Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies Recipe

If you’re looking for a cookie that truly has it all — think sweet, salty, crunchy, and festive — you’ve got to try this Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies Recipe. I absolutely love how this turns out because it’s like a holiday party in every bite. Honestly, it’s perfect for using up all those leftover treats and candies you’ve collected throughout the season. Stick with me here; I’ll share all my tips to make sure your cookies come out spectacular every time.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

This Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies Recipe calls for a fun mix of pantry staples and festive bits that bring holiday joy to every bite. The key is good-quality ingredients and measuring your flour carefully — more on that below!

• Salted butter: Softened butter helps create that perfect chewy center and tender bite.
• Light brown sugar: Adds moisture and a subtle caramel flavor.
• Granulated white sugar: Keeps the cookies crisp yet chewy.
• Egg yolks: Give richness and a smooth texture.
• Vanilla bean paste or extract: Enhances the sweet flavors and adds warmth.
• All-purpose flour: Make sure to spoon and level or weigh it to avoid dense cookies.
• Baking powder & baking soda: Work together to give just the right rise and tenderness.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and brings out all the other flavors.
• Red and green M&M’s: Holiday colors and melty chocolate fun!
• White chocolate chips: These add a creamy touch that contrasts nicely with salty add-ins.
• Pretzel pieces: A crunch and a salty punch that pairs perfectly with the chocolate.
• Potato chip pieces: Yes, potato chips in cookies! I promise it works — the salty crunch is irresistible.
• Red and green jimmies (sprinkles): For that festive sparkle and extra texture on the top.

Variations

I love that this Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies Recipe is super adaptable. Sometimes, I swap out a few mix-ins based on what’s in my pantry or to accommodate dietary preferences — and it works beautifully every time.

• Nut-Free Version: I usually skip nuts in this recipe to keep it safe for friends with allergies, but feel free to add walnuts or pecans for extra crunch if you like.
• Gluten-Free Twist: I’ve swapped the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend with great results; just be sure to check the mix-ins don’t have gluten!
• Chocolate Lovers’ Dream: Double up on the chocolate chips or toss in chunks of your favorite holiday candy bars for an indulgent treat.
• Spiced-Up: I sometimes add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to warm things up — highly recommend if you want a more festive punch.

How to Make Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugars Until Fluffy

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining two baking sheets with parchment paper. Then, take your softened salted butter along with the light brown sugar and granulated sugar, and cream them together using an electric mixer. I like to go for about two minutes until the mixture is pale and fluffy — this step is key because it builds the perfect texture for your cookies.

Step 2: Add Egg Yolks and Vanilla

Next, add in the egg yolks (make sure they’re at room temperature) and your vanilla bean paste or extract. Mix on medium speed for another two minutes until the mixture looks light and creamy. Trust me, this slow buildup of airy richness makes for soft, tender cookies.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Then gradually add that into your wet mixture and mix until just combined. Avoid overmixing here — it’s tempting, but overworked dough can make your cookies tough.

Step 4: Fold in the Fun Mix-Ins

This is my favorite part! Stir in the M&M’s, white chocolate chips, pretzel pieces, potato chip pieces, and sprinkles gently with a spatula. You want everything incorporated but still chunky and full of surprises in every bite. Don’t be shy about adding a few mix-ins on top of each cookie dough ball right before baking — it makes them extra festive and irresistible.

Step 5: Scoop, Shape, and Bake

Scoop the dough into 20 roughly equal balls and arrange them two inches apart on your parchment-lined sheets. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes — 10 minutes if you want a soft, chewy center; 12 if you like your edges crispier. Here’s a trick I learned: right after the cookies come out, use a large circular cookie cutter to gently swirl around each one. It shapes them beautifully and pushes all those goodies together into a perfect little cookie circle.

Step 6: Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes — they’ll still be delicate. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely for about 10 more minutes. From there, you’re all set to enjoy or package these beauties for gifting.

How to Serve Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

I usually stick with extra red and green jimmies or mini M&M’s sprinkled on top to keep it festive and fun. If you’re feeling fancy, a light dusting of powdered sugar adds a snowy look that everyone loves.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair incredibly well with a warm cup of cocoa or mulled cider. I also love serving them alongside a simple cheese platter — the salty cheeses complement the cookie’s sweet/savory vibe perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday parties, I’ve arranged these cookies in wreath shapes on platters with sprigs of fresh rosemary or holly (make sure it’s non-toxic!). Wrapping them in cellophane tied with a festive ribbon also makes a lovely gift idea that always impresses.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies in airtight containers at room temperature. They stay fresh for about three days, but honestly, they rarely last that long in my house! For best texture, separate layers with parchment paper.

Freezing

You can freeze the cookie dough balls before baking — just flash freeze them on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. When you want fresh cookies, bake straight from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time. I’ve also frozen fully baked cookies in airtight containers, wrapped well, for up to a month.

Reheating

To revive leftover cookies, pop them in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes or so. This refreshes the texture without drying them out. Alternatively, a quick 10-15 second zap in the microwave works if you’re just warming one.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I have to say, this Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies Recipe has become a favorite in my family’s holiday baking rotation — it’s just that fun and reliable. I love how it brings together so many flavors and textures in one cookie, and the festive look never fails to brighten up the season. If you want a crowd-pleaser that feels homemade but special, give these cookies a whirl. I promise, once you try them, you’ll want to keep this recipe handy year after year!

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