Ingredients
Scale
- 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.
Instructions
- 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.
Notes
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.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert