When the holiday season rolls around, there’s a certain magic in the air that makes me want to fill my kitchen with warmth and delightful aromas. Picture this: the sweet scent of vanilla mingling with chocolate and just a hint of salty pretzel goodness. That’s exactly what happens when you whip up a batch of Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies!
I created this recipe on a whim one chilly evening, inspired by the need to clean out the pantry and a desire to indulge in something festive. What started as a simple mix of ingredients quickly transformed into a symphony of flavors—each cookie a delicious surprise with the crunch of pretzels and the sweetness of M&M’s.
Whether you’re joining friends for a cozy holiday gathering or simply satisfying a craving for homemade treats, these cookies are your go-to solution for easy, mouthwatering magic. In just 25 minutes, you can fill your home with the spirit of Christmas and share a delightful treat that’s bound to please everyone at the table. So, let’s dive into this delightful baking adventure!
Why You'll Love This Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies
- These Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies are incredibly easy to make, allowing you to enjoy the holiday baking spirit without the fuss.
- Every bite is a delightful explosion of flavor, blending sweet, salty, and crunchy elements that will keep your taste buds entertained.
- Their versatile nature means you can swap in your favorite mix-ins, making them perfect for accommodating different preferences and pantry staples.
- With their festive colors and textures, these cookies are sure to impress anyone lucky enough to taste them, making them a guaranteed crowd-pleaser at any holiday gathering.
Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies Ingredients
Get ready to immerse yourself in the holiday spirit with these delicious cookies!
For the Dough
- Salted butter – 3/4 cup, softened for a creamy texture that binds everything beautifully.
- Light brown sugar – 3/4 cup, packed to add a rich, caramel flavor that complements the festive ingredients.
- Granulated white sugar – 1/4 cup, balancing the sweetness while keeping your cookies perfectly chewy.
- Egg yolks – 2, at room temperature to ensure a smooth batter that bakes evenly.
- Vanilla bean paste or extract – 2 tsp, for a warm, aromatic essence that every holiday cookie loves.
- All-purpose flour – 1 1/2 cups, the foundation for a chewy cookie dough that holds all the surprises.
- Baking powder – 1/2 tsp, helping the cookies rise just right for that perfect fluffy center.
- Baking soda – 1/2 tsp, adding a touch of lift and creating a beautiful brown crust.
- Salt – 1/2 tsp, enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness in your Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies.
For the Mix-Ins
- Red and green M&M’s – 1/2 cup, bringing a pop of festive color and chocolatey joy in every bite.
- White chocolate chips – 1/3 cup, adding a creamy sweetness that pairs wonderfully with the salty toppings.
- Pretzel pieces – 1/3 cup, introducing a satisfying crunch and a hint of saltiness to your delightful treats.
- Potato chip pieces – 1/3 cup, for an unexpected salty crunch that keeps everyone guessing.
- Red and green jimmies – 2 tbsp, because who can resist a sprinkle of extra festive cheer?
How to Make Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies
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Preheat your oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This prepares your space for those perfectly baked cookies.
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Cream the softened butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar together in a large bowl for about 2 minutes, until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step adds airiness to your dough!
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Add the egg yolks and vanilla; continue mixing for 2 minutes until the batter appears pale and fluffy. This rich mixture will be the heart of your cookies.
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Mix in the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Stir until everything is just combined; be careful not to overmix. You want a smooth dough!
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Fold in the colorful M&M’s, white chocolate chips, pretzel pieces, potato chip pieces, and jimmies. The mix-ins make your Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies festive and exciting!
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Scoop the dough into around 20 balls and arrange them on the lined baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each ball. This ensures they have room to spread!
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Optional: Before baking, consider adding extra mix-ins on top of the dough balls for an extra festive touch.
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Bake in your preheated oven for 10-12 minutes—10 minutes for chewy centers and 12 minutes for crisper edges. You’ll see them turn golden brown!
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Optional: While the cookies are hot, use a cookie cutter to shape them for a playful flair.
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Cool the cookies on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely for another 10 minutes. The aroma in the air is simply divine!
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Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days, but I doubt they’ll last that long!
Optional: For a truly festive flair, sprinkle extra jimmies on top right before serving.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Store and Freeze Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies
Room Temperature: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their delightful texture and flavor.
Fridge: Storing in the fridge can extend freshness for up to 1 week, but allow them to come to room temperature before serving for the best experience.
Freezer: For longer-term storage, freeze the cookie dough balls on a baking sheet, then transfer to an airtight container, lasting up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen without thawing.
Reheating: To enjoy warm cookies later, pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to regain their gooey charm, bringing the festive spirit back into your kitchen!
Make Ahead Options
These Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies are perfect for meal prep lovers! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance. Simply follow the directions up to step 6, scoop the dough into balls, and arrange them on a baking sheet. Cover the sheet tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When ready to bake, take the dough out of the fridge, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes to soften slightly, and then proceed with steps 8-11. This way, you’ll have fresh-baked cookies just as delicious and festive, with the added benefit of saving time on busy holiday baking days!
Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies Variations
Feel free to let your creativity shine by customizing these delightful cookies to suit your taste and pantry!
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Gluten-Free: Swap all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for a delicious alternative that everyone can enjoy.
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Nutty Delight: Add 1/3 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for a rich, nutty flavor that complements the sweetness perfectly.
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Dairy-Free: Use a dairy-free butter substitute and enjoy a plant-based delight without compromising on taste.
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Spicy Kick: Stir in 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon or a pinch of cayenne pepper to give your cookies a warm, spicy twist that’s surprisingly delightful.
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Chocolate Lovers: Replace the white chocolate chips with dark chocolate chips for an indulgent, rich experience that chocolate lovers will adore.
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Nostalgic Twist: Incorporate crushed gingerbread cookies or peppermint pieces for a nostalgic, holiday-inspired flavor that will remind you of Christmas past.
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Fruit Fun: Add 1/3 cup of dried cranberries or cherries for a sweet-tart surprise that’s bursting with festive cheer.
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Extra Crunch: Mix in crispy rice cereal for an unexpected crunch that adds texture and fun to each delightful bite.
What to Serve with Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies?
Savor the joy of the holiday season by creating a feast that perfectly complements these delightful cookies!
- Spiced Apple Cider: Warm and comforting, this drink enhances the festive feel of your cookies while pairing beautifully with their sweet and salty flavors.
- Hot Chocolate Bar: Craft a delicious station with various toppings, from whipped cream to marshmallows, allowing everyone to create their perfect cup alongside a cookie or two.
- Peppermint Ice Cream: A scoop of this creamy treat provides a refreshing contrast to the warm cookies, making each mouthful a festive celebration.
- Charcuterie Board: Introduce a savory balance with cheeses, meats, and fruits, which can beautifully enhance the cookies’ sweet and salty mix.
- Festive Fruit Salad: A vibrant medley of seasonal fruits adds freshness and brightness to your dessert spread, keeping it light and enjoyable.
- Eggnog: This rich, creamy drink, with its hint of spice, pairs wonderfully with the crunchy textures in the cookies, making each bite even more enjoyable.
- Holiday Spice Cake: Offer a slice of this dense and flavorful cake to add another layer of festivity and warmth to your gathering.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- When making Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies, ensure your butter is properly softened to room temperature for a smooth creaming process that incorporates air for fluffiness.
- A common mistake is overmixing the dough after adding the flour, so mix just until combined to prevent tough cookies.
- Consider using a cookie scoop for uniform balls that bake evenly, and remember to leave enough space on the baking sheets for the cookies to spread.
- Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake; pulling them out when they are still soft in the center will yield a perfect chewy texture.
Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the right ingredients for my Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies?
Absolutely! Fresh ingredients make all the difference. Opt for room temperature eggs to ensure they mix well, and pick M&M’s without any dark spots. Choose butter that feels slightly soft to touch, ensuring it’s perfectly spreadable, as it helps achieve that light and fluffy texture essential for cookies.
What is the best way to store leftover cookies?
To keep your cookies fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Make sure the container is completely sealed to prevent air from drying them out. You can also add a slice of bread inside to keep them soft longer—just swap it out if it becomes stale!
Can I freeze my Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies?
Absolutely! For freezing, scoop the dough into balls and arrange them on a baking sheet. Freeze them individually for about an hour until solid, then transfer the balls to a freezer-safe bag or container. They will last up to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to bake, there’s no need to thaw! Just pop them straight into the oven, adding a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time.
What if my cookies spread too much while baking?
Very gently! If your cookies spread too much, it could be due to melted butter or overmixing the dough. Ensure your butter is soft but not completely melted. Also, make sure to refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes before baking, allowing it to firm up a bit. This will help achieve that perfect cookie shape!
Are these cookies safe for pets and those with allergies?
It’s important to consider! The Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies contain ingredients like chocolate and certain nuts that can be harmful to pets, so it’s best to keep these tasty treats away from them. If you have guests with allergies, avoid adding nut-based mix-ins or stick to simpler treat variations, ensuring everyone can enjoy the festive cheer safely!
Equipment
- oven
- Baking sheets
- parchment paper
- mixing bowl
- cookie scoop
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 3/4 cup Salted butter softened
- 3/4 cup Light brown sugar packed
- 1/4 cup Granulated white sugar
- 2 Egg yolks at room temperature
- 2 tsp Vanilla bean paste or extract
- 1 1/2 cups All-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp Baking powder
- 1/2 tsp Baking soda
- 1/2 tsp Salt
For the Mix-Ins
- 1/2 cup Red and green M&M's
- 1/3 cup White chocolate chips
- 1/3 cup Pretzel pieces
- 1/3 cup Potato chip pieces
- 2 tbsp Red and green jimmies
Instructions
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cream the softened butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar together in a large bowl for about 2 minutes.
- Add the egg yolks and vanilla; continue mixing for 2 minutes until the batter appears pale and fluffy.
- Mix in the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Stir until just combined.
- Fold in the colorful M&M's, white chocolate chips, pretzel pieces, potato chip pieces, and jimmies.
- Scoop the dough into around 20 balls and arrange them on the lined baking sheets, leaving space between each.
- Optional: Consider adding extra mix-ins on top of the dough balls.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, 10 for chewy centers and 12 for crisper edges.
- Optional: While hot, use a cookie cutter to shape them for flair.
- Cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
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