Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies: A Festive Treat Full of Surprises

There’s something magical about baking during the holiday season. The scent of butter, sugar, and vanilla filling your home, the warmth of the oven keeping the chill away, and the joy of creating something special for loved ones. Enter Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies, the ultimate festive treat. These cookies are packed with everything you love—M&Ms, white chocolate, pretzels, potato chips, and sprinkles. They’re salty, sweet, chewy, crunchy, and oh-so-colorful.

This recipe is perfect for using up odds and ends from your pantry while creating cookies that feel tailor-made for Christmas. It’s fun, easy, and produces treats that look like they belong on the cover of a holiday magazine. Whether you’re hosting a cookie exchange, wrapping up treats for neighbors, or just want something festive to snack on, these cookies have you covered.

Let’s dive into why these cookies are a must-make this season, and then walk you through every step so you can whip up your own batch with confidence.

Why You’ll Love These Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies

These cookies are guaranteed to be a hit, and here’s why:

1. Packed with Flavor and Texture

Every bite delivers something new. You’ll get the crunch of pretzels, the smooth sweetness of white chocolate, the salty snap of potato chips, and the festive pop of M&Ms and sprinkles.

2. Festive and Fun

The red and green M&Ms and sprinkles make these cookies look instantly Christmassy. They’re perfect for adding some holiday cheer to your dessert table or gift boxes.

3. Easy to Make

This recipe requires basic pantry ingredients and comes together in less than an hour. Plus, it’s flexible—swap in your favorite mix-ins or adjust for what you have on hand.

4. Perfect for Sharing

These cookies are large, satisfying, and packed with mix-ins, making them the perfect treat to share with family and friends.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
• Cooling Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: About 40 minutes
• Servings: Makes 20 cookies

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create these festive cookies:

• 3/4 cup salted butter, softened
  • The butter adds richness and flavor to the cookies. Using salted butter enhances the balance of sweet and salty.
• 3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
  • Brown sugar adds a chewy texture and a hint of molasses flavor.
• 1/4 cup granulated white sugar
  • For sweetness and a slightly crisp edge.
• 2 egg yolks, at room temperature
  • Egg yolks give the cookies their rich, tender texture.
• 2 tsp vanilla bean paste or extract
  • Vanilla adds warmth and enhances the flavors of the mix-ins.
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
  • The base of the cookies, creating structure and softness.
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • Helps the cookies rise slightly for a soft center.
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • Ensures the cookies spread just enough for that classic cookie shape.
• 1/2 tsp salt
  • Enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors.
• 1/2 cup red and green M&Ms
  • Adds chocolatey goodness and festive color.
• 1/3 cup white chocolate chips
  • For a creamy, sweet contrast to the salty mix-ins.
• 1/3 cup pretzel pieces
  • Adds a satisfying crunch and a hint of salt.
• 1/3 cup potato chip pieces
  • A fun, salty surprise that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness.
• 2 tbsp red and green jimmies (sprinkles)
  • Adds a pop of festive color.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and set them aside. This will prevent the cookies from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, combine softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Using an electric mixer, beat the mixture on medium speed for about 2 minutes, or until it’s light, fluffy, and creamy. This step incorporates air, giving your cookies a tender texture.

Step 3: Add Egg Yolks and Vanilla

Add the egg yolks and vanilla to the creamed mixture. Beat on medium speed for another 2 minutes, or until the mixture is pale and fluffy. This ensures the cookies are rich and flavorful.

Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the cookies tough.

Step 5: Fold in the Mix-Ins

Gently fold in the M&Ms, white chocolate chips, pretzel pieces, potato chip pieces, and sprinkles using a spatula. Make sure the mix-ins are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 6: Scoop the Dough

Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to form the dough into 20 balls, roughly the size of a golf ball. Place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.

Optional Step: Add Extra Toppings

For picture-perfect cookies, press a few extra M&Ms, pretzel pieces, or sprinkles onto the tops of the dough balls before baking.

Step 7: Bake

Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes. For chewier centers, bake closer to 10 minutes; for crisper edges, aim for 12 minutes.

Optional Step: Perfect the Shape

As soon as the cookies come out of the oven, use a round cookie cutter to gently swirl around each cookie, creating a perfect circular shape. This step is optional but gives your cookies a professional look.

Step 8: Cool

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely, about 10 more minutes.

How to Serve this Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies

These cookies are versatile and can be served in a variety of ways:

• Arrange them on a holiday platter for guests to grab and enjoy.
• Pair them with a glass of cold milk or a mug of hot cocoa for the ultimate Christmas treat.
• Package them in festive tins or bags and gift them to friends and neighbors.

Additional Tips for Success

1. Measure Flour Properly: Spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife. This prevents adding too much flour, which can make the cookies dry.
2. Use Room-Temperature Ingredients: Let the butter and egg yolks sit out for about 30 minutes before baking. This helps them mix more evenly.
3. Don’t Skip the Parchment Paper: It keeps the cookies from sticking and helps them bake evenly.
4. Customize the Mix-Ins: Swap in dark chocolate chips, crushed candy canes, or chopped nuts for a twist.
5. Store Properly: Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Recipe Variations

• Gluten-Free Version: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.
• Nutty Addition: Add 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts for extra crunch.
• Dark Chocolate Lovers: Replace the white chocolate chips with dark chocolate chips for a richer flavor.
• Extra Festive: Add crushed candy canes to the dough for a peppermint twist.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing Dough: Scoop the dough into balls and freeze on a baking sheet until solid. Transfer to a freezer bag and store for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to the baking time.
• Freezing Baked Cookies: Once cooled, store the cookies in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use unsalted butter instead of salted?
Yes, but add an extra 1/4 teaspoon of salt to the recipe for balance.

What if I don’t have parchment paper?
You can use a silicone baking mat as an alternative, or lightly grease your baking sheets.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! Refrigerate the dough for up to 2 days or freeze it for longer storage.

What makes these cookies “Christmas” cookies?
The red and green M&Ms and sprinkles give these cookies a festive, holiday look!

Conclusion

These Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies are the ultimate holiday treat, bringing together all the best flavors and textures in one delightful bite. They’re festive, fun, and easy to make—a guaranteed hit at any holiday gathering. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and let the holiday baking begin.

I’d love to hear how these cookies turn out for you! Don’t forget to snap a photo and tag me on social media. Happy baking!

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