Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies Recipe

Sweet Holiday Chaos: Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies Recipe

Baking Christmas kitchen sink cookies unleashes a wave of festive joy and delightful chaos in the kitchen.

These magical treats blend unexpected ingredients into one irresistible bite.

Chocolate chips, pretzels, nuts, and holiday sprinkles dance together in a symphony of flavors.

Crumbs of sweetness tell a story of spontaneous creativity and seasonal cheer.

Every batch promises a unique adventure for adventurous bakers.

Gather your mixing bowl and embrace the delicious unpredictability of these crowd-pleasing cookies.

Prepare to delight everyone with this whimsical and mouthwatering recipe.

Fun Spins on Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies

  • Gluten-Free Holiday Delight: Swap wheat flour with a gluten-free blend and use certified gluten-free pretzels and chocolate chips for those with celiac sensitivity.
  • Vegan Christmas Crunch: Replace butter with coconut oil, egg yolks with flax eggs, and use dairy-free white chocolate chips and plant-based sprinkles for a completely animal-product-free version.
  • Low-Sugar Festive Option: Substitute granulated sugar with monk fruit sweetener and brown sugar with coconut sugar to reduce overall sugar content while maintaining delicious flavor.
  • Nutty Holiday Version: Add chopped pecans or almonds to the mix for extra protein and crunch, creating a more complex texture and nutritional profile for nut lovers.

FAQs

  • Why are these called Kitchen Sink Cookies?

Because they have everything but the kitchen sink! These cookies include a wild mix of sweet and salty ingredients like M&M’s, pretzels, potato chips, white chocolate chips, and sprinkles.

  • Can I substitute ingredients if I don't have everything?

Absolutely! Feel free to swap in similar items like different chocolate chips, crackers instead of pretzels, or various candy pieces. The key is maintaining a balance of sweet and salty mix-ins.

  • How do I ensure my cookies stay soft and chewy?

Beat the butter and sugars thoroughly for two full minutes, don’t overmix the flour, and remove the cookies from the oven when they look slightly underbaked. They’ll continue setting as they cool, keeping that perfect soft texture.

  • What's the purpose of using both brown and white sugar?

Brown sugar adds moisture and a deeper caramel flavor, while white sugar helps with crisp edges. Together, they create a more complex, rich cookie texture that’s both soft and slightly crisp.

Why Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies Are a Crowd Favorite

Why Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies Are a Crowd Favorite
  • Reasons to Love This Recipe
  • Dive into a wild mix of sweet and salty with unexpected ingredients like pretzels and potato chips that create an addictive taste adventure.
  • Enjoy a foolproof recipe perfect for bakers of all skill levels, with straightforward steps and no complicated techniques required.
  • Wow guests with a show-stopping cookie that combines multiple treats in one delicious bite, making it ideal for parties, potlucks, and family gatherings.
  • Customize the mix-ins and have fun experimenting with different add-ins, letting your imagination run wild while creating a unique dessert every single time.

What You Need for Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies

Main Ingredients:
  • Butter: The foundation of the cookie's rich and tender texture.
  • Brown Sugar, Granulated Sugar: Provide sweetness and help create a soft, chewy cookie.
  • Egg Yolks: Add richness and help bind the cookie dough together.
  • Flour: Creates the basic structure of the cookie.
Mix-Ins:
  • M&M's, White Chocolate Chips: Add colorful bursts of sweetness and chocolate flavor.
  • Pretzels, Potato Chips: Bring a delightful salty crunch to contrast with the sweet elements.
  • Sprinkles: Provide festive color and playful texture.
Dry Ingredients:
  • Baking Powder, Baking Soda, Salt: Essential for helping the cookies rise and balancing the flavors.
  • Vanilla: Enhances the overall taste of the cookies with its warm, aromatic profile.

Steps to Bake Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies

Steps to Bake Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies

Step 1: Prep Baking Station

Warm the oven to 350°F.

Cover two baking sheets with parchment paper.

This prevents sticky messes and makes cleanup super easy.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

Grab a large mixing bowl.

Combine softened butter with brown and white sugars.

Beat the mixture until it becomes light, fluffy, and looks like a creamy dream.

Spend a full two minutes mixing to create the perfect cookie base.

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients

Drop in egg yolks and vanilla extract.

Blend thoroughly until the mixture transforms into a pale, silky smooth consistency.

This step builds incredible depth of flavor.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking powder
  • Baking soda
  • Salt

Slowly incorporate this dry mixture into the wet ingredients.

Stir gently until just combined to keep the dough tender.

Step 5: Fold in Delicious Mix-Ins

Carefully fold these fun ingredients into the dough:
  • Colorful M&M's
  • White chocolate chips
  • Crunchy pretzels
  • Salty potato chips
  • Festive sprinkles

Mix gently to maintain the integrity of each delightful chunk.

Step 6: Shape Cookie Dough

Use a cookie scoop to create about 20 perfect dough balls.

Place them generously spaced on prepared baking sheets.

For extra visual appeal, press a few additional mix-ins on top of each cookie.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the trays into the oven.

Bake for 10-12 minutes.

For chewy cookies, remove at 10 minutes.

For crispy edges, wait until 12 minutes.

The cookies might look slightly underbaked – don’t worry!

They’ll set as they cool.

Step 8: Shape and Style

Immediately after removing from the oven, use a circular cookie cutter to reshape and smooth each cookie into a perfect round.

This bakery-style trick creates picture-perfect treats.

Step 9: Cool and Enjoy

Let cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes.

Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Try not to eat them all at once – but no promises!

Tips to Nail Your Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies

Tips to Nail Your Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies
  • Add extra pretzels and potato chips for an irresistible salty-sweet crunch that elevates the texture.
  • Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to keep cookies from becoming flat pancakes and maintain their perfect shape.
  • Use a large cookie cutter immediately after baking to create professional-looking, perfectly circular cookies with minimal effort.
  • Let butter soften at room temperature for 30-45 minutes to ensure smooth, even mixing and better cookie consistency.
  • Gently fold mix-ins to prevent crushing, keeping larger chunks intact for surprising bursts of flavor and interesting textures.

Keeping Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies Fresh

  • Store cookies in an airtight container layered with parchment paper for up to 5 days. Keep them in the coolest part of your refrigerator to maintain freshness.
  • Scoop cookie dough balls onto a baking sheet, freeze solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Frozen dough stays good for 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding 1-2 extra minutes to cooking time.
  • Place completely cooled cookies in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with wax paper. Cookies will stay delicious for 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature for best texture.
  • Keep cookies in a sealed container with a tight lid at room temperature for 2-3 days. Add a slice of bread to the container to help maintain moisture and prevent cookies from becoming dry.

Pairing Picks for Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies

  • Flavor Fusion Pairings: Elevate Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies
  • Creamy Milk Complementor: Pair with cold, whole milk to balance the sweet-salty crunch. The smooth, rich dairy cuts through the cookie's complex texture and highlights its playful mix of ingredients.
  • Festive Beverage Booster: Match with peppermint hot chocolate for a holiday-themed experience. The mint's cool undertones perfectly contrast the warm, buttery cookie notes while enhancing the seasonal spirit.
  • Unexpected Drink Twist: Serve alongside spiced chai latte for a sophisticated flavor adventure. The tea's warm spices like cardamom and cinnamon beautifully complement the cookie's sweet-salty profile, creating a gourmet tasting moment.
  • Dessert Wine Enhancer: Enjoy with a glass of late-harvest Riesling. The wine's subtle sweetness and light acidity harmonize with the cookie's diverse ingredients, creating a delightful dessert pairing that surprises and delights the palate.
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Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies Recipe

Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies Recipe


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4.9 from 20 reviews

  • Total Time: 32 minutes
  • Yield: 24 1x

Description

Festive Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies blend sweet nostalgia with holiday cheer, combining unexpected ingredients into one delightful treat. Delicious crumbles of chocolate, nuts, and seasonal sprinkles make these cookies a perfect companion for winter gatherings you’ll treasure.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 3/4 cup (170 grams) salted butter, softened
  • 2 egg yolks, at room temperature
  • 1 1/2 cups (180 grams) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled

Sugars:

  • 3/4 cup (150 grams) light brown sugar, packed
  • 1/4 cup (50 grams) granulated white sugar

Mix-ins and Extras:

  • 1/2 cup red and green M&Ms
  • 1/3 cup white chocolate chips
  • 1/3 cup pretzel pieces
  • 1/3 cup potato chip pieces
  • 2 tablespoons red and green jimmies
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla bean paste or extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticky aftermath from melted ingredients.
  2. Cream butter with brown and granulated sugars in a large mixing bowl until the mixture becomes light and airy, ensuring a smooth and fluffy texture.
  3. Incorporate egg yolks and vanilla extract, blending until the mixture transforms into a pale, silky consistency.
  4. Separately combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a clean bowl, then gradually integrate into the wet ingredients, mixing until just incorporated.
  5. Gently fold in the diverse mix-ins: M&M’s, white chocolate chips, pretzels, potato chips, and sprinkles, maintaining the integrity of the larger chip pieces for textural contrast.
  6. Utilize a cookie scoop to create uniform dough balls, spacing them two inches apart on prepared sheets. Optionally, strategically place additional mix-ins on top for visual appeal.
  7. Bake for 10-12 minutes, adjusting time based on desired cookie texture—10 minutes for chewy centers, 12 for crisp edges. Cookies will appear slightly underbaked but will set while cooling.
  8. Immediately after removing from the oven, use a circular cookie cutter to reshape cookies into perfect rounds, creating a professional bakery-style finish.
  9. Allow cookies to rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack for complete cooling.

Notes

  • Ensure butter is truly softened at room temperature for the smoothest, most even cookie texture without lumps.
  • Use a kitchen scale for precise ingredient measurements, especially flour, to guarantee consistent cookie results every time.
  • Crush pretzels and potato chips coarsely to maintain delightful crunch and prevent turning the dough into a mushy mess.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Category: Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 24
  • Calories: 155
  • Sugar: 10 g
  • Sodium: 98 mg
  • Fat: 7 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 23 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 31 mg
Clara Thompson

Clara Thompson

Recipe Developer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Developing accessible single-serving recipes, Food writing and content creation, Plant-based and allergen-friendly cooking, Culinary education and workshop facilitation

Education

​Oregon Culinary Institute (Portland, OR)
Diploma in Culinary Arts

Specialized in plant-based cooking and sustainable kitchen practices.​

Portland Community College
Certificate in Food Writing and Media

Focused on recipe writing, food photography, and digital content creation.​


Clara’s food journey began with a curiosity for color, texture, and ingredients pulled straight from the garden. Her background in plant-forward cooking and creative writing gives her a unique edge – she makes healthy, flavorful food feel inviting, not intimidating.
She specializes in meals that work for busy lives and different diets, all without sacrificing taste. Clara’s voice comes through in every recipe she writes – clear, kind, and encouraging.

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