Discover 15 of the best sourdough scone recipes—sweet, savory, and perfect for using up sourdough discard. Easy, flavorful, and ideal for any season.

Disclaimer: this post may contain affiliate links, and every purchase made through these links will give me a small commission (at absolutely no extra cost for you!) AS AN AMAZON ASSOCIATE AND REWARDSTYLE MEMBER, I EARN FROM QUALIFYING PURCHASES. See Privacy Policy for additional info.
Hi beauties! If you’re into sourdough baking, you already know the struggle: what to do with all that leftover discard. Instead of tossing it or defaulting to pancakes or sourdough cookies again, try something a little more exciting—sourdough scones. They’re buttery, flaky, and just the right amount of tangy thanks to the sourdough starter. Whether you want sweet, savory, or a little of both, there’s a scone recipe out there for you!
Sourdough scones are a clever way to use up sourdough discard, but they’re more than just waste-saving. The fermentation adds flavor and depth you won’t get from a typical scone. They stay moist longer, bake up with beautiful texture, and offer endless flavor possibilities—from sharp cheddar and herbs to juicy berries or chocolate chunks.
In this round-up, I'm bringing you the 15 best sourdough scone recipes that prove just how versatile this humble baked good can be. These recipes are straightforward, satisfying, and guaranteed to step up your sourdough game. Let’s dig in.
The BEST Sourdough Scone Recipes:
Sourdough isn’t just for bread. If you’ve got extra sourdough starter and a craving for something flaky, buttery, and a little tangy, these sourdough scone recipes are exactly what you need. Whether you're after something sweet, savory, or seasonal, this round-up of the best sourdough scone recipes has you covered. Let’s get into the list—because your sourdough discard deserves better than the compost bin.
1. Classic Sourdough Scones
These are your basic go-to sourdough scones. Buttery, tender, and with just a hint of tang from the starter, they’re perfect for breakfast or afternoon tea. The dough is easy to handle, and the result is a flaky crumb that beats anything store-bought.
Why it works: Simple ingredients, classic flavor, adaptable base.
2. Sourdough Blueberry Lemon Scones
Fresh blueberries and lemon zest brighten these scones while the sourdough discard adds depth. Perfect for spring and summer mornings.
Tip: Use frozen blueberries to prevent the dough from getting too wet.
Flavor profile: Tangy, sweet, citrusy.
3. Cheddar Chive Sourdough Scones
If you lean savory, this one’s for you. Sharp cheddar and fresh chives are a killer combo, and the sourdough gives these scones an extra punch. Serve them warm with a smear of butter or as a side with soup.
Best for: Brunch, lunch, or a fancy picnic.
4. Cinnamon Apple Sourdough Scones
These taste like a cinnamon roll and an apple scone had a baby. Swirled with sugar, apples and cinnamon, and topped with a crunchy sugar crust, they’re impossible to eat just one.
Pro move: Drizzle with a simple glaze for extra indulgence.
5. Maple Pecan Sourdough Scones
Maple syrup and toasted pecans give these scones a cozy, nutty warmth. The sourdough adds complexity, making them taste like they came from a high-end bakery.
Perfect for: Fall mornings with a cup of black coffee.
6. Sourdough Chocolate Chip Scones
Rich, melty chocolate meets tangy sourdough in a soft, buttery scone. This one’s kid-approved and adult-craved. Use high-quality chocolate chunks for the best flavor.
Quick tip: Sprinkle with flaky sea salt before baking.
7. Lavender Honey Sourdough Scones
A little floral, a little sweet, and totally different from your average scone. Dried culinary lavender and honey balance beautifully with the sourdough's slight acidity.
Pairs with: Earl Grey or chamomile tea.
8. Sourdough Pumpkin Spice Scones
Pumpkin purée, warm spices, and sourdough discard come together in a soft scone that screams autumn. Top with a spiced glaze or cream cheese frosting.
Why we love it: It’s like a PSL in scone form—but not overly sweet.
9. Raspberry White Chocolate Sourdough Scones
Bright raspberries and creamy white chocolate make these scones visually striking and ridiculously delicious. The sourdough keeps the sweetness in check.
Pro tip: Use fresh raspberries for vibrant flavor, but frozen will do in a pinch.
10. Savory Maple Bacon Sourdough Scones
Loaded with crispy bacon, maple syrup, and a touch of sourdough, these are basically breakfast in a scone. The sourdough discard adds just the right funk to complement the richness.
Eat with: Eggs, soup, or straight out of the oven.
11. Sourdough Almond Cherry Scones
Dried cherries and slivered almonds are a match made in baking heaven. Add a touch of almond extract to boost the flavor. These scones are great for gifting (or hoarding).
Bonus: They freeze like a dream.
12. Matcha Sourdough Scones
Earthy matcha powder gives these scones a gorgeous green color and unique taste. Not too sweet, they’re a great option for tea lovers or anyone looking for something a little different. To make this recipe sourdough, I recommend using sourdough starter discard instead of part of the wet ingredients. Most recipes use ½ cup (110 g) of discard plus ¼–⅓ cup heavy cream!
Optional: White chocolate chunks for a sweet contrast.
13. Zucchini Cheddar Sourdough Scones
Yes, zucchini in a scone—and it works. The moisture from the zucchini makes them tender, while cheddar and sourdough round out the flavor. Great for sneaking in veggies. To make this recipe sourdough, I recommend using sourdough starter discard instead of part of the wet ingredients. Most recipes use ½ cup (110 g) of discard plus ¼ cup heavy cream!
Best served: Warm, with a bit of butter or even cream cheese.
14. Buttermilk Peach Sourdough Scones
Juicy peaches and fresh buttermilk make this scone feel fresh and summery. The sourdough adds a little tang that cuts through the sweetness of the fruit. To make this recipe sourdough, I recommend using sourdough starter discard instead of part of the wet ingredients. Most recipes use ½ cup (110 g) of discard plus ¼ cup of buttermilk!
Garnish idea: A sprinkle of coarse sugar or a honey glaze.
15. Espresso Chip Sourdough Scones
For coffee lovers. These scones are infused with espresso powder and studded with chocolate chips. The sourdough depth makes them feel more grown-up than your average mocha-flavored treat.
Enjoy with: A latte, obviously.
Sourdough Scone Tips for Success
To get the most out of any of these best sourdough scone recipes, here are a few tips:
- Use cold butter. This keeps the scones flaky.
- Don’t overmix. Mix just until the dough comes together—no more.
- Chill the dough. Even 30 minutes in the fridge helps the texture.
- Use active or discard starter. Both work, but discard gives a milder flavor.
What Makes a Sourdough Scone Different?
Sourdough scones aren’t just a way to use up discard—they’re better. The starter adds moisture, a slight chew, and a richer, more complex flavor. You can use fed starter for more rise or discard for a more tender texture.
They’re also more forgiving than yeasted bakes, and can be made ahead, chilled overnight, or frozen for later. Plus, if you’ve been baking bread for a while, this is a fun way to shake up your routine.
Sourdough Scone Conclusion:
Whether you’re into sweet, savory, or somewhere in between, these best sourdough scone recipes are proof that sourdough can do more than just bread. From blueberry lemon to bacon herb, there's something here for every taste and season.
So next time you’re staring down a jar of discard, skip the guilt and bake one of these. Your breakfast, your brunch guests, or your midweek snack break will thank you.
Ready to bake? Pick your favorite, preheat that oven, and start turning sourdough into something flaky and fantastic.
Until next time,
Leave a Reply