Christmas is a time for indulgence, joy, and gathering with loved ones, and nothing embodies that festive spirit quite like Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies. These cookies are the ultimate holiday treat—a deliciously chaotic mix of everything you love, tossed together in a single irresistible cookie. True to their name, these cookies include “everything but the kitchen sink!”
Whether you’re looking to use up leftover pantry items, create a show-stopping dessert for your holiday party, or whip up an edible gift for friends and family, this recipe has you covered. Let’s dive into the magic of these versatile cookies and how you can make them your own.
What Are Kitchen Sink Cookies?
Kitchen sink cookies are a delightful mishmash of flavors and textures. They combine classic cookie ingredients like butter, sugar, and flour with mix-ins that range from chocolate chips to pretzels, toffee bits, dried fruit, nuts, and even crushed candy canes. The result? A chewy, crunchy, sweet, and salty treat that’s impossible to resist.
Why They’re Perfect for the Holidays
- Customizable: You can tailor the mix-ins to suit your tastes or use what you already have on hand.
- Crowd-Pleasing: With so many flavors in one bite, everyone finds something to love.
- Festive Flair: Add holiday-themed ingredients like red and green sprinkles, white chocolate, or seasonal candies for a Christmas touch.
Recipe: Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies
Ingredients:
- Dry Ingredients:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- Wet Ingredients:
- 3/4 cup (1.5 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- Potential Mix-Ins (choose 4-6):
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup crushed pretzels
- 1/2 cup toffee bits
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chunks
- 1/4 cup crushed peppermint candies
- 1/4 cup red and green sprinkles
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
Instructions:
- Preheat Your Oven
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. - Prepare Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside. - Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until creamy, about 2-3 minutes. - Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. - Combine Wet and Dry
Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined. - Fold in the Mix-Ins
Gently fold in your chosen mix-ins. Be sure not to overmix—this keeps the cookies tender. - Scoop and Bake
Scoop 2-tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers are just set. - Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Serve warm or store in an airtight container for up to a week.
Tips for Success
- Chill the Dough: For thicker cookies, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking.
- Balance the Flavors: Aim for a mix of sweet, salty, chewy, and crunchy ingredients.
- Holiday Packaging: Place the cookies in festive tins or bags tied with ribbons for a beautiful homemade gift.
Make It Your Own
The beauty of Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies is that no two batches have to be the same. Feeling adventurous? Try adding:
- Mini marshmallows for gooey pockets of sweetness
- Spiced nuts for a warm, seasonal flavor
- Shredded coconut for a tropical twist
Make It Dairy Free
These cookies are so easy to make dairy free! With Kitchen Sink Cookies there are no limits on what you can throw into your dough. I played it easy and threw in some premade chocolate peppermint bark but you can also sub it out with dairy free chocolate and peppermint.
Final Thoughts
This holiday season, treat yourself and your loved ones to the joy of Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies. They’re more than just cookies—they’re an edible celebration of everything that makes the season special. So grab your apron, raid your pantry, and get ready to bake the ultimate festive treat. Happy holidays and happy baking! 🎄🍪
Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookie (GF)
Ingredients
Cookie
Mix Ins
Instructions
-
Preheat oven to 350°.
-
Cream together the butter, granulated sugar and brown sugar.
-
Add the egg and vanilla. Mix until light in color and creamy.
-
Add in the dry ingredients (flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt), mix into the dough. Mix until completely combined.
-
Fold in the peppermint bark and pretzels and any other mix ins of your choice.
-
Roll into a ball and arrange 6 onto each cookie sheet. Add extra peppermint bark to the top if desired.
-
Bake for 12-15 minutes, until the cookies are turning golden brown..
Note
Additional Mix Ins: semi-sweet chocolate chips, toffee bits, dried cranberries, white chocolate chunks, peppermint, red and green sprinkles, chopped pecans or walnuts (I recommend only adding 3-4 mix ins)
Make this Dairy Free! Depending on what ingredients you add into these cookies, you can make them dairy free. My favorite brand of dairy free white chocolate is from evolved.
