Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies

Sweet and salty, these Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies are the perfect holiday treat! Filled with pretzel and potato chip pieces, M&M’s, white chocolate chips, and sprinkles, they are sure to delight everyone at your festive gatherings. These cookies are versatile enough for cookie exchanges, family celebrations, or simply as a sweet indulgence during the holidays. Their unique blend of flavors and textures makes them a standout choice this season!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up these cookies in no time.
• Deliciously Flavorful: The combination of sweet and salty ingredients creates a flavor explosion that will have everyone coming back for more.
• Fun for All Ages: Kids and adults alike will enjoy mixing and matching their favorite add-ins like candies and chips.
• Perfect for Sharing: With 20 servings, these cookies are ideal for sharing at holiday parties or gifting to friends and family.
• Customizable: Feel free to swap out the mix-ins based on your preferences or what’s available in your pantry.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the baking process, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make your experience smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Electric mixer
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper
• Rubber spatula
• Cookie scoop

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: A large bowl is essential for combining all your ingredients evenly without spilling.
• Electric mixer: This tool saves time and effort when creaming butter and sugars together, ensuring a light texture.
• Baking sheets: Proper baking sheets ensure even cooking of your cookies while preventing them from sticking.

Ingredients

For the Dough

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

For the 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 to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, combine softened salted butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Use an electric mixer on medium speed for about two minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy.

Step 3: Add Egg Yolks and Vanilla

Next, incorporate the egg yolks along with vanilla bean paste or extract. Continue mixing on medium speed for another two minutes until the mixture becomes pale in color.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

Add the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to the mixture. Stir until just combined; be careful not to over-mix.

Step 5: Fold in Mix-ins

Gently fold in the M&M’s, white chocolate chips, pretzel pieces, potato chip pieces, and sprinkles using a rubber spatula until everything is evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 6: Scoop Dough onto Baking Sheets

Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, portion out the cookie dough into balls. Place them two inches apart on your prepared baking sheets.

Step 7: Optional Decoration

For an extra touch of fun, sprinkle some additional mix-ins on top of each cookie dough ball before baking.

Step 8: Bake

Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes—10 minutes for chewier centers or 12 minutes for crisper edges.

Step 9: Shape Cookies (Optional)

As soon as you take them out of the oven, use a large circular cookie cutter to gently swirl around each cookie. This will help form nice round shapes if desired.

Step 10: Cool Down

Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheets for about five minutes. Then transfer them to a cooling rack where they can cool completely for another ten minutes.

Step 11: Store Leftovers

If there are any cookies left (which is unlikely!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.

Enjoy your delightful Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies, perfect for any holiday occasion!

How to Serve Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies

These delightful Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies are perfect for sharing and serving during the festive season. Their unique combination of sweet and salty flavors makes them a hit at any holiday gathering.

For a Festive Dessert Platter

• Arrange cookies on a large platter with colorful holiday decorations. This adds a joyful touch to your dessert table.

Pair with Milk or Hot Cocoa

• Serve these cookies alongside cold milk or warm hot cocoa for a classic pairing that enhances their delicious flavors.

Gift in Decorative Bags

• Place cookies in clear cellophane bags tied with festive ribbons. They make wonderful homemade gifts for friends and family.

Serve at Holiday Parties

• Offer these cookies as part of a dessert buffet at your holiday parties. Their variety will surely please all guests, young and old.

Include in Cookie Exchanges

• Present these cookies during cookie exchange events. Their distinctive taste will stand out among other treats.

Enjoy as an Afternoon Snack

• Pack a few cookies in your lunch or enjoy them as an afternoon snack with tea or coffee for a sweet pick-me-up.

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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: Allow butter and eggs to come to room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smoother dough and better texture.

• Don’t overmix the dough: When combining dry ingredients, mix just until combined to avoid tough cookies. Overmixing can lead to dense results.

• Chill the dough (optional): If time allows, refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes before baking. This helps the flavors meld and can improve texture.

• Adjust baking time: Keep an eye on the cookies while baking. For chewier centers, remove them closer to 10 minutes; for crispier edges, aim for 12 minutes.

• Customize mix-ins: Feel free to swap out M&M’s or add different nuts or dried fruits based on your preferences. Personalizing the recipe can make it even more special.

• Store properly: Keep leftover cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness. They’ll last up to three days without losing quality.

Best Side Dishes for Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies

While these cookies are delicious on their own, pairing them with some delightful side dishes can elevate your holiday spread. Here are some great ideas:

1. Eggnog: A classic holiday drink that complements the flavors of the cookies beautifully.

2. Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses offers savory contrasts to the sweet cookies, making it an excellent addition to any holiday table.

3. Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad provides refreshing balance after indulging in rich desserts.

4. Chocolate Fondue: Set up a chocolate fondue station where guests can dip fruits and pretzels, enhancing their cookie experience.

5. Gingerbread Men: These traditional treats add variety and fun alongside your Kitchen Sink Cookies, perfect for kids and adults alike.

6. Spiced Nuts: A bowl of spiced nuts gives guests a crunchy option that pairs well with sweet flavors.

7. Decorated Sugar Cookies: Offering sugar cookies decorated with icing adds visual appeal and another sweet treat option.

8. Holiday Punch: A festive punch serves as a refreshing beverage choice that complements the rich flavors of your cookies perfectly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking can be tricky, especially when making festive treats like Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies. Here are some common mistakes to steer clear of:

• Using Cold Ingredients – Always ensure that your butter and eggs are at room temperature. This allows for better mixing and a fluffier cookie texture.
• Overmixing the Dough – Once you add the dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies instead of soft and chewy ones.
• Incorrect Baking Time – Baking times can vary by oven. Keep an eye on your cookies, looking for golden edges while ensuring the centers remain slightly underbaked for chewiness.
• Skipping the Parchment Paper – Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and achieve even baking. This simple step makes a big difference!
• Not Measuring Ingredients Properly – Use a kitchen scale or proper measuring cups for accurate measurements. Incorrect ratios can affect cookie texture and taste.

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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 keep them from sticking.

Freezing Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies

• Freeze baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag.
• They can be stored for up to three months.

Reheating Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm cookies for 5-7 minutes for fresh warmth and softness.
• Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time for about 10-15 seconds. Be cautious not to overheat, as this may make them tough.
• Stovetop: Place cookies in a pan over low heat, covering with a lid for a few minutes, ensuring they stay soft.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies.

Can I use different mix-ins?

You can definitely customize your Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies! Swap out M&M’s or chocolate chips with nuts, dried fruits, or other candies based on your preference.

How do I make these cookies gluten-free?

To make gluten-free Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that other ingredients also meet gluten-free standards.

What if I don’t have vanilla bean paste?

If you don’t have vanilla bean paste, you can use pure vanilla extract instead. It will still provide wonderful flavor!

Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 48 hours before baking. Just let it sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes before scooping and baking.

Final Thoughts

These Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies offer the perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors, making them an irresistible treat during the holiday season. With endless customization options, you can create variations that suit your taste or impress your guests. Try them out this year and enjoy every delightful bite!