Kitchen Sink Christmas Cookies

These Kitchen Sink Christmas Cookies are the ultimate treat for any occasion! With a delightful mix of sweet and salty flavors, they’re loaded with crunchy pretzels, potato chips, colorful M&M’s, creamy white chocolate chips, and festive sprinkles. Not only are they perfect for holiday gatherings, but they also offer endless customization options. You can easily adapt the mix-ins to suit your taste or what you have on hand. Get ready to indulge in these chewy, delicious cookies that will surely brighten up your dessert table!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Versatile Mix-Ins: Customize these cookies with your favorite snacks—add nuts, dried fruit, or other chocolates as desired.
• Easy to Make: No mixer is required! Just use simple kitchen tools for a hassle-free baking experience.
• Perfect for Sharing: With 24 large cookies per batch, these treats are great for parties or gifting to friends and family.
• Sweet and Salty Delight: The combination of sweet chocolate and salty pretzels offers a delicious balance that everyone loves.
• Festive Appeal: The vibrant colors of the M&M’s and holiday sprinkles make these cookies a visual treat perfect for any celebration.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking your Kitchen Sink Christmas Cookies, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Rubber spatula
• Ice cream scoop (1 1/2 oz)
• Parchment paper
• Baking sheet
• Whisk

Importance of Each Tool

• Large mixing bowl: Provides ample space for combining ingredients without making a mess.
• Ice cream scoop: Ensures uniform cookie size for even baking.
• Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy.

Ingredients

These are the best Kitchen Sink Christmas Cookies! Sweet and salty and filled with crunchy pretzels, potato chips, M&M’s, white chocolate chips, and holiday sprinkles. These cookies are completely customizable, so use your favorite mix-ins to create the perfect cookie.

Dry Ingredients

• 2 3/4 cup All-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
• 1/2 tsp Baking powder
• 1/2 tsp Baking soda
• 1/2 tsp Salt

Wet Ingredients

• 8 oz Unsalted butter (melted and cooled)
• 1 1/4 cup Dark brown sugar
• 3/4 cup White granulated sugar
• 2 Large eggs (room temperature)
• 2 tsp Vanilla extract

Mix-Ins

• 1 cup M&M’s (red and green, plus more for topping)
• 1/2 cup White chocolate chips (plus more for topping)
• 1/2 cup Pretzels (broken into small pieces, plus more for topping)
• 1/3 cup Potato chips, salted (crushed, plus more for topping)
• 2 tbsp Holiday sprinkles (jimmies work best)

How to Make Kitchen Sink Christmas Cookies

Step 1: Melt the Butter

Begin by melting the butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes until it’s cooled but not solidified.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl:
1. Whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until well combined.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In another bowl:
1. Whisk together the melted butter with dark brown sugar and granulated sugar until smooth.
2. Add in the eggs one at a time while whisking continuously.
3. Stir in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated.

Step 4: Combine Mixtures

Add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients:
1. Use a rubber spatula to mix until just combined; do not overmix.

Step 5: Fold in Mix-Ins

Carefully fold in:
– M&M’s,
– White chocolate chips,
– Broken pretzels,
– Crushed potato chips,
– Holiday sprinkles.

Step 6: Scoop Cookie Dough

Using an ice cream scoop:
1. Portion out dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
2. Refrigerate the cookie dough balls for at least one hour or freeze them for about 30 minutes if you’re short on time.

Step 7: Preheat Oven

While the dough chills:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Step 8: Bake Cookies

Once chilled,
1. Place six cookie dough balls on a parchment-lined sheet pan.
2. Bake for about 13-15 minutes or until golden brown, turning halfway through baking for even browning.

Step 9: Shape Cookies

After removing them from the oven:
1. Use a large cookie cutter to gently scoot each cookie into a round shape while they’re still warm.
2. Add additional mix-ins on top of each cookie before cooling completely on a wire rack.

Enjoy these delightful Kitchen Sink Christmas Cookies fresh from the oven or store them in an airtight container to savor later!

How to Serve Kitchen Sink Christmas Cookies

These delightful Kitchen Sink Christmas Cookies can be served in a variety of ways to add festive cheer to your holiday gatherings. Here are some fun serving suggestions to make your cookie experience even more enjoyable.

Cookie Platter

• Arrange the cookies on a large platter, mixing in different shapes and sizes for visual appeal. This allows guests to pick their favorites easily.

Milk or Hot Chocolate

• Serve these cookies alongside a glass of cold milk or a warm cup of hot chocolate for the perfect sweet pairing.

Gift Boxes

• Package cookies in decorative gift boxes or tins as thoughtful homemade gifts for friends and family during the holiday season.

Dessert Bar

• Create a dessert bar with various toppings and dips, such as chocolate sauce or caramel. Let guests customize their cookies for added fun.

Cookie Decorating Station

• Set up a cookie decorating station where guests can add extra sprinkles or toppings to their cookies, making it an interactive experience.

How to Perfect Kitchen Sink Christmas Cookies

To ensure your Kitchen Sink Christmas Cookies turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Use room temperature ingredients – Make sure your eggs and butter are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
• Chill the dough – Refrigerate or freeze the dough before baking to help the cookies maintain their shape and achieve a chewy texture.
• Measure flour properly – Spoon and level your flour instead of scooping directly from the bag to avoid dense cookies.
• Bake in batches – Bake only one sheet at a time in the center of the oven for even cooking; this prevents overcrowding and promotes uniform baking.
• Customize mix-ins – Feel free to swap out M&M’s, pretzels, or chips with your favorite candies or snacks for unique flavors each time you bake.

Best Side Dishes for Kitchen Sink Christmas Cookies

When serving Kitchen Sink Christmas Cookies, complement them with delicious side dishes that enhance the overall experience. Here are some great options:

1. Fruit Salad – A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits provides a light contrast to the richness of the cookies.
2. Cheese Platter – A selection of cheeses pairs wonderfully with sweet treats and offers a savory balance.
3. Mini Cupcakes – These bite-sized delights add variety and can be decorated festively to match the holiday theme.
4. Nut Mix – A bowl of mixed nuts gives guests a crunchy snack option that complements sweet flavors nicely.
5. Ice Cream Sundae Bar – Set up an ice cream station where guests can create their own sundaes using scoops of vanilla or chocolate ice cream alongside toppings.
6. Hot Apple Cider – Serve warm apple cider for a cozy beverage option that pairs well with cookies during chilly holiday gatherings.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Kitchen Sink Christmas Cookies can be a fun experience, but there are common pitfalls that can affect your results.

• Skipping the chilling step: Chilling the dough is crucial for achieving the perfect texture. If you skip this step, your cookies may spread too much and lose their shape.

• Not measuring flour correctly: Overpacking flour can lead to dry cookies. Always spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife for accuracy.

• Using warm butter: Warm butter can alter the cookie’s consistency. Make sure your melted butter has cooled to room temperature before mixing it with other ingredients.

• Ignoring mix-in proportions: Adding too many mix-ins can overwhelm the cookie dough and prevent it from holding together. Stick to the recommended amounts for best results.

• Baking all cookies at once: Baking multiple trays at once can cause uneven baking. Bake one tray at a time and rotate halfway through to ensure even browning.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
• Place parchment paper between layers of cookies to prevent sticking.

Freezing Kitchen Sink Christmas Cookies

• Freeze cookies in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.
• Place wax paper between layers if stacking to avoid sticking.

Reheating Kitchen Sink Christmas Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F, place cookies on a baking sheet, and warm for about 5-7 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual cookies for about 10-15 seconds for a soft texture.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat and cover with a lid; warm for about 2-3 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Kitchen Sink Christmas Cookies.

What makes Kitchen Sink Christmas Cookies special?

Kitchen Sink Christmas Cookies are unique because they combine sweet and salty flavors with various textures from different mix-ins, making every bite exciting!

Can I customize my Kitchen Sink Christmas Cookies?

Absolutely! Feel free to swap out M&M’s or pretzels for your favorite candies or snacks. This flexibility allows you to create a personalized version of these cookies.

How do I know when my cookies are done baking?

Look for golden edges and slightly soft centers. The cookies will continue cooking on the baking sheet after removing them from the oven.

Are Kitchen Sink Christmas Cookies suitable for gifting?

Yes! These cookies make great gifts during the holiday season due to their fun appearance and delicious taste. Package them in festive boxes or tins for a lovely presentation.

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Definitely! You can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze it until you’re ready to bake fresh cookies when needed.

Final Thoughts

These Kitchen Sink Christmas Cookies are not only delightful but also incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize them with your favorite ingredients. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy creating delicious treats that everyone will love!