Name: Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 22 min
Ingredients: 3/4 cup salted butter, softened – Adds moisture and a rich flavor to the cookies.; 3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed – Provides sweetness and a chewy texture.; 1/4 cup granulated white sugar – Balances the brown sugar with a touch of crispness.; 2 egg yolks, at room temperature – Contributes to a tender, rich dough.; 2 tsp vanilla bean paste or extract – Enhances flavor with a sweet, aromatic note.; 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled – The base of the dough, giving structure to the cookies.; 1/2 tsp baking powder – Helps the cookies rise slightly, providing a soft texture.; 1/2 tsp baking soda – Works with the baking powder to ensure the cookies have the perfect spread and lift.; 1/2 tsp salt – Enhances the flavors of all ingredients.; 1/2 cup red and green M&M’s – Adds festive color and a pop of chocolate flavor.; 1/3 cup white chocolate chips – Brings a creamy sweetness to the mix.; 1/3 cup pretzel pieces – Adds a salty crunch.; 1/3 cup potato chip pieces – Introduces an unexpected, savory crunch.; 2 tbsp red and green jimmies – Adds a fun, decorative element to the cookies.

There’s something wonderfully nostalgic about baking cookies during the holiday season, and these Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies are sure to become a family favorite. Bursting with festive red and green M&M’s, white chocolate chips, pretzel pieces, and even potato chips, these cookies have everything but the kitchen sink! Perfect for a holiday gathering, cookie exchange, or a cozy evening at home, these cookies are a delightful combination of sweet, salty, chewy, and crunchy. Let’s dive into the recipe and learn how to make these irresistible treats!

What Makes Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies So Special?

Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies are a unique twist on the traditional cookie recipe, combining a variety of flavors and textures into one delicious treat. With a mix of classic cookie dough and unexpected add-ins like pretzels and potato chips, these cookies are perfect for those who love a blend of sweet and savory. The bright red and green colors of the M&M’s and jimmies make them especially festive, capturing the joyful spirit of the holiday season. Whether you’re baking with kids or creating a special gift for a loved one, these cookies are as fun to make as they are to eat!

Key Ingredients for Perfect Kitchen Sink Cookies

To create the perfect Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies, it’s important to understand the role of each ingredient. The combination of salted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar provides a rich, caramel-like flavor, while the egg yolks add moisture and help create a tender texture. The mix-ins, such as M&M’s, white chocolate chips, pretzels, and potato chips, add a delightful contrast of flavors and textures, making every bite an adventure.

Complete Ingredient Breakdown with Measurements

3/4 cup salted butter, softened – Adds moisture and a rich flavor to the cookies.
3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed – Provides sweetness and a chewy texture.
1/4 cup granulated white sugar – Balances the brown sugar with a touch of crispness.
2 egg yolks, at room temperature – Contributes to a tender, rich dough.
2 tsp vanilla bean paste or extract – Enhances flavor with a sweet, aromatic note.
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled – The base of the dough, giving structure to the cookies.
1/2 tsp baking powder – Helps the cookies rise slightly, providing a soft texture.
1/2 tsp baking soda – Works with the baking powder to ensure the cookies have the perfect spread and lift.
1/2 tsp salt – Enhances the flavors of all ingredients.
1/2 cup red and green M&M’s – Adds festive color and a pop of chocolate flavor.
1/3 cup white chocolate chips – Brings a creamy sweetness to the mix.
1/3 cup pretzel pieces – Adds a salty crunch.
1/3 cup potato chip pieces – Introduces an unexpected, savory crunch.
2 tbsp red and green jimmies – Adds a fun, decorative element to the cookies.

Essential Tips for Preparing Your Cookie Dough

Use Softened Butter: Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature for easier mixing and a creamier texture.
Accurate Measuring: Spoon and level your flour to avoid adding too much, which can make the cookies dry.
Mixing Technique: Cream the butter and sugars together until light and fluffy to ensure a soft and chewy texture.
Mix-Ins: Fold the mix-ins gently with a spatula to avoid breaking the pretzels and potato chips too much.

How to Make Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies

Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and set them aside.
Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, add the softened butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Use an electric mixer to cream them together for about 2 minutes, or until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Add Egg Yolks and Vanilla: Next, add the egg yolks and vanilla extract to the mixture. Beat on medium speed for 2 more minutes, until the mixture is pale in color and fluffy.
Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to the wet ingredients. Mix until just combined to avoid overmixing.
Fold in the Mix-Ins: Gently fold in the M&M’s, white chocolate chips, pretzel pieces, potato chip pieces, and jimmies with a spatula until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Form the Cookie Dough Balls: Scoop the dough into 20 balls and place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Optional Decoration: For an extra festive touch, press a few additional M&M’s, chips, or jimmies on top of each dough ball before baking.
Bake the Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes. For chewier cookies, bake for 10 minutes; for crisper edges, aim for 12 minutes.
Shape the Cookies (Optional): Immediately after removing the cookies from the oven, use a large circular cookie cutter to swirl around each cookie and achieve a perfect round shape.
Cool and Store: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack for another 10 minutes. Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days.

Perfecting the Bake: Tips for Chewy or Crispy Cookies

Chewier Cookies: Bake for 10 minutes and let them cool on the baking sheet to maintain a softer center.
Crispy Edges: Bake for 12 minutes, and cool on a wire rack to keep the edges crispy and delicious.

How to Decorate Your Christmas Cookies Like a Pro

For a picture-perfect presentation, add a few extra M&M’s, pretzel pieces, or chocolate chips on top of each dough ball before baking. After baking, use the cookie cutter trick to ensure all cookies have a uniform, professional look. This small step makes a big difference in appearance, especially if you’re gifting or displaying them.

Best Practices for Storing and Maintaining Freshness

To keep your Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies fresh:

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.
To maintain their chewy texture, place a slice of bread in the container with the cookies.
For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a sealed bag for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Creative Ways to Serve Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies

Holiday Platters: Arrange cookies on a festive platter with other holiday treats.
Gift Boxes: Pack cookies in decorative boxes or tins lined with parchment paper for a delightful homemade gift.
Cookie Exchange: Perfect for a cookie swap event or a holiday potluck!

Fun Ingredient Swaps and Variations to Try

Nut-Free Option: Substitute sunflower seeds or crushed graham crackers for the pretzels.
Chocolate Lovers: Add dark chocolate chunks or mini chocolate chips for an extra chocolatey twist.
Healthier Version: Use whole wheat flour and add chopped dried fruit for a healthier variation.

Tips to Avoid Common Cookie-Baking Pitfalls

Don’t Overmix the Dough: Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Mix until ingredients are just combined.
Watch the Bake Time: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake; ovens vary, so check them at the 10-minute mark.
Correct Butter Temperature: Use softened butter, not melted, to achieve the right dough consistency.

Frequently Asked Questions About Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies

Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Allow the dough to come to room temperature before baking.

Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Absolutely! Scoop the dough into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a zip-top bag and bake straight from the freezer, adding 1-2 minutes to the baking time.

Why do my cookies spread too much?
Ensure your butter isn’t too warm, and chill the dough if needed. Also, check the freshness of your baking soda and baking powder.

Essential Tools for Baking Kitchen Sink Cookies

Mixing bowls
Electric mixer
Spatula
Baking sheets
Parchment paper
Measuring cups and spoons
Cookie scoop
Wire cooling rack

conclusion

These Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies are sure to become a festive favorite in your household! Packed with flavor and easy to customize, they’re perfect for any holiday occasion. Try the recipe today, share it with friends and family, and don’t forget to subscribe to our blog for more delicious recipes!