Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies are the cookie to make this holiday season! Packed with all your favorite mix-ins, these cookies are so versatile, you can throw in just about anything you love (yes, even those leftover candy canes!). They’re chewy, sweet, salty, and undeniably festive. Let’s dive into this merry kitchen adventure and create a cookie that brings all the holiday cheer!
What Exactly Are Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies?
These cookies live up to their name. You toss in everything but the kitchen sink—pretzels, M&Ms, chocolate chips, marshmallows, toffee, nuts—the more, the merrier. The beauty of these cookies? They’re totally customizable. Whether you like sweet, salty, crunchy, or gooey, Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies have got you covered.
Ingredients for Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies
Before we start, gather these essentials:
- Butter – Always opt for unsalted to control the salt levels.
- Sugar (white and brown) – The combo makes these cookies chewy and sweet.
- Eggs – Helps bind everything together and adds richness.
- Vanilla extract – The ultimate flavor booster.
- All-purpose flour – The base for your cookie dough.
- Baking soda – Keeps your cookies from going flat.
- Salt – Just a pinch to balance the sweetness.
The Mix-ins:
Here’s where the fun starts:
- M&Ms – For a pop of color and chocolate goodness.
- Pretzels – Adds that delightful salty crunch.
- Chocolate chips – You can’t go wrong with classic semi-sweet.
- Marshmallows – Makes the cookies extra chewy with a gooey surprise.
- Toffee bits – Adds a deep caramel flavor.
- Crushed candy canes – For a festive minty twist.
Feel free to mix and match! Want to toss in some potato chips or peanut butter cups? Go for it!
Step-by-Step: How to Make Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies
- Cream the butter and sugars
Get that butter nice and soft, then beat it with the sugars until fluffy. It’s the secret to a chewy cookie. - Add in the eggs and vanilla
Mix well until everything’s combined. - Stir in dry ingredients
Flour, baking soda, and salt go in next. Don’t overmix, just until everything’s incorporated. - Fold in the mix-ins
This is the fun part—throw in all those glorious Christmas goodies! Pretzels, M&Ms, marshmallows, chocolate chips—you name it. - Scoop and chill
Scoop out balls of dough and chill them in the fridge for at least an hour. Trust me, chilling gives them that perfect texture. - Bake at 350°F
Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are just golden. Don’t overbake—you want the centers to stay soft and chewy. - Cool and enjoy
Let them cool (if you can wait) and dig in!
Best Mix-ins for Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies
If you’re feeling adventurous, switch things up! Some of my top mix-ins include:
- Butterscotch chips – Adds a rich, buttery flavor.
- Chopped pecans or walnuts – For some nutty goodness.
- Crushed potato chips – Yep, the salty crunch pairs perfectly with the sweetness.
- Dried cranberries – A tart, fruity addition that screams Christmas.
The best part about Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies is the endless mix-in possibilities! Have leftover holiday candy? Toss it in!
How to Customize Your Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies
One of the best things about Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies is how easily customizable they are! You can take these festive treats in so many directions depending on your personal preferences. Let’s dive deeper into some ways to create your perfect batch:
1. Chocolate Lovers’ Dream
Want a cookie that’s all about chocolate? Go ahead and double or even triple the chocolate elements. Here’s how:
- Extra Chocolate Chips: Mix in semi-sweet, milk, and dark chocolate chips for a rich, layered chocolatey bite.
- White Chocolate Drizzle: After baking, drizzle the cookies with melted white chocolate for an extra festive touch. The contrast of the white chocolate with darker chunks in the cookie gives it a gourmet finish.
- Add Cocoa Powder: Incorporate a few tablespoons of cocoa powder into the dough to make a chocolate base. Chocolate cookies with chocolate mix-ins? Heaven for chocoholics!
2. Salty-Sweet Sensation
Prefer the addicting combo of salty and sweet? Balance the sugary mix-ins with salty ingredients to create a flavor explosion:
- Pretzels & Potato Chips: These are the MVPs of salty-sweet cookies. Crush them up for a crunchy texture that contrasts with the softness of the dough.
- Salted Caramel: Swap out regular caramel pieces for salted caramel chunks. When they melt in the oven, you get pockets of gooey, salty-sweet perfection.
- Peanut Butter Pretzels: For something truly unique, add peanut butter-filled pretzels to the mix. It’s a hit of salt, crunch, and nutty goodness all in one.
3. Flavor Boost with Pudding Mix
To keep your cookies soft, adding pudding mix to your dough is a great trick. But it also brings extra flavor to the table! Here are some festive pudding options:
- Butterscotch: Butterscotch pudding mix brings a caramel-like depth, perfect for the holidays.
- Vanilla or French Vanilla: This adds a creamy, subtle sweetness that pairs well with the more complex flavors in your mix-ins.
- Chocolate Pudding: Want to amp up the chocolate even more? Chocolate pudding mix keeps cookies soft and adds a decadent richness.
4. Festive Holiday Spices
Want to make your Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies even more holiday-ready? A dash of warm spices can turn a regular cookie into a Christmas delight:
- Cinnamon: A pinch of ground cinnamon adds warmth and pairs beautifully with the sweetness of your mix-ins.
- Nutmeg: This spice screams Christmas. Just a little nutmeg can elevate your cookies into something magical.
- Ginger or Allspice: A touch of ginger or allspice can add a gingerbread-like flavor, making your cookies feel even more festive.
5. Holiday-Themed Mix-ins
Adding color and extra festiveness to your cookies can be simple with some creative mix-ins:
- Red & Green M&Ms: Swap out the regular M&Ms for holiday-themed ones to bring that pop of Christmas color.
- Crushed Candy Canes: These add both color and a minty twist, giving your cookies a refreshing bite.
- Sprinkles: Holiday-colored sprinkles can be folded into the dough or sprinkled on top for an extra festive touch.
Baking Tips for Perfect Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies
Baking the perfect Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies can require a little finesse. Sometimes, things don’t go quite as planned—don’t worry! Here’s how to troubleshoot common cookie issues:
1. Why Are My Cookies Flat?
Flat cookies can be a real bummer, but the good news is, there’s an easy fix:
- Chill the Dough: If your cookies spread too much, the butter may have melted too quickly. Chilling the dough for at least an hour before baking helps solidify the fats and keeps the cookies from spreading.
- Check the Butter Temperature: Make sure your butter is soft, but not melted. If it’s too warm, it can cause the cookies to spread excessively.
- Adjust the Baking Soda: If your cookies are still too flat, try adding a little extra flour or reducing the sugar slightly to help them hold their shape.
2. How to Make Them Softer
If your cookies come out a bit crunchy and you prefer a chewy texture:
- Bake for Less Time: Take them out just as the edges turn golden, but the centers remain soft.
- Add More Brown Sugar: Brown sugar has more moisture than white sugar, which can keep your cookies chewy.
3. How to Keep Dough From Spreading
Spreading too much? Add a little more flour or reduce the sugar. Both of these ingredients affect the structure of the cookie, and adjusting the balance can help prevent excessive spreading.
Gluten-Free & Vegan Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies
Whether you’re accommodating dietary restrictions or simply want to try something different, these cookies can easily be made gluten-free or vegan.
Gluten-Free Version:
- Gluten-Free Flour: Swap out regular flour for a gluten-free blend. Be sure to check that your mix-ins, like pretzels or M&Ms, are gluten-free as well.
- Xanthan Gum: If your gluten-free flour blend doesn’t already contain xanthan gum, add a pinch. This helps mimic the elasticity and chewiness of traditional wheat-based cookies.
Vegan Version:
- Butter Substitute: Replace the butter with a vegan margarine or plant-based butter. It behaves just like the real thing.
- Egg Replacement: Use flax eggs—combine 1 tbsp of ground flaxseed with 3 tbsp of water for each egg you’re replacing. Let it sit for a few minutes to thicken, then mix into your dough.
- Vegan Chocolate and Pretzels: There are plenty of vegan options for chocolate chips and pretzels, so you won’t be missing out on any of the fun mix-ins!
Storing & Freezing Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies
The flexibility of these cookies makes them perfect for making ahead of time. Here’s how to store them for maximum freshness:
At Room Temperature:
Store the baked cookies in an airtight container for up to a week. Keep them in a cool, dry place to prevent them from getting stale.
Freezing Baked Cookies:
Once baked and cooled, freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll last up to three months in the freezer. To serve, just let them thaw at room temperature for 15-20 minutes.
Freezing Cookie Dough:
Scoop out your dough into individual balls and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, store the balls in a freezer bag. When ready to bake, place the frozen dough balls on a baking sheet and bake straight from frozen. Just add a few minutes to the baking time.
Perfect for Cookie Swaps and Holiday Parties
Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies are ideal for any holiday event. Whether you’re bringing them to a party, setting up a cookie exchange, or even leaving a plate for Santa, they’re guaranteed to impress!
Ideas for Cookie Platters:
Mix your Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies with classic sugar cookies, gingerbread men, and snickerdoodles for an impressive holiday platter. Adding variety makes for a visually stunning display that will catch everyone’s eye.
Gift-Giving Options:
Package these cookies in decorative tins or cellophane bags tied with festive ribbons. They make excellent homemade gifts that anyone would appreciate!
Perfect Pairings:
Serve these cookies alongside a warm cup of hot cocoa or even a festive holiday punch. They’re also perfect for enjoying by the fire, curled up in a cozy blanket.
By customizing, gifting, or freezing, these Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies can be enjoyed in countless ways this holiday season. With their chewy texture, festive flavors, and endless mix-in possibilities, they’re sure to become a holiday tradition in your home. 🎄