on but we’ve got your favorite AFB and sourdough cookie recipes right here.

CLEARLY the BEST oatmeal cookie recipe out there!

Karen on Amish Friendship Bread Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

Whether you’re baking for the office, a neighbor, summer camp, school lunchboxes, a holiday cookie exchange, or just because, we’re delighted to be sharing our favorite Amish Friendship Bread and sourdough discard cookie recipes in this cookie round-up. These recipes have been tested and tweaked by our Friendship Bread Kitchen community.

The cookie recipes in the Friendship Bread Kitchen Recipe Box are delicious, easy to make, and yield at least a couple of dozen, making them the perfect treat to share with others. It takes minimal effort and is great fun if you have kids who want to join in. It’s a terrific way to use up excess starter and adds a light, tangy flavor with a slight chewiness to most of our cookie recipes. If you haven’t tried Amish Friendship Bread cookies or sourdough cookies before, prepare to be amazed!

Amish Friendship Bread Starter vs. Sourdough Discard

What’s the difference between an Amish Friendship Bread starter and a traditional sourdough discard? Check out our FAQs to learn more, but in short, an AFB starter is sweeter and can generally be used at any point during its 10-day cycle (this maintenance cycle can be repeated indefinitely). Traditional sourdough discard is underfed or hungry starter that is usually poured off before the next feeding cycle, to help manage the amount of sourdough starter. It has less leavening power but is great to use in pancake and waffle recipes, as well as cookie recipes like these.

While not every Amish Friendship Bread recipe at the Friendship Bread Kitchen can be swapped with 1 cup of sourdough discard, our starter cookie recipes are the exception unless otherwise noted. For AFB bakers, be aware that super active AFB starters will yield a loftier cookie if you choose to bake on Day 10. Otherwise, these recipes can be made anytime once your starter has been established.

Our Top Amish Friendship Bread and Sourdough Discard Cookie Recipes

1. Amish Friendship Bread Chocolate Chip Cookies

If we had to start anywhere, it would be with our classic chocolate chip cookie recipe. Think soft, gooey deliciousness.

These are wonderful! For years I have been searching for a really good chocolate chip cookie recipe. I now have ended my search. You can’t get any better than these.

Rosemary on Amish Friendship Bread Chocolate Chip Cookies

2. Amish Friendship Bread Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

Another classic cookie recipe is our oatmeal raisin cookies! These will bring you back to the simple days, and can convert even non-oatmeal lovers into fans.

Perfection in a cookie ❤️ delightfully chewy and ooh so delicious. Thank you for this recipe. I even went out and bought a cookie jar because I have to stock up on these and, for two people, we go through them surprisingly quickly.

Andrea on Amish Friendship Bread Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

3. Amish Friendship Bread Snickerdoodle Cookies

Snickerdoodle cookies are the perfect blend of sweet and spice. Plus, this recipe makes a huge amount of cookies, so it’s another great one for sharing.

This is an excellent recipe that everyone likes. I make this recipe with gluten-free and dairy-free starter and it still turns out great! And it makes a TON of cookies, so be ready to bake awhile! 🙂

Wendy on Amish Friendship Bread Snickerdoodle Cookies

4. Amish Friendship Bread Pecan Sandies Cookies

The starter gives these Amish Friendship Bread pecan sandies a subtle tang, and the sugar-salt balance is perfect. Another classic cookie recipe that takes you back to your childhood. Perfect for hostess gifts as well.

They are amazing! If all pecan sandies tasted like these, I’d be a huge pecan sandie fan. This is an excellent recipe with a perfect texture, just a little crumbly yet soft. The added AFB gives the cookie that little tangy kick that really boosts the flavor of this cookie. This recipe stirs together quickly and is super simple to make. This recipe is definitely a keeper.

Jennifer on Amish Friendship Bread Pecan Sandies Cookies

5. Amish Friendship Bread Dump Cookies

Everything but the kitchen sink. If you’re looking for a way to use up a bag of starter (or sourdough discard) AND have a huge cookie yield, this Amish Friendship Bread Dump Cookie recipe is for you. You can really make this cookie recipe your own using whatever you have on hand.

This is a great way to use up the last little bit of everything! Thanks!

Julie on Amish Friendship Bread Dump Cookies

6. Amish Friendship Bread Peanut Butter Cookies

If you are a peanut butter lover, these amish friendship bread peanut butter cookies are for you! The slight tang of the Amish Friendship Bread starter really takes this classic to the next level.

These cookies are delicious!!! So soft and fluffy.

Courtney on Amish Friendship Bread Peanut Butter Cookies

7. Amish Friendship Bread Oatmeal Cranberry Cookies

Another delicious variety of oatmeal cookies are these oatmeal cranberry cookies. Add a little bit of tang with some dried (or fresh) cranberries. I love how cranberries give a little more tang that your average oatmeal raisin cookies!

OMG these are almost too good.

Lisa on Amish Friendship Bread Oatmeal Cranberry Cookies

8. Amish Friendship Bread Molasses Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies

Another great variation of the oatmeal cookies, are these molasses chocolate chip oatmeal cookies. These are such a delicious combination of flavors.

I am in the process of making these cookies now, and without a doubt, they are some of the best I have made or tasted… Delicious!

Kay on Amish Friendship Bread Molasses Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies

9. Amish Friendship Bread Granola Bars

If you’re looking for a healthier “cookie” option, this is the way to go! These granola bars are a great snack for any time of day.

These bars are fantastic! I have made them both as per the recipe and also using candied orange peel and sliced almonds as a substitute for walnuts and chocolate chips. So easy to vary and provides a satisfying snack.

Wendy on Amish Friendship Bread Granola Bars

10. Amish Friendship Bread Chinese Almond Cookies

These delightful almond cookies will puts take-out cookies to shame! Grab that sourdough discard or Amish Friendship Bread starter and make these goodies!

I made these cookies and they were a hit with all those I gave them to.

Leslye on Amish Friendship Bread Chinese Almond Cookies

11. Amish Friendship Bread Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies

These take the peanut butter cookies to the next level with Hershey Kisses! What is better than chocolate and peanut butter?

Just made these, had to use a bit more flour, but they turned out great! I will be making them again!

Lisa on Amish Friendship Bread Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies

12. Amish Friendship Bread Chocolate Junior Mint Cookies

One of my favorite things about Amish Friendship Bread starter is how amazingly versatile it is! This recipe was created by taking our basic cookie recipe and adding chocolate chips and Junior Mints, but a handful of any of your favorite candy will do. It’s a great way to use up Halloween candy or candy canes, too.

I love how chocolatey these are, with just a hint of peppermint. We store them in the fridge in a Ziplock and they stay cool and chewy!

Liz on Amish Friendship Bread Chocolate Junior Mint Cookies

13. Amish Friendship Bread Eggnog Cookies

One of our favorite things about the holidays are all the sweet treats. These Amish Friendship Bread eggnog cookies are no exception. Yes, eggnog! If you are a fan of this spicy drink, this recipe will fulfill all your eggnog desires!

Eggnog is a seasonal treat for my family, and these cookies are a treat, too! We add a bit more spice, some cardamom and a touch of ginger, sooooo good!

Ann on Amish Friendship Bread Eggnog Cookies

Toppings and Glazes for Your Amish Friendship Bread and Sourdough Discard Cookie Recipes

Add a little extra something to your cookies with a drizzle of glaze or frosting! Get creative and make them into ice cream sandwiches, or use leftover crumbs and mix them into your Amish Friendship Bread (yes, really — check out our Girl Scout cookie recipes for ideas).

The winner of this giveaway is Carleta Currie. She’ll receive a three-piece Baking Gift Set (aluminum sheet pan, silicone baking mat, stainless steel cooling rack), plus a must-have cookie scoop. Congratulations, Carleta — we can’t wait to see what amazing Amish Friendship Bread cookies you end up making!

What about you?

We’d love to hear how your cookies turned out, or better yet, post a picture and tag us on Facebook, post your gorgeous photos on our private Facebook Group Page, or ping us on Pinterest or Instagram. Enjoy!