Name: Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies for Sweet & Salty Bliss
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 cup Salted Butter (Ensure it's softened for easier mixing.); 1 cup Light Brown Sugar (Can substitute with dark brown sugar for a deeper flavor.); 1/2 cup Granulated White Sugar (Can be replaced with coconut sugar for a lower glycemic option.); 2 large Egg Yolks (Whisk to room temperature for better incorporation.); 2 teaspoons Vanilla Bean Paste or Extract (Use pure vanilla extract as a substitute.); 2 cups All-Purpose Flour (Measure carefully to avoid dense cookies.); 1 teaspoon Baking Powder (Do not substitute; both are essential for texture.); 1 teaspoon Baking Soda (Do not substitute; both are essential for texture.); 1/2 teaspoon Salt (Adjust based on personal taste.); 1 cup Red and Green M&Ms (Use any seasonal candy for variety.); 1 cup White Chocolate Chips (Substitute with milk chocolate if desired.); 1 cup Pretzel Pieces (Use crushed almonds or other nuts for a different texture.); 1 cup Potato Chip Pieces (Optional but recommended for texture.); 1/2 cup Red and Green Jimmies (Substitute with any colored sprinkles for other occasions.)

The unmistakable scent of freshly baked cookies drifted through my kitchen, a sure sign that the holidays are just around the corner. This year, I’m thrilled to share my Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies, a delightful creation that combines sweet and salty flavors in the most whimsical way! Imagine a chewy cookie filled with pretzels, potato chips, M&Ms, and white chocolate, all topped with colorful sprinkles—that’s the magic that awaits. Not only are these cookies a festive treat, but they also come together in just 30 minutes, with no chilling time needed. They’re perfect for impressing holiday guests or indulging in cozy family moments. Are you ready to create a delicious batch that’s sure to spark joy this season? Let’s get started!

Why are Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies irresistible?

Unmatched Flavor Combination: Each bite delivers a delightful mix of sweet and salty, a festive treat that stands out at any gathering.
Quick & Convenient: With just 30 minutes from start to finish, these cookies are perfect for last-minute baking or impromptu holiday gatherings.
Versatile Ingredients: Customize effortlessly by swapping in your favorite candies or nuts—try our Banana Seed Cookies or Nutty Apricot Cookies for even more fun!
Impressive Presentation: The colorful M&Ms and sprinkles make these cookies as pleasing to the eye as they are to the palate, great for cookie trays or gift-giving.
Perfect Chewy Texture: Enjoy a soft, chewy interior complemented by a delightful crunch, creating a cookie experience that’s simply unforgettable.
Family Fun: Involve the kids in decorating with sprinkles, making it not just baking but a fun holiday activity to cherish!

Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies Ingredients

For the Cookies
• Salted Butter – Provides richness and flavor. Ensure it’s softened for easier mixing.
• Light Brown Sugar – Adds moisture and caramel notes. Can substitute with dark brown sugar for a deeper flavor.
• Granulated White Sugar – Sweetness and crispness. Can be replaced with coconut sugar for a lower glycemic option.
• Egg Yolks – Adds richness and moisture. Whisk to room temperature for better incorporation.
• Vanilla Bean Paste or Extract – Provides aromatic flavor. Use pure vanilla extract as a substitute.
• All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure to the cookies. Measure carefully to avoid dense cookies.
• Baking Powder & Baking Soda – Leavening agents for softness. Do not substitute; both are essential for texture.
• Salt – Enhances flavors. Adjust based on personal taste.

For the Mix-Ins
• Red and Green M&Ms – Adds color and sweetness. Use any seasonal candy for variety.
• White Chocolate Chips – Provides a creamy sweetness. Substitute with milk chocolate if desired.
• Pretzel Pieces – Adds crunch and saltiness. Use crushed almonds or other nuts for a different texture.
• Potato Chip Pieces – Contributes a unique salty crunch. Optional but recommended for texture.
• Red and Green Jimmies – Decorative sprinkles for festive flair. Substitute with any colored sprinkles for other occasions.

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies

Step 1: Preheat & Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it warms up, take two baking sheets and line them with parchment paper, ensuring a non-stick surface for your delicious Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies. This will help with easy cleanup and keep your cookies from sticking—an essential step in your baking process!

Step 2: Cream Butter & Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened salted butter, light brown sugar, and granulated white sugar. Using an electric mixer, beat the mixture on medium speed for about 2 minutes, or until it becomes light and fluffy. You want a creamy texture that will provide the perfect foundation for your cookies, making them rich and delightful.

Step 3: Incorporate Wet Ingredients
Add the egg yolks and vanilla bean paste (or extract) to your fluffy butter and sugar mixture. Continue to beat for an additional 2 minutes until the mix is pale and well combined. This will add moisture and flavor to your Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies, ensuring every bite is an indulgent treat.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients
Next, gradually add all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt into the wet ingredients. Stir gently with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined, avoiding overmixing to keep your cookies tender. The dough should be slightly thick and homogeneous, ready to embrace the festive mix-ins that will give your cookies their unique charm.

Step 5: Add Mix-Ins
Now, it’s time to fold in the colorful M&Ms, white chocolate chips, pretzel pieces, potato chip pieces, and red and green jimmies. Use a rubber spatula to gently mix everything together until evenly incorporated. This is where your Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies begin to shine with vibrant textures and flavors—each piece adds a delightful surprise!

Step 6: Scoop & Shape
Using a cookie scoop or a tablespoon, portion out the dough into about 20 equal balls. Place each ball on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them 2 inches apart to give room for spreading. For added flair, optionally sprinkle a few extra mix-ins on top of each cookie ball for a festive look before baking—increasing their eye-catching presentation!

Step 7: Bake
Carefully place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 10–12 minutes. If you prefer a chewy texture, aim for about 10 minutes; for a crispier cookie, go for the full 12. Keep an eye on them, and they should be golden around the edges but slightly soft in the center for that perfect bite of your Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies.

Step 8: Cool
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes. This cooling time allows them to set properly. Afterward, gently transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. This ensures they maintain their soft, chewy center while cooling, allowing you to enjoy every festive flavor they offer!

Make Ahead Options

These Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 3 days in advance; simply store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. For longer storage, freeze the dough for up to 2 weeks, ensuring it’s wrapped tightly to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to bake, just let the dough sit at room temperature for about 20-30 minutes before scooping and shaping it into balls. This way, you’ll still enjoy the same deliciously soft and chewy texture! With these make-ahead options, you can save valuable time during the busy holiday season while still impressing your family and friends with freshly baked Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies!

Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies Variations

Feel free to sprinkle your own magic into this recipe and make it your own!

Nutty Version: Substitute pretzels with crushed nuts for added richness and texture. Think chopped almonds or walnuts for delightful crunch!
Chocolate Variety: Swap white chocolate chips for dark or butterscotch chips for a different flavor profile. Their unique sweetness brings joy to each bite.
Minty Twist: Add peppermint extract or crushed candy canes during the holiday season for a festive touch. The refreshing flavor will evoke those holiday memories!
Fruit Infusion: Incorporate dried cranberries or cherries for a fruity burst. Their natural sweetness complements the salty and sweet balance perfectly!
Savory Touch: Mix in crumbled bacon bits for a surprising savory twist. It’s an unexpected blend that elevates the sweet and salty experience beautifully.
Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour for a friendly gluten-free version. Enjoy the same delightful flavors without the gluten!
Oaty Delight: Fold in oats for a hearty texture. They offer a chewy bite that makes these cookies even more satisfying!
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or cinnamon to the dough for a surprising warmth. It’s a spice that dances alongside the sweet and salty notes.

Remember, for even more cookie inspiration, check out these delightful options: Nutty Apricot Cookies and Chocolate Date Cookies. The possibilities are endless! Enjoy crafting your perfect Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies!

How to Store and Freeze Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies

Airtight Container: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Layer with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Refrigeration: If you prefer to keep them fresher for longer, you can refrigerate the cookies for up to 5 days in a sealed container.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored for up to 2 months.

Reheating: To enjoy your Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies warm, reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 5–7 minutes, or until warm and slightly crispy.

What to Serve with Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies?

The festive spirit can truly shine when you create a delightful meal to accompany your sweet and salty treats.

Glass of Milk: A classic pairing that perfectly balances the sweetness of the cookies, making each bite feel even more indulgent.
Festive Hot Cocoa: Creamy and rich hot cocoa enhances the playful flavors in the cookies—consider adding a sprinkle of peppermint for a holiday twist!
Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve a scoop alongside the warm cookies for a delightful contrast in temperatures and textures—a luscious melt-in-your-mouth treat.
Spiced Apple Cider: A warm cup of spiced apple cider complements the sweet and salty notes in the cookies, providing a comforting holiday experience.
Cheese Platter: A selection of sharp cheddar and creamy brie adds a savory touch, creating a delicious balance to the cookies’ sweetness.
Fruit Salad: Lighten up the dessert table with a fresh fruit salad, incorporating citrus and berries for vibrant colors that echo the cookies’ festive appearance.
Nuts and Dried Fruits: A small bowl of nuts or dried fruits can add a crunchy and chewy contrast, enhancing the variety of textures in every bite.
Gingerbread Tea: Infused with spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, this tea brings warmth and coziness to your cookie experience, rounding off your holiday celebration beautifully.

Expert Tips for Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies

Measure Flour Properly: Always spoon flour into measuring cups and level off with a knife. Correct measurements prevent dense cookies in your Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies.
Reshape Cookies: If your cookies spread too much, use a large circular cookie cutter immediately after baking to reshape them while warm.
Customize Ingredients: Feel free to swap mix-ins according to your taste. Consider using seasonal candies or nuts to create your signature Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies.
Check Doneness: Bake until golden around the edges, but keep the centers slightly soft for that perfect chewy texture.
Storage Savvy: These cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days or frozen for longer freshness.

Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies Recipe FAQs

How do I choose the right ripeness of ingredients like butter and eggs?
Absolutely! For the best results, use softened salted butter that’s at room temperature; it helps to create a creamy, fluffy texture. As for egg yolks, it’s best to whisk them to room temperature as well so they can mix more thoroughly into your dough.

What is the best way to store leftover Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies?
To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you’d like to prolong their freshness, they can be refrigerated for about 5 days in a sealed container or frozen for up to 2 months.

Can I freeze the unbaked cookie dough?
Definitely! To freeze your Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies dough, scoop it into balls and arrange them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Place the sheet in the freezer until the cookie dough balls are frozen solid. After that, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored like this for up to 2 months; just bake from frozen, adding a couple of minutes to the baking time.

What should I do if my cookies spread too much while baking?
Very good question! If your cookies spread too much, it could be because the butter was too warm or the flour was not measured correctly. Make sure to measure flour by spooning it into the cup and leveling it off with a knife. Another tip is to chill the dough for about 30 minutes before scooping and baking, which can help them hold their shape better.

Are there any dietary considerations I should be aware of with these cookies?
The ingredients in these Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies include common allergens such as gluten, dairy, and eggs. If you have specific dietary restrictions, consider using alternatives like gluten-free flour, dairy-free butter, or egg substitutes (like flaxseed or applesauce) to make the cookies suitable for your needs. Always check with guests about allergies if you’re sharing these delectable treats!