🍪 Sourdough Biscoff Cookies + A 5-Min Focus Boost Guide 📝

Question of the day: How do you use apple cider vinegar?

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QUOTE OF THE DAY

"A goal without a plan is just a wish."
Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

HOMESTEAD TIP OF THE DAY

Late February is maple syrup tapping season! Drill a small hole (about 2 inches deep) in mature maple trees, insert a spile, and collect sap in a food-grade bucket. Boil down 40 gallons of sap to make 1 gallon of syrup. No maple trees? Birch and walnut trees work too!

IN TODAY'S EDITION

  1. Homestead Tip 🌱

  2. Poll Results From Last Thursday 📊

  3. All Things Homestead: Bake Sourdough Biscoff Cookies 🍪

  4. Personal Development: Boost Productivity in Just 5 Minutes 🚀

  5. Today's Top Picks 🛍️

  6. Let’s Keep It Reel 🤣

BROUGHT TO YOU BY

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POLL RESULTS FROM LAST TUESDAY

How do you decide what to plant in your garden?

🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩 Based on what my family eats most

⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ I try new crops every year

🟨⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ What grows best in my climate

🟨🟨🟨⬜️⬜️⬜️ A mix of everything!

via @beehiiv polls

Feel free to participate in fun polls in our next newsletters! 😉

Also, follow us on our FB page and Pinterest for daily homesteading inspiration and updates.

ALL THINGS HOMESTEAD

Bake Sourdough Biscoff Cookies 🍪

There’s something comforting about homemade cookies, especially when they come with a caramelized flavor and a hint of spice. If sourdough baking is already a part of your homestead, then you’re in for a treat. Sourdough Biscoff cookies bring together the richness of butter, the warm spice of cinnamon, and the tangy depth of fermented dough to create a cookie that’s crisp on the outside and soft in the center.

(Inspired by Pantry Mama's recipe for Sourdough Biscoff Cookies.)

Why Use Sourdough in Cookies?

Sourdough isn’t just for bread. It adds a unique depth of flavor to baked goods, giving cookies a slight tang that balances the sweetness. The fermentation process also makes the dough easier to digest, and it’s a great way to use up extra starter instead of tossing it.

For homesteaders who already maintain a sourdough starter, this is a creative way to put it to good use. Plus, sourdough cookies tend to stay fresh longer, making them perfect for busy weeks when baking time is limited.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Most of these ingredients are pantry staples, making it easy to whip up a batch whenever there’s extra sourdough starter available.

  • Unsalted butter – Softened for easier mixing.

  • Brown sugar – Adds a deep, caramel-like sweetness.

  • Granulated sugar – Balances the flavors and helps with texture.

  • Sourdough discard – Use unfed starter straight from the fridge.

  • All-purpose flour – Provides structure to the cookies.

  • Biscoff cookie butter – The key ingredient that gives these cookies their signature spiced flavor.

  • Egg – Binds everything together.

  • Baking soda – Helps with rise and texture.

  • Cinnamon & vanilla extract – Enhances the warm, spiced flavor.

Steps to Make the Perfect Sourdough Biscoff Cookies

  1. Cream the Butter and Sugar

    • In a large bowl, mix softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This step is key for getting the right texture.

    • A stand mixer makes it easier, but a hand whisk and some elbow grease work just fine.

  2. Add the Wet Ingredients

    • Stir in the sourdough discard, Biscoff cookie butter, egg, and vanilla extract.

    • The sourdough starter should be unfed and at room temperature for the best results.

  3. Combine the Dry Ingredients

    • In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and cinnamon.

    • Slowly add this mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Overmixing can make the cookies tough.

  4. Chill the Dough

    • Let the dough rest in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.

    • Chilling helps the cookies hold their shape and enhances the flavor. If time allows, overnight chilling is even better.

  5. Shape and Bake

    • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

    • Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto a lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

    • Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are golden brown but the centers are still soft.

  6. Cool and Enjoy

    • Let the cookies sit on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

    • Serve warm, or store in an airtight container for up to a week.

Tips for the Best Cookies

  • Use fresh ingredients. Butter, eggs, and flour can all affect texture and flavor, so make sure everything is fresh and high quality.

  • Don’t skip chilling the dough. It prevents the cookies from spreading too much and gives them a chewier texture.

  • Experiment with mix-ins. Adding white chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even a sprinkle of sea salt can elevate the cookies even more.

  • Make them crispier or chewier. For crispier cookies, bake a minute or two longer. For chewier ones, slightly underbake them and let them finish setting on the tray.

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT

Boost Productivity in Just 5 Minutes 🚀

Feeling stuck or unmotivated? Sometimes, all it takes is a small action to shift energy and get back on track. Instead of waiting for the “perfect” time to be productive, try using quick five-minute tasks to trick the brain into momentum.

Declutter Your Space, Clear Your Mind

Physical clutter often leads to mental overwhelm. When spaces feel chaotic, it’s harder to focus and stay motivated. Try these quick decluttering tasks:

  • Take out the trash. Removing visible waste instantly freshens up a space.

  • Sweep or mop the floor. A clean surface makes any room feel more put together.

  • Wipe down surfaces. A quick dusting or disinfecting removes grime and improves air quality.

  • Organize three kitchen cabinets. Small wins add up—tackling a few cabinets makes a difference.

  • Do a five-minute laundry reset. Fold a few items or put a load in the washer.

  • Vacuum one room. A fresh, clean floor can shift the atmosphere in seconds.

Reset Your Mind & Body

When stress builds up, a simple reset can improve focus and energy. Here’s how to refresh in minutes:

  • Wash your face. A splash of water wakes up the senses and clears the mind.

  • Stretch or move. Loosening tight muscles relieves tension and boosts circulation.

  • Write your thoughts down. A brain dump clears mental clutter and reduces stress.

  • Go outside. A few deep breaths of fresh air improve mood and concentration.

  • Listen to a song. A favorite tune can shift energy and bring motivation back.

  • Drink a glass of water. Hydration fights fatigue and improves brain function.

Declutter Your Digital Life

A cluttered inbox or messy workspace drains focus. Digital organization makes working more efficient.

  • Sort through emails. Deleting spam and filing important messages saves time later.

  • Return one phone call or text. Clearing small tasks prevents a backlog.

  • Make a to-do list. Prioritizing tasks helps avoid feeling overwhelmed.

  • Apply the “A-B-C-D-E” method. Organize tasks by urgency and importance for better decision-making.

  • Organize your desk. A tidy workspace reduces distractions and increases focus.

Regain Emotional Balance

Daily stress can pile up, making it harder to stay productive. Taking a few moments to reset emotions helps maintain a positive mindset.

  • Write a gratitude list. Acknowledging small blessings shifts focus from stress to appreciation.

  • Take a five-minute walk. Moving the body helps process emotions and clear thoughts.

  • Send a quick thank-you message. Expressing appreciation strengthens relationships and boosts mood.

  • Give a compliment. Spreading kindness creates a positive ripple effect.

  • Write down one thing you’re proud of. Small victories build confidence and motivation.

Quick Health & Beauty Routines

Feeling good physically boosts confidence and energy levels. Small self-care habits improve overall well-being.

  • Trim nails or floss. Tiny grooming tasks keep hygiene in check.

  • Make a simple healthy snack. Fueling the body with good food prevents energy crashes.

  • Put on clothes that feel good. Dressing well, even at home, boosts confidence.

  • Stretch or do deep breathing. Gentle movement relieves tension and improves posture.

  • Write down a skincare routine. Planning self-care prevents neglecting it later.

THE STEADY HOME’S GIGGLE CHAMBER

What did the compost say to the soil?

"You complete me!"

LET’S KEEP IT REEL!

I've put together some fantastic farm videos that are sure to make you laugh. Take a look and enjoy the fun!

  1. Me after completing the tiniest homestead project:

@bluecollarmomlife

But not joking. Chickens aren’t allowed where I live but they don’t mention ducks so 🤷🏻‍♀️ #sourdough #humor #homestead #breadtok #marriedlifehumor

  1. When you finally find your kind of homesteading crew:

@sarrrnicole

YES!! #CapCut #meme #granny #grannyhobbies #homestead #garden #sourdoughbread #crochet #grannyera #funnymemes #homemaker #homesteading #ho... See more

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