As the holiday season approaches, I find myself drawn to the kitchen, excited to fill my home with the warm aromas of baking. One of my favorite treats to whip up during this time of year is Kitchen Sink Christmas Cookies. These delightful cookies are not only a feast for the eyes, but they also bring a symphony of flavors and textures that make every bite a surprise. From the festive red and green M&M’s to the crunch of pretzels and potato chips, these cookies are truly a celebration of all things sweet and salty.
I remember the first time I made these cookies for a family gathering. The kitchen was filled with laughter and the sounds of holiday music as my kids helped mix and measure. The beauty of Kitchen Sink Cookies is that they can be customized with whatever you have on hand, making them a perfect recipe to get the whole family involved. They were an instant hit, bringing smiles and joy to everyone who tried them. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or simply looking to indulge in a festive treat, these cookies are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
What makes this recipe unique is its versatility and ease of preparation. In just under an hour, you can create a batch of cookies that are not only delicious but also visually stunning. These cookies are perfect for sharing with friends, family, or neighbors during the holiday season. Let’s dive into the details of making these scrumptious treats!
Prep: 20 minutes
Cook: 30 minutes
Total: 50 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 2 ¾ cup All-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
- ½ teaspoon Baking powder
- ½ teaspoon Baking soda
- ½ teaspoon Salt
- 8 oz Unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 1 ¼ cup Dark brown sugar
- ¾ cup White granulated sugar
- 2 Large eggs, room temperature
- 2 teaspoon Vanilla extract
- 1 cup M&M’s (red and green), plus more for topping
- ½ cup White chocolate chips, plus more for topping
- ½ cup Pretzels, broken into small pieces, plus more for topping
- ⅓ cup Potato chips, salted, crushed, plus more for topping
- 2 tablespoon Holiday sprinkles (jimmies work best)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
- In another bowl, mix the melted butter with the dark brown sugar and white granulated sugar until smooth and creamy (The mixture should look glossy at this point).
- Add the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract, and blend until fully incorporated.
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined (Be careful not to overmix).
- Fold in the M&M’s, white chocolate chips, pretzel pieces, crushed potato chips, and holiday sprinkles (The dough will be thick and chunky).
- Using a cookie scoop, drop dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie. Top each cookie with additional M&M’s, white chocolate chips, pretzel pieces, and a sprinkle of holiday jimmies.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are golden brown (The centers may look slightly underbaked). Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for Success
- For a chewier cookie, slightly underbake them by a minute or two.
- Feel free to customize the mix-ins based on your preferences; dried fruits, nuts, or different types of chocolate can also work well.
- Ensure the butter is cooled to avoid cooking the eggs when mixed.
Recipe Science
The key to achieving the perfect texture in these cookies lies in the balance of ingredients. The combination of both brown and white sugars not only enhances the sweetness but also contributes to a chewy texture. Brown sugar has more moisture than granulated sugar, which helps keep the cookies soft. Adding pretzels and potato chips introduces a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy white chocolate and sweet M&M’s. Each ingredient plays a vital role in creating a well-rounded cookie that satisfies both sweet and salty cravings.
Serving Suggestions
These Kitchen Sink Christmas Cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings, cookie exchanges, or simply enjoyed with a warm cup of cocoa. For an extra festive touch, arrange them on a decorative platter and add some holiday-themed napkins. They can be served warm or at room temperature, making them versatile for any occasion.
Storage & Leftovers
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze the cookies in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. To enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or pop them in the microwave for a few seconds to warm them up. Be aware that the texture may change slightly upon storage, but they will still be delicious!
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use different types of chocolate chips?
Yes, feel free to substitute with milk chocolate or dark chocolate chips based on your preference. - What can I use instead of eggs for a vegan version?
You can replace each egg with ¼ cup of unsweetened applesauce or a flax egg (1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water). - Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough, refrigerate it for up to 48 hours, and bake when ready
