Kitchen Sink Christmas Cookies

These Kitchen Sink Christmas Cookies are a delightful mix of sweet and salty flavors, featuring crunchy pretzels, potato chips, M&M’s, white chocolate chips, and holiday sprinkles. Perfect for any festive occasion, these cookies are completely customizable to cater to your taste preferences. With their chewy texture and vibrant colors, they are sure to bring joy to gatherings and celebrations.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Endless Customization: You can easily swap in your favorite mix-ins like nuts or dried fruit.
• Easy to Make: No mixer required! Just a few mixing bowls and a spatula will do the trick.
• Perfect for Sharing: With 24 large cookies, they’re ideal for holiday parties or gift-giving.
• Sweet and Salty Bliss: The combination of chocolate, pretzels, and potato chips creates an irresistible flavor profile.
• Festively Fun: The bright colors from M&M’s and sprinkles make them visually appealing for any celebration.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking these delicious cookies, gather the necessary tools. Having everything ready will make the process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Rubber spatula
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Ice cream scoop

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: A good set of mixing bowls allows you to combine ingredients efficiently without spilling.
• Rubber spatula: This tool is perfect for scraping down the sides of the bowl and ensuring every bit of dough is mixed well.
• Baking sheet: A sturdy baking sheet ensures even baking and prevents warping in the oven.

Ingredients

These are the best Kitchen Sink Christmas Cookies! Sweet and salty and filled with crunchy pretzels, potato chips, M&M’s, white chocolate chips and holiday sprinkles. These cookies are completely customizable, so use your favorite mix-ins to create the perfect cookie.

Dry Ingredients

• 2 3/4 cup All purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
• 1/2 tsp Baking powder
• 1/2 tsp Baking soda
• 1/2 tsp Salt

Wet Ingredients

• 8 oz Unsalted butter (melted and cooled)
• 1 1/4 cup Dark brown sugar
• 3/4 cup White granulated sugar
• 2 Large eggs (room temperature)
• 2 tsp Vanilla extract

Mix-Ins

• 1 cup M&M’s (red and green, plus more for topping)
• 1/2 cup White chocolate chips (plus more for topping)
• 1/2 cup Pretzels (broken into small pieces, plus more for topping)
• 1/3 cup Potato chips, salted (crushed, plus more for topping)
• 2 tbsp Holiday sprinkles (jimmies works best)

How to Make Kitchen Sink Christmas Cookies

Step 1: Melt the Butter

Melt butter in a microwave-safe bowl or on the stove. Allow it to cool at room temperature for about 20 minutes before using.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well blended.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In another bowl:
1. Whisk together the melted butter with dark brown sugar and white granulated sugar.
2. Add in the eggs one at a time while continuing to whisk.
3. Stir in vanilla extract until fully incorporated.

Step 4: Combine Mixtures

Add your dry ingredients into the wet mixture:
1. Use a rubber spatula to mix until just combined; avoid over-mixing.

Step 5: Fold in Mix-Ins

Gently stir in the M&M’s, white chocolate chips, broken pretzels, crushed potato chips, and holiday sprinkles until evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 6: Scoop Dough onto Baking Sheet

Using a 1 1/2 oz ice cream scoop:
1. Place cookie dough balls onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
2. Leave enough space between each ball as they will spread while baking.

Step 7: Chill Dough

Refrigerate the cookie dough for at least one hour. If you’re short on time, you can freeze it for about 30 minutes instead.

Step 8: Bake Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
1. Place six cookie dough balls on a parchment-lined sheet pan.
2. Bake for about 13-15 minutes; turn the sheet halfway through for even browning.

Step 9: Shape Cookies

Once baked:
1. Remove cookies from the oven.
2. While still hot, use a large cookie cutter around each cookie to shape them perfectly round.
3. Top with additional mix-ins if desired before allowing them to cool completely on a wire rack.

Enjoy these delightful Kitchen Sink Christmas Cookies at your next gathering!

How to Serve Kitchen Sink Christmas Cookies

Serving Kitchen Sink Christmas Cookies can enhance their enjoyment during festive gatherings. These cookies are versatile and can be paired with various accompaniments to suit different tastes.

With a Glass of Milk

• A classic pairing, serving these cookies with cold milk complements their sweetness and balances the salty flavors.

On a Dessert Platter

• Arrange the cookies on a beautiful dessert platter for an eye-catching centerpiece at holiday parties. Add some festive decorations for a special touch.

Crumbled Over Ice Cream

• For an indulgent treat, crumble these cookies over vanilla or chocolate ice cream. The combination of textures and flavors creates a delightful dessert experience.

Gift-Wrapped Treats

• Package the cookies in decorative boxes or bags tied with ribbons. They make perfect homemade gifts to share with friends and family during the holiday season.

How to Perfect Kitchen Sink Christmas Cookies

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

• Use room temperature ingredients: This helps the butter blend smoothly with sugars for a better cookie texture.
• Chill the dough: Refrigerating or freezing the dough before baking helps prevent spreading, resulting in thicker cookies.
• Don’t overbake: Keep an eye on your cookies while baking; they should be golden around the edges but still soft in the center when you take them out.
• Customize mix-ins: Feel free to experiment with different mix-ins like nuts, dried fruits, or other candies to create your unique version.
• Use a cookie scoop: This ensures uniform cookie sizes, leading to even baking and a professional look.
• Add extra toppings: Sprinkle more M&Ms or pretzel pieces on top right after baking for added visual appeal and crunch.

Best Side Dishes for Kitchen Sink Christmas Cookies

Pairing side dishes with your Kitchen Sink Christmas Cookies can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some fantastic options to consider:

1. Hot Chocolate: A warm mug of hot chocolate pairs wonderfully, providing a comforting drink alongside sweet treats.
2. Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad offers a light contrast to the rich flavors of the cookies while adding vibrant colors to your table.
3. Cheese Platter: Include mild cheeses like brie or gouda that balance the sweetness of the cookies and provide savory notes.
4. Nut Mix: A selection of roasted nuts adds crunch and saltiness, enhancing your cookie’s flavor profile while offering an easy snack option.
5. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and fruit for a nutritious side that complements the indulgence of cookies without overwhelming sweetness.
6. Tea Selection: Offer an assortment of herbal or spiced teas that pair well with the cookies’ flavors while providing a soothing beverage option.
7. Caramel Sauce: Drizzle warm caramel sauce over the cookies or serve it on the side for those who want extra sweetness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Kitchen Sink Christmas Cookies, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes that can affect the texture and flavor. Here are some to avoid:

• Skipping the chill time: Not refrigerating the dough can lead to cookies spreading too much while baking. Always chill the dough for at least an hour to maintain shape.
• Overmixing the dough: Mixing too much after adding flour can create tough cookies. Mix just until combined for a chewy texture.
• Not measuring ingredients correctly: Use a spoon to scoop flour into your measuring cup and level it off. This ensures you don’t add too much flour, which can dry out the cookies.
• Ignoring oven temperature: Make sure your oven is preheated properly. An incorrect temperature can result in undercooked or overcooked cookies.
• Neglecting mix-ins balance: Adding too many mix-ins can weigh down the cookie dough. Stick to recommended amounts for the best flavor and texture.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
• Place parchment paper between layers if stacking to prevent sticking.

Freezing Kitchen Sink Christmas Cookies

• Freeze baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe container.
• They will last up to 3 months in the freezer when stored properly.

Reheating Kitchen Sink Christmas Cookies

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm the cookies for about 5-10 minutes for a fresh taste.
• Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time for about 10-15 seconds, just enough to warm it through without making it tough.
• Stovetop: Place a cookie in a pan over low heat for 1-2 minutes, flipping halfway through, for a soft center.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have questions about Kitchen Sink Christmas Cookies, you’re not alone! Here are some frequently asked questions:

Can I customize my Kitchen Sink Christmas Cookies?

Absolutely! Feel free to swap in your favorite candy or nuts for unique flavors each time you bake.

How should I store my Kitchen Sink Christmas Cookies?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate them for extended freshness.

Can I freeze these Kitchen Sink Christmas Cookies?

Yes, they freeze beautifully! Just ensure they are stored in an airtight container or freezer bag.

What makes these cookies chewy?

The balance of brown sugar and proper mixing techniques helps achieve that perfect chewy texture.

Final Thoughts

These Kitchen Sink Christmas Cookies are not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. With endless customization options, you can easily tailor them to your taste preferences. Whether you enjoy sweet or salty flavors, this recipe allows room for creativity. Try them out and enjoy a festive treat that everyone will love!