The holidays are the perfect time to let your creativity shine in the kitchen, and what better way to celebrate than with a batch of Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies? Imagine the delightful fusion of flavors and textures – rich chocolate chips, chewy marshmallows, and colorful M&Ms – all nestled in a buttery cookie base. Every bite is like unwrapping a little present, revealing surprises that evoke the warmth and joy of the season.
In the spirit of holiday magic, these cookies embrace the “kitchen sink” philosophy, meaning you can throw in whatever your heart desires. Feel free to mix it up with nuts, dried fruits, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon to elevate the flavors. I discovered this recipe when I needed a quick treat for a last-minute gathering, and it truly saved the day! With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a festive platter ready to impress family and friends.
Join me as we dive into this easy, fun recipe that turns holiday baking into a joyous adventure, ensuring your cookie jar is brimming with love and laughter this season!
Why You'll Love This Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies
- These Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies are a breeze to make, allowing you to whip up a delightful treat with minimal effort.
- Each bite bursts with a medley of flavors from chocolate chips, nuts, and festive candies, making them a true crowd-pleaser.
- Their versatility means you can tailor the mix-ins to suit your taste, ensuring everyone will find something they love.
- Visually, these cookies are a feast for the eyes, with colorful M&Ms and mini marshmallows that add a festive touch perfect for the holiday season.
Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies Ingredients
• Let your imagination run wild!
For the Cookie Base
- All-purpose flour – Essential for structure; helps create that perfect chewy texture.
- Baking soda – A leavening agent that ensures your cookies rise beautifully.
- Salt – Enhances the sweetness and balances flavors.
- Unsalted butter – Use softened for easy creaming; it helps create a rich, tender cookie.
- Granulated sugar – Sweetens the dough and contributes to a slight crispness.
- Brown sugar – Adds moisture and a depth of flavor with its caramel notes.
- Large eggs – Incorporate richness and help bind the ingredients together.
- Vanilla extract – Infuses warmth and enhances the overall flavor profile.
For the Mix-Ins
- Semisweet chocolate chips – Bring that rich chocolate flavor that melts perfectly in the cookies.
- White chocolate chips – Adds a creamy sweetness for a delightful contrast.
- Chopped nuts – Choose pecans, walnuts, or almonds for added crunch and a nutty flavor.
- M&Ms or holiday candy-coated chocolates – These festive touches bring color and cheer to your cookie dough.
- Mini marshmallows – Introduce a chewy texture that makes every bite a surprise!
- Toffee bits (optional) – Sweet, buttery morsels that create a delightful crunch.
- Dried cranberries or raisins – Adds a pop of fruitiness for extra flavor and chew.
- Cinnamon (optional) – A pinch warms up the entire cookie with its cozy aroma.
You’ll find that these delightful Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies not only satisfy your sweet tooth but also encourage you to experiment with the ingredients, making them truly your own!
How to Make Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
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Whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. This step ensures even distribution of the dry ingredients, which is key for achieving that perfect cookie texture.
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Cream the butter and sugars in a large bowl using an electric mixer. Beat until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes, creating a luscious base for your cookies.
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Incorporate the eggs one at a time. Beat well after each addition to ensure a smooth, cohesive mixture. Then, stir in the vanilla extract, infusing your dough with delightful aroma.
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Combine the dry ingredients with the wet mixture gradually. Mix just until combined; overmixing can lead to tough cookies, and we want them soft and chewy.
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Fold in the chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, nuts, marshmallows, M&Ms, toffee bits, and dried fruits. Get creative and mix in what you love for a personalized touch.
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Scoop generous spoonfuls of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. This allows room for spreading without merging.
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Bake for 10–12 minutes until the edges are lightly golden, but the centers remain soft. They will firm up as they cool, achieving that perfect cookie consistency.
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Cool the cookies on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them set and prevents breakage.
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Serve the cookies once they’ve completely cooled or store them in an airtight container for up to a week, ensuring you can enjoy them long after baking!
Optional: Drizzle with melted chocolate for an extra pop of sweetness.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Store and Freeze Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies
Room Temperature: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. This keeps them soft and fresh, ready to enjoy!
Fridge: If you prefer your cookies chilled, keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. Let them warm up slightly before serving for the best texture.
Freezer: To freeze, place cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer bag or airtight container, where they can last for up to 3 months.
Reheating: To rejuvenate frozen Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy the magic of homemade cookies any time!
Make Ahead Options
These Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies are perfect for busy home cooks who want to save time during the hectic holiday season! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance. Just mix and scoop the dough onto your baking sheets, then cover them tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, simply pop the sheets into a preheated oven, and enjoy the aroma of fresh cookies wafting through your home. Alternatively, you can freeze the scooped dough for up to 3 months! Just be sure to space the cookie dough balls on a baking sheet until they firm up before transferring them to a zip-top freezer bag. This way, you’ll have freshly baked Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies ready to go at a moment’s notice, allowing you to enjoy delicious homemade treats without the fuss!
What to Serve with Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies?
These festive cookies are the perfect centerpiece for any holiday gathering, inviting warmth and sweetness to your celebrations.
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Warm Spiced Apple Cider: This cozy drink complements the cookie’s flavors and enhances the holiday spirit with every sip.
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Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve a scoop beside the cookies for a delightful contrast that melts in your mouth, uniting flavors seamlessly.
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Chocolate Milk: An indulgent classic that adds richness to the cookies, perfect for a nostalgic twist that both kids and adults will love.
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Pecan Pie Bars: Their nutty sweetness pairs wonderfully with the variety of flavors in the cookies, creating a splendid holiday dessert spread.
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Dried Fruit Platter: The chewy texture and tartness of dried cranberries, apricots, or figs add freshness and balance to the rich cookies, intriguing the palate.
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Peppermint Hot Chocolate: A festive twist that brings a refreshing minty flavor, complementing the cookies and making each bite feel special.
Indulging in these pairings while enjoying your warm Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies will surely create memories filled with laughter and joy!
Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies Variations
Let your creativity flow with these delightful twists on the classic cookie recipe!
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Nut-Free: Substitute chopped nuts with additional chocolate chips or seeds for crunchiness without any nuts.
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Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to make these cookies suitable for gluten-sensitive friends while retaining their beloved chewy texture.
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Vegan: Replace butter with coconut oil and use flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) for a plant-based version that still tastes amazing.
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Spicy: Add a teaspoon of cayenne pepper or ginger to give a surprising kick of heat that complements the sweetness perfectly.
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Dried Fruits: Swap out raisins with chopped dried apricots or figs for a unique twist that offers a fresh, fruity flavor burst in each bite.
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Caramel Swirl: Drizzle melted caramel over the cookie dough before baking for a gooey surprise that elevates every bite.
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Holiday Spice: Mix in pumpkin pie spice or additional cinnamon to bring a warm, festive aroma, transporting your taste buds to a cozy holiday kitchen.
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Chocolate Lovers: Replace semisweet chocolate chips with dark chocolate or a mix of chocolate chips for an indulgent treat that satisfies all chocolate cravings!
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For the best texture in your Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies, make sure your butter is at room temperature to ensure it creams well with the sugars.
- A common mistake is overmixing the dough after adding the dry ingredients; mix only until just combined for soft, chewy cookies.
- Don’t hesitate to customize your mix-ins, but be mindful of not exceeding the total volume as it could affect baking.
- Bake the cookies in a preheated oven and remember to keep an eye on the edges for that light golden color to know they are done.
- Lastly, allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to prevent breakage.
Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the right ripeness of ingredients?
Absolutely! For the best results, your butter should be softened but not melted. Look for butter that easily holds an indentation when pressed but still feels cool to the touch. Eggs should be fresh, and if you’re using dried fruits, choose ones without added sugars or preservatives for a healthier cookie.
How should I store my Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies?
To keep your cookies delightfully fresh, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. If you live in a particularly humid climate, I recommend popping them in the fridge for extra freshness, where they can last up to 2 weeks—just give them a few moments to warm up slightly before enjoying!
Can I freeze Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies? If so, how?
Certainly! To freeze, first, place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid (about 2 hours). Then, transfer them into a freezer-safe bag or airtight container, layering parchment paper between them if stacking. They can stay in the freezer for up to 3 months! When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes to get that homemade freshness back.
What should I do if my cookie dough seems too dry?
If your dough is dry and crumbly, don’t worry! Start by adding a tablespoon of milk or melted butter to the mixture. Mix gently until the dough comes together again. Remember, it’s important not to overmix at this stage, as it could lead to tougher cookies. If it’s still too dry, consider adding in more of your mix-ins (like nuts or chocolate chips) to help bind it.
Are there any allergy considerations I should be aware of for this recipe?
Very! If you’re baking for someone with allergies, make sure to use substitutes for common allergens. For example, you can swap out regular flour for a gluten-free blend if gluten is an issue, and opt for dairy-free butter and chocolate if lactose intolerance is a concern. Also, keep in mind that nuts can cause allergic reactions, so you may want to omit them completely to keep things safe!
What’s the best way to ensure my cookies bake evenly?
To ensure your cookies bake evenly, it’s crucial to space them about 2 inches apart on the baking sheet. Additionally, make sure to rotate your baking sheets halfway through baking—this helps account for any hot spots in your oven. And remember, the cookies may look soft in the middle when you take them out; they will firm up as they cool, ensuring that perfect chewy texture!
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
Ingredients
For the Cookie Base
- 2.5 cups all-purpose flour Essential for structure
- 1 teaspoon baking soda Leavening agent
- 0.5 teaspoon salt Enhances sweetness
- 1 cup unsalted butter Use softened for creaming
- 0.75 cup granulated sugar Sweetens and adds crispness
- 0.75 cup brown sugar Adds moisture and depth of flavor
- 2 large eggs Incorporate richness
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract Infuses warmth
For the Mix-Ins
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips Rich chocolate flavor
- 1 cup white chocolate chips Adds creamy sweetness
- 1 cup chopped nuts Pecans, walnuts, or almonds
- 1 cup M&Ms or holiday candy-coated chocolates For color and cheer
- 1 cup mini marshmallows Chewy texture
- 0.5 cup toffee bits Optional for crunch
- 0.5 cup dried cranberries or raisins Adds fruitiness
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon Optional for warmth
Instructions
How to Make Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
- Whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl.
- Cream the butter and sugars in a large bowl using an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
- Incorporate the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Combine the dry ingredients with the wet mixture gradually until just combined.
- Fold in the chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, nuts, marshmallows, M&Ms, toffee bits, and dried fruits.
- Scoop spoonfuls of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes until edges are lightly golden, but centers remain soft.
- Cool cookies on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- Serve once completely cooled or store in an airtight container for up to a week.
