Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies

Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies are the ultimate holiday treat, combining sweet and salty flavors that everyone will love. With a delightful mix of pretzels, potato chips, M&M’s, and white chocolate chips, these cookies are perfect for festive gatherings or cozy nights at home. Their unique texture and vibrant colors make them a standout addition to any dessert table this season.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward and requires no special skills, making it perfect for bakers of all levels.
• Fun Flavor Combination: The mix of sweet and salty ingredients creates a deliciously unique cookie that stands out from traditional recipes.
• Customizable Options: Feel free to swap in your favorite candies or snacks to make these cookies your own.
• Perfect for Sharing: With 20 cookies in one batch, they are great for holiday parties or as gifts for friends and family.
• Festive Appeal: The colorful sprinkles and M&M’s add a fun touch that makes these cookies perfect for Christmas celebrations.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking your Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies, gather your tools. Having everything ready will ensure a smooth baking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Electric mixer
• Large mixing bowl
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper
• Cooling rack
• Spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: Saves time and effort when creaming the butter and sugars together, ensuring a light and fluffy texture.
• Baking sheets: Provide a sturdy surface for baking the cookies evenly without sticking.
• Cooling rack: Allows air circulation around the cookies, helping them cool properly without becoming soggy.

Ingredients

Sweet and salty Christmas cookies filled with pretzel and potato chip pieces, M&M’s, white chocolate chips, and sprinkles! These are sure to be a hit this holiday season!

Ingredients:
– 3/4 cup salted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
– 1/4 cup granulated white sugar
– 2 egg yolks, at room temperature
– 2 tsp vanilla bean paste or extract
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
– 1/2 tsp baking powder
– 1/2 tsp baking soda
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/2 cup red and green M&M’s
– 1/3 cup white chocolate chips
– 1/3 cup pretzel pieces
– 1/3 cup potato chip pieces
– 2 tbsp red and green jimmies

How to Make Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, combine softened salted butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Use an electric mixer on medium speed to cream the mixture for about two minutes until it’s light and fluffy.

Step 3: Mix in Egg Yolks and Vanilla

Add in the egg yolks along with vanilla bean paste or extract. Continue mixing on medium speed for another two minutes until the mixture becomes pale in color and fluffy.

Step 4: Add Dry Ingredients

Incorporate all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt into the butter mixture. Mix gently until just combined.

Step 5: Fold in Mix-ins

Add red and green M&M’s, white chocolate chips, pretzel pieces, potato chip pieces, and jimmies. Use a spatula to gently fold everything together until well combined.

Step 6: Scoop Cookie Dough

Scoop out dough into approximately twenty balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheets about two inches apart.

Step 7: Optional Topping

For extra decoration, add a few additional mix-ins on top of each cookie dough ball before baking. This step is optional but adds visual appeal!

Step 8: Bake Cookies

Bake in the preheated oven for about 10 to 12 minutes. For chewier centers, aim for around ten minutes; bake longer if you prefer crisper edges.

Step 9: Shape Cookies (Optional)

If desired, use a large circular cookie cutter right after removing the cookies from the oven. Swirl it around each cookie to give them a perfect shape before they cool completely.

Step 10: Cool Down

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for five minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. Let them cool for another ten minutes there.

Step 11: Store Leftovers

Keep any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Enjoy!

How to Serve Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies

Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a festive gathering or simply indulging at home, these cookies will bring joy to your holiday celebrations.

With a Glass of Milk

• Pairing these cookies with a glass of cold milk enhances their sweetness and balances the salty flavors. The creamy texture complements the chewy centers perfectly.

As Party Favors

• Wrap individual cookies in cellophane bags tied with festive ribbon. This makes for a charming party favor that your guests will appreciate and enjoy.

On a Dessert Platter

• Arrange the cookies on a decorative platter alongside other holiday treats. This creates a colorful and inviting display that is sure to impress your guests.

With Ice Cream

• Serve warm cookies with a scoop of vanilla or mint ice cream on top. The melting ice cream adds an indulgent touch, turning these cookies into an unforgettable dessert.

How to Perfect Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies

Achieving the perfect Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies requires attention to detail and some helpful tips. Follow these suggestions for cookies that will wow everyone!

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensuring that your butter and eggs are at room temperature helps create a smooth batter, leading to better-textured cookies.

• Measure Flour Correctly: Spoon and level your flour instead of scooping directly from the bag. This prevents dense cookies caused by excess flour.

• Chill the Dough: If time allows, chill the cookie dough for about 30 minutes before baking. Chilling helps maintain their shape during baking and enhances flavor.

• Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. Removing them while they still look slightly underbaked will yield chewier centers.

Best Side Dishes for Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies

When serving Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies, you might want to complement them with some delicious side dishes. Here are some great options:

1. Hot Chocolate: A warm cup of hot chocolate pairs wonderfully with cookies, making for a cozy combination on chilly winter nights.

2. Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad adds freshness and balances the richness of the cookies, offering a refreshing contrast.

3. Cheese Platter: Include assorted cheeses, such as Brie or cheddar, to create a savory option that contrasts beautifully with sweet flavors.

4. Mini Cheesecakes: Bite-sized cheesecakes provide another sweet treat that can be served alongside the cookies for variety at dessert time.

5. Holiday Nuts: Spiced or candied nuts add crunch and flavor diversity, making them an excellent snack to enjoy along with your Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies.

6. Coffee or Tea: A warm beverage like coffee or spiced tea enhances the cookie experience, making it perfect for holiday gatherings.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Creating the perfect Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies can be tricky. Here are some common mistakes to avoid for the best results.

• Overmixing the dough: Mixing too much can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until combined for a softer texture.
• Skipping the chill time: Not chilling the dough can result in cookies spreading too much. Always chill for at least 30 minutes if you have time.
• Incorrect oven temperature: Using an inaccurate oven temperature can ruin your cookies. Always preheat your oven and use an oven thermometer for accuracy.
• Not measuring ingredients properly: Incorrect measurements can affect the outcome. Use a kitchen scale or proper measuring cups for accuracy.
• Ignoring baking sheet spacing: Placing cookies too close together may cause them to bake into one another. Keep at least two inches apart on the baking sheets.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store cookies in an airtight container.
• They will stay fresh for up to three days in the fridge.

Freezing Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies

• Wrap each cookie individually in plastic wrap.
• Place wrapped cookies in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Frozen cookies can last up to three months.

Reheating Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place cookies on a baking sheet and warm for about 5 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time for about 10-15 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Place a skillet on low heat and warm cookies for 1-2 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies that might help you make these treats even better!

Can I customize my Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies?

You can definitely customize these cookies! Feel free to add nuts, dried fruits, or different types of chocolate chips based on your taste preferences.

How do I make my Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies chewier?

To achieve a chewier texture, try using more brown sugar than white sugar and slightly underbake them.

Can I use plant-based butter in this recipe?

Yes! You can substitute regular butter with plant-based butter to make these cookies dairy-free while maintaining great flavor.

What should I do if my dough is too crumbly?

If your dough seems crumbly, add a tablespoon of milk or water at a time until it comes together but remains thick.

Final Thoughts

Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies are not only fun to make but also offer endless customization options. Whether you prefer chewy or crispy textures, these cookies are sure to impress during the holiday season. Don’t hesitate to experiment with your favorite mix-ins!