Name: Irresistible Kitchen Sink Christmas Cookies for Holiday Joy
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 95 min
Ingredients: 2.5 cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled to avoid density); 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 0.5 teaspoon salt; 1 cup unsalted butter (melted and cooled); 1 cup dark brown sugar (packed); 0.5 cup white granulated sugar; 2 large eggs (room temperature); 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 cup M&M's (preferably red and green for festivity); 1 cup white chocolate chips; 1 cup pretzels (crushed); 1 cup potato chips (optional); 0.5 cup holiday sprinkles (for decoration)

The aroma of freshly baked cookies wafting through the house has a way of wrapping you in warmth, especially during the holiday season. That’s exactly the feeling I get when I whip up a batch of these Kitchen Sink Christmas Cookies. With a delightful mix of sweet and salty treats like M&M’s, pretzels, and creamy white chocolate chips, these cookies are not only a festive crowd-pleaser but also offer the unique twist of being completely customizable to your liking. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering or looking for a cozy treat at home, this quick and easy recipe is here to save the day. So, what mix-ins will you choose to make your cookie creation truly one-of-a-kind?

What Makes These Cookies Truly Special?

Customizable Delights: These Kitchen Sink Christmas Cookies are a blank canvas for your creativity! You can mix in your favorite treats like nuts, crushed candy canes, or even different chocolate types. Flavor Explosion: The combination of sweet chocolate, salty pretzels, and creamy chips creates an unforgettable taste sensation. Quick to Prepare: With minimal prep time, you’ll have warm cookies ready in less than an hour! Crowd Favorite: Perfect for holiday gatherings, they’re sure to impress family and friends. If you’re in the mood for something different, you might also love our Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies, blending nostalgia and fun flavors!

Kitchen Sink Christmas Cookie Ingredients

These ingredients are the secret to achieving deliciously customizable Kitchen Sink Christmas Cookies!

For the Cookie Dough

All-purpose flour – Provides structure to the cookies; remember to spoon and level to avoid dense cookies.
Baking powder – Helps cookies rise for that delightful lightness.
Baking soda – Promotes browning and contributes to a chewy texture.
Salt – Enhances flavor and balances the sweetness beautifully.
Unsalted butter – Adds richness and moisture; be sure to melt and cool it before using.
Dark brown sugar – Infuses the cookies with moisture and a rich, caramel flavor.
White granulated sugar – Contributes sweetness and aids in spreading during baking.
Large eggs – Binds ingredients together for a harmonious blend; use room temperature eggs for the best mix.
Vanilla extract – Introduces a warm, inviting aroma to the dough.

For the Mix-Ins

M&M’s – Adds vibrant color and chocolate sweetness; opt for red and green for a festive touch!
White chocolate chips – Infuse creaminess and extra sweetness into each bite.
Pretzels – Introduce a delightful salty crunch that perfectly contrasts the sweetness.
Potato chips – Contribute a unique salty crunch that elevates the cookie experience.
Holiday sprinkles – Finish the cookies with a sprinkle of festive flair for a cheerful presentation.

Feel free to get creative and tailor these ingredients to your taste!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Kitchen Sink Christmas Cookies

Step 1: Melt the Butter
Start by melting 1 cup of unsalted butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Once fully melted, allow the butter to cool at room temperature for about 20 minutes. This cooling step is crucial to ensure that the eggs don’t cook when added later. You want the butter to be warm but not hot, giving your Kitchen Sink Christmas Cookies the perfect base.

Step 2: Whisk the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Use a whisk to mix these dry ingredients thoroughly, ensuring there are no lumps. This will create an even texture in your cookies, allowing the flavors to blend beautifully as you prepare your Kitchen Sink Christmas Cookies.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, mix the cooled melted butter with 1 cup of dark brown sugar and ½ cup of white granulated sugar. Stir until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Then, add in 2 large eggs (preferably at room temperature) and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract. Beat the mixture until it’s well combined and fluffy, creating a rich dough for your cookies.

Step 4: Mix the Dry and Wet Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently with a wooden spoon or spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few flour streaks are fine. This will ensure your Kitchen Sink Christmas Cookies remain tender in the center while still holding their shape when baked.

Step 5: Add the Mix-Ins
Fold in your choice of mix-ins, such as 1 cup of M&M’s, 1 cup of white chocolate chips, 1 cup of crushed pretzels, and any additional treats you prefer, like potato chips or holiday sprinkles. Ensure everything is evenly distributed throughout the dough, creating a colorful and festive batter that embodies the spirit of the season.

Step 6: Scoop the Dough
Using a 1½ oz ice cream scoop, portion out the cookie dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. This will give the cookies room to spread while baking and achieve that perfect golden color. You should see a lovely medley of colors peeking through the dough, hinting at the delightful flavors to come.

Step 7: Chill the Dough
Refrigerate the scooped dough for at least 1 hour or freeze it for about 30 minutes. Chilling the dough will help your Kitchen Sink Christmas Cookies keep their shape while baking, resulting in perfectly puffy and chewy cookies that everyone will adore.

Step 8: Preheat the Oven
While the dough is chilling, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature is ideal for achieving a beautifully baked cookie with a slightly crisp edge and a soft, chewy center. Your kitchen will soon be filled with an enticing aroma.

Step 9: Bake the Cookies
Once the dough is chilled, bake six dough balls at a time on your preheated oven for 13–15 minutes. Halfway through baking, rotate the baking sheet for even browning. The cookies should look slightly puffed with a golden-brown edge as they come to life, showcasing their festive appeal.

Step 10: Cool and Decorate
After baking, let the cookies cool on the sheet for about 5 minutes. While they’re still warm, use a cookie cutter to shape them if needed and sprinkle some extra M&M’s or holiday sprinkles on top. This final touch adds a delightful burst of color and cheer to your Kitchen Sink Christmas Cookies, making them irresistible.

Expert Tips for Kitchen Sink Christmas Cookies

Proper Flour Measuring: Always spoon and level your flour to avoid dense cookies. Too much flour can ruin the texture of your Kitchen Sink Christmas Cookies.
Cooling Butter: Make sure the melted butter cools completely before adding eggs; otherwise, you risk cooking them and affecting the dough’s consistency.
Chill Dough: Don’t skip chilling the dough! This step helps prevent excessive spreading during baking, keeping the cookies fluffy and chewy.
Spacing on Sheet: Space the dough balls at least 2 inches apart on the baking sheet; this ensures they have room to spread and bake evenly.
Extra Mix-Ins: Top your cookies with additional M&M’s or colorful sprinkles right after baking. This adds visual appeal and extra sweetness to your Kitchen Sink Christmas Cookies!

Storage Tips for Kitchen Sink Christmas Cookies

Room Temperature: Store uneaten cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days. This keeps them soft and delicious, perfect for enjoying anytime!
Freezer: Flash freeze individual cookie portions on a baking sheet for about an hour, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll last up to 3 months—simply thaw and enjoy!
Reheating: If you’ve frozen your Kitchen Sink Christmas Cookies, reheat in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-10 minutes to restore their chewy goodness.
Airtight Storage: For optimal freshness, make sure the container is tightly sealed to prevent cookies from drying out or absorbing odors.

What to Serve with Kitchen Sink Christmas Cookies

Indulging in warm cookies is a delightful experience, and adding complementary dishes makes it even more special.

Creamy Hot Cocoa: Rich and chocolaty, it perfectly balances the sweet and salty flavors of the cookies, creating a comforting treat. Enjoy it topped with whipped cream or marshmallows for an extra festive touch.
Milk: A classic pairing, cold milk enhances the chocolatey goodness and helps the cookies shine even brighter. It’s the perfect antidote to the cookies’ sweetness!
Spiced Cranberry Sauce: This zesty side offers a tart contrast that awakens the taste buds while adding a holiday zest to your dessert spread.
Nutty Biscotti: For those who adore crunch, serving a variety of biscotti provides a delightful textural contrast against the chewy cookies and adds a nutty flavor dimension.
Festive Fruit Salad: A colorful mix of seasonal fruits can refresh your palate between bites of cookies, balancing sweetness with their juicy tartness.
Pumpkin Spice Latte: Cozy up with this seasonal classic next to your Kitchen Sink Christmas Cookies. The warm spices harmonize beautifully, bringing out the festive atmosphere.
Sugar Cookies: Try serving with other sweet treats to create a cookie platter that allows everyone to indulge in various flavors while enjoying the festive spirit together.

Make Ahead Options

These Kitchen Sink Christmas Cookies are perfect for meal prep, saving you time during the busy holiday season! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance by following the recipe up to the chilling step. Simply scoop the dough onto a baking sheet, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. Alternatively, for longer storage, freeze the cookie dough balls for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, there’s no need to thaw; just bake directly from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time. By prepping ahead, you’ll enjoy warm, delicious cookies with minimal effort when it’s time to celebrate!

Kitchen Sink Christmas Cookies Variations

Feel free to get creative and personalize these delightful cookies to your heart’s content!

Nutty Twist: Add chopped pecans or walnuts for a delightful nutty flavor that brings a crunch.
Chocolate Lovers: Swap white chocolate chips for butterscotch or dark chocolate chunks to deepen the flavor. The richness of dark chocolate can elevate the entire cookie experience!
Seasonal Spice: Incorporate cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, cozy holiday essence. A hint of peppermint can also add a refreshing zing.
Fruit Infusion: Dried cranberries or cherries can lend a tart contrast to the sweetness, adding a chewy texture.
Savory Surprise: Crushed potato chips enhance a savory crunch; mixed with chocolate, it’s a sweet and salty match made in heaven.
Tempting Toppings: After baking, top with extra M&M’s or a drizzle of melted chocolate. This simple finish adds an irresistible look to your cookies!
Rainbow Delight: Opt for mini marshmallows or colorful sprinkles as a fun, festive touch that kids (and adults!) will love.
Vegan Version: Substitute butter with coconut oil and use flax eggs for a vegan-friendly option. This keeps the cookie texture delightful while accommodating dietary preferences.

When you’re ready for another delicious cookie adventure, don’t forget to explore our Peanut Butter Cookies or try these festive Cookies Cream Cupcakes for a change of pace!

Kitchen Sink Christmas Cookies Recipe FAQs

What types of mix-ins can I use for Kitchen Sink Christmas Cookies?
Absolutely! These cookies are highly customizable. You can add nuts like pecans or walnuts for a nutty flavor, substitute white chocolate chips with butterscotch or dark chocolate chunks, or even include crushed candy canes or seasonal spices like cinnamon or peppermint. The more, the merrier!

How should I store my Kitchen Sink Christmas Cookies?
For optimal freshness, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They’ll stay soft and perfect for snacking! If you want to keep them longer, flash freeze them individually on a baking sheet for about an hour, then transfer them to a freezer bag. They can last for up to 3 months in the freezer.

Can I freeze Kitchen Sink Christmas Cookie dough?
Yes, you can! To do this, scoop individual dough balls onto a baking sheet, freeze until solid (about 1 hour), and then transfer them into a freezer bag. Frozen dough can be baked straight from the freezer—just add an extra minute or two to the baking time.

What do I do if my cookies spread too much while baking?
If you notice your Kitchen Sink Christmas Cookies spreading too much, it’s likely due to warm dough. Ensure that your dough is properly chilled before baking. If it’s still spreading excessively, try adding a bit more flour to your mixture next time, but be careful not to overdo it!

Can my pets eat Kitchen Sink Christmas Cookies?
Generally, it’s best to avoid giving homemade cookies to pets, especially because of the chocolate and other mix-ins like nuts that can be harmful to them. Stick to pet-friendly treats to ensure your furry friends stay safe!

How can I tell when my Kitchen Sink Christmas Cookies are done baking?
Look for golden brown edges and a slightly puffy appearance. The centers may look a tad underbaked, but they’ll firm up as they cool, keeping that delightful chewiness. You want to remove them from the oven when they still have a little softness to retrain that lovely texture!