Name: Irresistible Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies for Festive Cheer
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 42 min
Ingredients: 1 cup Salted Butter (softened); 1 cup Light Brown Sugar; 1/2 cup Granulated White Sugar; 3 large Egg Yolks; 2 teaspoons Vanilla Bean Paste/Extract; 2 cups All-Purpose Flour (properly measured); 1 teaspoon Baking Powder (fresh); 1 teaspoon Baking Soda (fresh); 1/2 teaspoon Salt; 1 cup M&M's (or other candies); 1 cup White Chocolate Chips (or dark chocolate); 1 cup Pretzel Pieces (or crushed nuts); 1 cup Potato Chip Pieces (or tortilla chips); 1/4 cup Red and Green Jimmies (or other sprinkles)

You know that magical moment when the scents of the holiday season fill your kitchen? That’s exactly what happens when you whip up a batch of Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies. This delightful treat combines the whimsical flavors of crunchy pretzels and potato chips with colorful M&M’s and creamy white chocolate chips, creating a sweet and salty masterpiece that everyone will love. Not only are they quick to prepare, making them perfect for busy holiday schedules, but they’re also an engaging baking project for kids, turning a simple kitchen session into family fun. Ready to spread some holiday cheer? Let’s dive into this unique festive recipe!

Why Are These Cookies So Special?

Sweet and Salty Bliss: The playful mix of flavors combines crunchy pretzels, salty potato chips, and colorful M&M’s, captivating every palate.

Quick and Easy: With no chilling required, you can whip these up in under 30 minutes, making them ideal for spontaneous holiday gatherings.

Kid-Friendly Fun: Involve the little ones by letting them help mix and fold in ingredients, creating lasting memories in the kitchen.

Visual Appeal: The festive sprinkles and cheerful colors make these cookies as delightful to look at as they are to eat, promising smiles all around.

Craving a fun baking adventure? Check out my Brownie Mix Cookies for another quick treat!

Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies Ingredients

For the Cookie Base

Salted Butter – Adds richness and moisture; make sure it’s softened for easy creaming.
Light Brown Sugar – Contributes to chewiness and depth; light muscovado sugar works as a fantastic substitute.
Granulated White Sugar – Sweetens the cookie; swap with coconut sugar for a healthier twist.
Egg Yolks – Provide structural stability and richness; vegan options include an egg substitute.
Vanilla Bean Paste/Extract – Infuses aromatic flavor; pure vanilla extract is a perfect alternative if paste is unavailable.
All-Purpose Flour – Essential for structure; ensure proper measurement to prevent dense cookies—gluten-free flour blends can be used as an alternative.
Baking Powder and Baking Soda – Key leavening agents for rise; double-check freshness for best results.
Salt – Elevates the overall flavor profile; it’s crucial not to skip this ingredient.

For the Mix-Ins

M&M’s – Sweet and colorful, adding both visual appeal and chocolatey goodness; feel free to switch them with other candies like Skittles for variation.
White Chocolate Chips – Offer sweetness and creamy texture; dark chocolate can replace them for a richer experience.
Pretzel Pieces – Bring crunch and saltiness; crushed nuts can be substituted for a delightful nutty flavor.
Potato Chip Pieces – Contribute a unique flavor and crisp texture; tortilla chips are a fun alternative to experiment with.
Red and Green Jimmies – These festive sprinkles provide a cheerful design; they can be omitted or replaced with other decorative edible items if desired.

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While your oven warms up, grab two baking sheets and line them with parchment paper. This will prevent the cookies from sticking and ensure easy cleanup, allowing you to focus on creating your delightful Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened salted butter, light brown sugar, and granulated white sugar. Using an electric mixer, cream the mixture on medium speed for about 2 minutes, or until it becomes light and fluffy. This step is crucial as it incorporates air into the batter, leading to tender cookies.

Step 3: Add Egg Yolks and Vanilla
Next, add the egg yolks and vanilla bean paste (or extract) to the creamed mixture. Mix on medium speed for an additional 2 minutes until the mixture is pale and airy. This will enhance the flavor and moisture of your Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies, providing a rich base for all the delightful mix-ins.

Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can create dense cookies. The goal is to ensure all flour is incorporated while maintaining a light texture.

Step 5: Fold in the Mix-ins
Gently fold in the colorful M&M’s, white chocolate chips, pretzel pieces, crushed potato chips, and festive sprinkles using a spatula. Take your time to ensure an even distribution of mix-ins throughout the dough, as these are what make your Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies unique and full of delightful flavors and textures.

Step 6: Shape the Cookies
Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, scoop out 20 balls of dough and place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. For a more appealing look, you can press additional M&M’s or sprinkles on top of each dough ball. This final touch enhances the festive appearance of your cookies before baking.

Step 7: Bake the Cookies
Bake the cookies in your preheated oven for 10-12 minutes. For softer centers, aim for 10 minutes, while 12 minutes will produce crisper edges. Keep an eye on them; they should be golden around the edges but still slightly soft in the middle. If desired, use a circular cookie cutter to reshape them immediately after removing from the oven.

Step 8: Cooling Time
Allow the baked cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire cooling rack. This step helps them set and makes them easier to handle. Once on the rack, give them another 10 minutes to cool completely, and enjoy the enticing aroma of your freshly made Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies!

Make Ahead Options

These Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time during the holiday rush! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance by mixing all the ingredients and then chilling the formed dough balls in the refrigerator. This helps the flavors meld and ensures the cookies remain just as delicious when baked later. Additionally, the unbaked cookies can be frozen for up to 3 months; just shape the dough and place it in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to bake, simply add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time while keeping an eye on them. You’ll have warm, festive cookies ready with minimal effort when it’s time to celebrate!

How to Store and Freeze Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies

Airtight Container: Store your Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to keep them soft and fresh.

Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 weeks.

Thawing: To enjoy, simply bring the frozen cookies to room temperature before serving, or warm them in the microwave for a few seconds for that fresh-baked feel.

Reheating: If you prefer your cookies warm, pop them in the oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes, and they will taste just like new!

Helpful Tricks for Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies

Perfect Measurements: Ensure you measure flour accurately by spooning it into a measuring cup and leveling it off. This prevents dense cookies that can spoil your Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies.
Fresh Ingredients Matter: Always check that your baking powder and soda are fresh. Expired leavening agents can result in flat cookies that won’t rise during baking.
Mix-ins Distribution: To avoid having all the M&M’s and sprinkles sink to the bottom, gently fold them into the dough right before baking instead of mixing them in too early.
Underbaking for Chewiness: If you prefer a chewy texture, take the cookies out of the oven when the edges are golden but the centers are still soft. They’ll continue to firm up as they cool.
Cookie Reshaping Trick: For perfectly round cookies, use a circular cookie cutter to gently reshape them right after they come out of the oven—this helps ensure a great presentation for your Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies!

Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies Variations

Feel free to let your creativity shine by adapting this recipe to suit your taste or dietary needs!

Dairy-Free: Substitute butter with coconut oil or a dairy-free margarine for a deliciously dairy-free option.
Nut-Free: If you have nut allergies, replace crushed nuts or pretzels with additional potato chips or seeds like sunflower for that delightful crunch.
Dark Chocolate Delight: Swap the white chocolate chips with dark chocolate to create a rich and indulgent flavor profile.
Add Spices: For a warm twist, add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg. It’ll elevate the flavor and bring your cookies to life with holiday cheer!
Festive Flavor: Incorporate almond or peppermint extract for a seasonal flair. This is a fantastic way to enjoy a nostalgic holiday taste.
Texture Twist: Try adding rolled oats to the dough for a hearty texture, increasing fiber while still keeping that cookie indulgence.
Top It Off: For an extra crunch, sprinkle crushed pretzels or toffee bits on top right before baking. It adds a delightful surprise!
Replace M&M’s: Swap M&M’s with seasonal candies like peppermint puffs or even holiday-themed chocolate pieces for added festivity.

Looking for more delightful recipes? You might enjoy baking some Brownie Mix Cookies next! They’re another scrumptious treat that’s sure to be a hit.

What to Serve with Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies

Indulging in a batch of these sweet and salty cookies sets the perfect stage for a comforting holiday spread that warms the heart.

Cold Glass of Milk: A classic pairing that enhances the sweetness while cooling the palate, creating blissful moments with every dip.
Rich Hot Cocoa: Warm, chocolatey goodness brings extra cheer while the cookies’ flavors dance on your taste buds—pure winter delight!
Vanilla Ice Cream Scoop: Creamy ice cream contrasts beautifully with the cookies’ texture, making it an irresistible dessert that’s hard to resist.
Gingerbread Latte: The spicy notes of this festive drink complement the cookies perfectly, evoking all the holiday feelings with each sip.
Chewy Fruit & Nut Bars: A healthier option balancing sweetness with chewiness, these bars offer a nice contrast while still being rich in flavor.
Cranberry Orange Scones: Light and zesty, these scones introduce fresh flavors that play off the cookies’ richness, perfect for a balanced treat table.

These delightful pairings will create a festive experience that engages all the senses and brings joyous cheer to your holiday gatherings!

Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies Recipe FAQs

How do I choose the right ingredients for my Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies?
Absolutely! When selecting ingredients, opt for salted butter that’s been softened for easy creaming. For the sugars, light brown sugar adds moisture, while granulated white sugar enhances sweetness. Look for fresh baking powder and soda to ensure your cookies rise perfectly. For the best mixing experience, use room temperature eggs; this helps all ingredients blend seamlessly!

How should I store my Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies?
To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Just remember to use parchment paper or wax paper between layers to prevent sticking. If you want them for a longer period, freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 weeks.

What’s the best way to freeze Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies?
Freezing is easy! First, allow your baked cookies to cool completely. Then, arrange them in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Place this sheet in the freezer until the cookies are solid, usually 1-2 hours. Once frozen, transfer the cookies to a freezer-safe bag, removing as much air as possible. They’ll be good for up to 2 weeks! When ready to enjoy, let them thaw at room temperature or warm them up for a few seconds in the microwave.

What if my cookies turn out too flat or dense?
If your Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies spread too much or come out dense, it might be due to too much flour. Make sure you spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off to avoid excess. Another trick is to chill your dough for about 30 minutes before baking. This helps the fats firm up, preventing excessive spreading. Also, ensure your baking powder and soda are fresh for the best rise!

Can I make any substitutions for allergies or dietary preferences?
Very! For a vegan version, substitute the egg yolks with a flaxseed meal or a store-bought egg replacer. You can also switch out the white chocolate chips for dairy-free varieties and use gluten-free flour blends if needed. Just remember to adjust baking times slightly, as gluten-free cookies may need a tad more time to bake!