Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies

Sweet and salty, Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies combine all your favorite treats into one festive dessert! Loaded with pretzel pieces, potato chips, M&M’s, white chocolate chips, and sprinkles, these cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings, cookie exchanges, or simply indulging at home. Their unique combination of flavors makes them a standout choice this season.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fun and Festive: The vibrant colors and mix-ins create an eye-catching treat that’s perfect for the holidays.
• Versatile Ingredients: You can customize the mix-ins to cater to your preferences or what you have on hand.
• Easy to Make: With simple steps and common ingredients, you’ll have delicious cookies in no time.
• Great for Sharing: These cookies make excellent gifts or party snacks that everyone will enjoy.
• Chewy Delight: The perfect balance of chewy centers and crispy edges keeps every bite exciting.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking your Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies, gather your tools to ensure a smooth process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper
• Cookie scoop

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: Ensure you have enough space for combining ingredients efficiently.
• Electric mixer: Saves time and energy when creaming butter and sugars to achieve the right fluffiness.
• Baking sheets: Provides a sturdy base for even baking of your cookies.
• Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and ensures easy cleanup after baking.

Ingredients

For these delightful Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies, you will need the following ingredients:

Base Ingredients

• 3/4 cup salted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1/4 cup granulated white sugar
• 2 egg yolks, at room temperature
• 2 tsp vanilla bean paste or extract

Dry Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt

Mix-Ins

• 1/2 cup red and green M&M’s
• 1/3 cup white chocolate chips
• 1/3 cup pretzel pieces
• 1/3 cup potato chip pieces
• 2 tbsp red and green jimmies

How to Make Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and set them aside to prepare for the cookie dough.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

Add the softened butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar into a large mixing bowl.
Use an electric mixer to cream the mixture for about two minutes until it is light and fluffy.

Step 3: Incorporate Egg Yolks and Vanilla

Add in the room-temperature egg yolks along with the vanilla bean paste or extract.
Mix on medium speed for another two minutes until the mixture becomes pale in color and fluffy.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

Gradually add in the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Mix until just combined without over-mixing.

Step 5: Add Mix-Ins

Fold in the M&M’s, white chocolate chips, pretzel pieces, potato chip pieces, and sprinkles using a spatula.
Ensure everything is well-distributed throughout the dough.

Step 6: Scoop Dough Balls

Scoop out the dough to form about 20 balls.
Place them on the prepared baking sheets, making sure they are arranged at least two inches apart.

Step 7: Optional Toppings

If desired, add a few extra mix-ins on top of each scooped cookie dough ball.
This optional step enhances their appearance!

Step 8: Bake Cookies

Place the baking sheets in the oven and bake for 10–12 minutes.
Bake for 10 minutes if you prefer chewier centers or up to 12 minutes for crisper edges.

Step 9: Shape Your Cookies (Optional)

Once out of the oven, use a large circular cookie cutter around each cookie while they are still warm.
This helps shape them perfectly!

Step 10: Cooling Time

Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheets for five minutes.
Afterward, transfer them to a cooling rack for another ten minutes before enjoying.

Step 11: Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.

With these steps complete, you’ll have wonderfully festive Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies ready to share (or enjoy all by yourself)!

How to Serve Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies

Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies are a delightful treat perfect for the holiday season. Their unique combination of sweet and salty flavors makes them versatile for various serving occasions.

With Milk

• Pairing these cookies with cold milk enhances their sweetness and complements the rich flavors of chocolate and caramelized sugar.

On a Dessert Platter

• Arrange the cookies on a festive dessert platter alongside other holiday treats like brownies and peppermint bark for a beautiful presentation.

As Party Favors

• Wrap individual cookies in clear cellophane bags tied with a ribbon. These make adorable party favors for holiday gatherings or cookie exchanges.

With Ice Cream

• Serve warm cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. The contrast between warm and cold creates an indulgent dessert experience.

At a Cookie Bar

• Set up a cookie bar at your holiday party where guests can mix and match these cookies with other varieties, allowing everyone to create their perfect cookie plate.

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How to Perfect Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies

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

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Bringing butter and eggs to room temperature allows for better mixing, resulting in a smoother dough.

• Don’t Overmix: When combining the dry ingredients, mix just until incorporated to prevent tough cookies.

• Chill the Dough: If you have time, chilling the dough for 30 minutes can enhance the flavors and help prevent spreading during baking.

• Slightly Undercook: Aim for slightly undercooked cookies for soft centers. They will continue to firm up while cooling on the baking sheet.

• Customize Mix-Ins: Feel free to add your favorite mix-ins like nuts or dried fruit to personalize your cookie experience.

Best Side Dishes for Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies

Serving Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies can be even more enjoyable when paired with delightful side dishes. Here are some great options:

1. Hot Cocoa: A warm mug of hot cocoa adds a comforting touch that complements the rich flavors of the cookies.

2. Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad balances out the sweetness of the cookies, making it a light option alongside desserts.

3. Cheese Platter: Include cheeses like Brie or sharp cheddar to provide a savory contrast to the sweet flavors in the cookies.

4. Spiced Nuts: Roasted spiced nuts offer a crunchy texture that pairs well with the soft chewiness of the cookies.

5. Pumpkin Pie: For those who love traditional holiday desserts, pumpkin pie brings seasonal spice notes that enhance your cookie experience.

6. Eggnog: This creamy drink adds festive flair and is perfect for sipping alongside these delightful treats during holiday celebrations.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When baking Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some tips to help you create the perfect batch.

• Not measuring ingredients correctly: Accurate measurements are crucial in baking. Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups for precision.
• Skipping the chilling step: If the dough is too warm, cookies can spread too much while baking. Chill your dough for at least 30 minutes to maintain shape.
• Overmixing the dough: Mix just until combined to avoid tough cookies. Overmixing develops gluten and changes the texture.
• Ignoring oven temperature: Always preheat your oven before baking. An unheated oven can lead to uneven baking and undesirable results.
• Not using parchment paper: This essential tool prevents sticking and helps cookies bake evenly. Always line your baking sheets with parchment paper.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store cookies in an airtight container for up to three days.
• Place parchment paper between layers if stacking to prevent sticking.

Freezing Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies

• Freeze cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag.
• They can be stored frozen for up to three months.

Reheating Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm cookies for about 5-7 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual cookies for about 10-15 seconds for a soft texture.
• Stovetop: Place cookies in a skillet over low heat for a few minutes, flipping occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you’re curious about Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies, here are some common questions answered.

Can I customize my Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies?

Yes! Feel free to add other mix-ins like nuts or dried fruit based on your preferences.

How do I make my cookies chewy?

To achieve chewier cookies, slightly underbake them and let them cool on the baking sheet before transferring them.

What should I do if my dough is too sticky?

If your dough is sticky, try chilling it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before scooping and baking.

Can I use different types of chocolate?

Absolutely! You can substitute semi-sweet chocolate chips or dark chocolate chips based on your taste preference.

Final Thoughts

Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies are not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. The blend of sweet and salty flavors makes them a delightful treat during the holiday season. Try customizing them with your favorite ingredients for a personal touch!