There’s something truly magical about the holiday season, especially when it comes to baking. The air is filled with the sweet scent of treats, and the joy of sharing homemade goodies with family and friends is unparalleled. One of my favorite holiday traditions is baking a batch of best Kitchen Sink Christmas Cookies. These cookies are a delightful mix of flavors and textures, making them a festive treat that everyone will love.
What makes these cookies unique is their versatility; you can throw in just about any sweet or salty snacks you have on hand. This recipe features a delightful combination of M&M’s, white chocolate chips, crunchy pretzels, and salty potato chips. Each bite is a surprise, which is why I affectionately call them “kitchen sink” cookies. They’re perfect for holiday gatherings, cookie exchanges, or simply enjoying at home with a warm cup of cocoa.
Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out, these cookies are easy to whip up and come together quickly. With just 20 minutes of prep time and 30 minutes of baking, you’ll have a batch of festive cookies ready in no time. Gather your ingredients, and let’s get started on this cheerful holiday treat!
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 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)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In another bowl, whisk together the melted butter, dark brown sugar, and white granulated sugar until smooth and creamy.
- Add the eggs and vanilla extract to the butter mixture, whisking until everything is well combined.
- Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a rubber spatula, mixing until just combined (the dough will be thick).
- Gently fold in the M&M’s, white chocolate chips, pretzels, crushed potato chips, and holiday sprinkles until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie. Top each cookie with additional M&M’s, white chocolate chips, pretzels, and sprinkles for extra festivity.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are golden brown (the centers may look slightly underbaked). Allow to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for Success
- Ensure the butter is cooled before mixing to prevent cooking the eggs.
- For added flair, try mixing in different flavored chips or nuts, like peanut butter chips or chopped walnuts.
- Store cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness for up to a week.
- If desired, you can freeze the cookie dough for up to three months. Just scoop the dough onto a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag. Bake from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
Recipe Science
The key to these Best Kitchen Sink Christmas Cookies is balancing the sweet and salty flavors. The combination of the chocolate chips and M&M’s provides sweetness, while the pretzels and potato chips add a satisfying crunch and saltiness. The melted butter contributes to a rich texture, and the brown sugar gives a deeper flavor compared to granulated sugar.
Serving Suggestions
These cookies are best enjoyed warm, straight from the oven, but they also hold up beautifully at room temperature. Serve them alongside a glass of milk or a steaming cup of hot cocoa for a cozy holiday treat. They make a fantastic addition to any holiday cookie platter, and their colorful appearance will surely delight guests of all ages.
Storage & Leftovers
To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you find yourself with leftovers (which is rare!), you can also freeze them. Just ensure they are well wrapped to prevent freezer burn. To enjoy, simply let them thaw at room temperature or warm them briefly in the microwave.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use other types of chips? Yes, feel free to substitute with milk chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, or even dried fruit.
- What if I don’t have pretzels? You can use any crunchy snack in their place, such as crushed crackers or nuts.
- Can I make these cookies gluten-free? Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure your other ingredients are also gluten-free.
- How do I know when the cookies are done? Look for golden edges and a slightly soft center; they will continue to cook as they cool.
