Cookie Dough in Sourdough? Let's Find Out (and Maybe Fry Some Donuts)

G’day, Rogue Bakers! Sometimes, the best sourdough adventures start with a bit of a whim. That’s exactly what Spellbound Sourdough (you can find her HolySourdough profile right here) tackled in her latest video – a sourdough loaf with a cookie dough swirl. Now, she's upfront about it: inclusions can be a bit hit-or-miss. Sometimes they’re a triumph, sometimes… well, let’s just say there’s a learning curve. And that’s perfectly alright. It's the sourdough way, as she puts it – embracing the imperfections and the lessons they teach us.

The video itself is a proper peek into her baking process – she’s juggling sourdough donuts (accidentally flattened by a wire rack, bless her!), a guava and cheese latte (which sounds utterly delightful!), and the main event: the cookie dough swirl loaf. She even shares her active starter, ready for action, and gives a glimpse into her workflow – Mondays and Tuesdays are her quieter days for filming, a sensible approach for a baker with a busy schedule.

The Cookie Dough Inclusion Experiment

Spellbound Sourdough decided to test two different approaches for incorporating the cookie dough: one with the dough spread evenly across the surface before shaping, and another with chunky dollops nestled within the dough. The goal? To see how each technique would affect the baking process and the final result. She rightly points out that inclusions bake at a lower temperature and typically need to bake thoroughly. The question was, would the cookie dough bake properly within the sourdough loaf?

Why Inclusions Can Be Tricky

This video highlights a crucial point for any of us experimenting with inclusions – they’re often a gamble. They can be either spectacular or a complete flop, with little room for mediocrity. This is because inclusions introduce extra moisture and sugars, impacting the fermentation and baking process. Understanding how these factors interact is key to achieving a successful outcome.

It’s not about avoiding failure, though. It's about observing, learning, and adjusting. As Spellbound Sourdough says, “Even if it turns out horrible, I'm still posting this because that is the that is the sourdough way.” That's a philosophy we can all get behind!

Taking Away Some Lessons

Here's what we can glean from her experiment:

• Experimentation is Key: Don't be afraid to try new things, even if the results are uncertain.
• Observe Closely: Pay attention to how the inclusion affects the dough’s behavior during fermentation and baking.
• Embrace Imperfection: Not every bake will be perfect, and that’s okay! Learn from your mistakes and try again.
• Free Recipes are Gold: Spellbound Sourdough shares a lot of her recipes freely – a true testament to community spirit. (Her paid grimoires, filled with seasonal recipes and baking rituals, are another matter entirely!)

Whether you’re a seasoned sourdough baker or just starting out, there’s always something new to learn. This video is a fun reminder that baking is a journey, not a destination – and sometimes, the most memorable moments come from the experiments that don't quite go as planned.

Now, if you're feeling inspired to level up your sourdough skills, consider joining the 30-Day Sourdough Challenge. It’s a fantastic way to build a solid foundation and connect with a supportive community. Or, if you're looking for more personalized guidance, find a Guild Master who can help you on your baking journey.