Best Kitchen Sink Christmas Cookies Recipe
There’s something truly magical about the Best Kitchen Sink Christmas Cookies Recipe, a delightful celebration of flavors and textures all bundled into one perfect holiday treat. Imagine biting into a cookie that combines the sweet richness of two kinds of chocolate, the salty crunch of pretzels and nuts, the chewy surprise of dried cranberries, and a festive sprinkle of holiday cheer, all in one bite. This recipe is not just a cookie; it’s a joyous mix of everything you love, making it the ultimate showstopper for your Christmas cookie exchange or a cozy night by the fire. If you’re looking for a cookie that’s loaded, thick, and bursting with holiday spirit, you’re in for a delicious adventure!
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make these enchanting cookies, you only need a handful of everyday ingredients that come together to create an extraordinary holiday treat. Each one adds its own magic – from the buttery softness to the crunch and bursts of sweetness, every component plays a vital role in building the cookie’s irresistible character.
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened: Provides a rich, creamy base and helps keep the cookies tender.
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps achieve that perfect cookie structure.
- 1 cup (220g) brown sugar, packed: Brings moisture and deep caramel notes for chewiness.
- 2 large eggs: Bind ingredients together and give the dough its perfect texture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A warm flavor enhancer that mellows all the other tastes.
- 2 1/2 cups (315g) all-purpose flour: The foundation for a sturdy yet soft cookie.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise just right.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Adds extra lightness to the dough.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies all flavors.
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips: Classic chocolate pieces that melt perfectly in each bite.
- 1 cup white chocolate chips: A creamy contrast that adds decadent sweetness.
- 1 cup crushed pretzels: For that addictive salty crunch that surprises your palate.
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional): Adds a delightful nutty texture, but feel free to skip if you prefer.
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries or raisins: A chewy tartness that brightens the cookie’s flavor.
- 1/2 cup shredded coconut: For a subtle tropical hint and extra texture.
- 1/2 cup festive sprinkles (optional): Adds color and whimsy, perfect for the Christmas spirit.
How to Make Best Kitchen Sink Christmas Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by getting your oven warmed up to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready when you are. Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze. Taking a moment here sets everything up for perfectly baked cookies.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter with both granulated and brown sugars until the mixture is light and fluffy. This is the base that will give your cookies a soft texture and beautiful rise, so take your time to get it just right.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Next, incorporate the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract to infuse that familiar, comforting holiday flavor that pairs wonderfully with all the mix-ins.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agents and seasoning so every bite is consistent and delicious.
Step 5: Mix Dry Ingredients into Wet
Gradually add the dry mixture to the butter and sugar mixture, stirring just until incorporated. Don’t overmix here, as you want your cookies tender, not tough.
Step 6: Fold in the Mix-Ins
Here’s where the magic happens! Gently fold in the semi-sweet and white chocolate chips, crushed pretzels, nuts (if using), dried cranberries, shredded coconut, and festive sprinkles. This beautiful medley of textures and flavors is why it’s called the Best Kitchen Sink Christmas Cookies Recipe — because it truly has a bit of everything.
Step 7: Scoop and Bake
Drop spoonfuls of dough onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about two inches apart. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes or until the edges are golden but the centers appear slightly soft. Resist the urge to overbake, as they will continue to firm up once removed.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This step helps them set perfectly and gives you that iconic chewy center with crispy edges. Now, grab a glass of milk and enjoy the festive flavors!
How to Serve Best Kitchen Sink Christmas Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
These cookies are already bursting with flavor, but feel free to add a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted white chocolate for an elegant finishing touch. If you want to up the festive charm, a small sprinkle of crushed peppermint candy on top adds a refreshing zing.
Side Dishes
Pair your cookies with a warm cup of spiced hot cocoa or a mug of freshly brewed coffee to create the perfect winter cozy moment. For a holiday party, a platter of these cookies alongside a cheese board with mild cheeses and fresh fruit makes an inviting treat spread.
Creative Ways to Present
For gift-giving or festive gatherings, stack the cookies wrapped with a colorful ribbon or place them in a decorative mason jar. You can also create a cookie platter using red and green napkins or plates to bring out the Christmas spirit visually. This recipe’s varied colors and textures mean it looks just as delightful as it tastes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After baking, keep these cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay wonderfully soft and chewy for up to a week, making them ideal for enjoying throughout the holiday season.
Freezing
If you want to prepare ahead or save some for later, freeze the unbaked cookie dough balls separated on a tray and then transfer them to a freezer bag. When baked from frozen, just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time. Baked cookies can also be frozen; just thaw at room temperature before serving.
Reheating
To enjoy warm cookies after storage, simply microwave a cookie on a microwave-safe plate for 10 to 15 seconds or warm gently in a low oven for a few minutes. This freshens up that gooey chocolate and soft texture as if they were just baked.
FAQs
Can I substitute nuts if I have allergies?
Absolutely! The recipe is flexible — you can omit nuts entirely or swap them with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds for crunch without the allergens.
What makes this the Best Kitchen Sink Christmas Cookies Recipe compared to others?
It’s the incredible combination of so many festive ingredients in one cookie, melded together in perfect harmony — the sweet, salty, chewy, and crunchy elements all balanced for the ultimate holiday treat.
Can I use gluten-free flour?
Yes, a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend works well in this recipe. Just make sure it contains xanthan gum or a similar binder to keep the cookies from crumbling.
How do I keep the cookies from spreading too much?
Chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking helps control spreading and enhances flavor. Also, ensure your baking soda and powder are fresh to achieve the proper rise.
Can I make these cookies vegan?
To make a vegan version, swap butter for a vegan butter alternative, use flax or chia eggs instead of regular eggs, and choose dairy-free chocolate chips. The texture and flavor will still be amazing!
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re baking for friends, family, or treating yourself, the Best Kitchen Sink Christmas Cookies Recipe is a festive masterpiece you’ll want to make year after year. It’s the kind of recipe that brings joy not only through its incredible taste but also through the smiles it inspires around the cookie jar. So don’t hesitate—grab your mixing bowl and start creating these deliciously packed treats that celebrate every wonderful holiday flavor in one perfect bite!
Print
Best Kitchen Sink Christmas Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 36 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Best Kitchen Sink Christmas Cookies are a festive, chewy, and crunchy treat packed with a delightful mix of chocolate chips, nuts, dried fruits, pretzels, coconut, and sprinkles. Perfect for holiday gatherings, these cookies combine a variety of textures and flavors in every bite, showcasing the best bits often found in your pantry for a festive twist.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1 cup (220g) brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups (315g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Mix-ins
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- 1 cup crushed pretzels
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries or raisins
- 1/2 cup shredded coconut
- 1/2 cup festive sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This will create a creamy base for the cookie dough.
- Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the two large eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then add the vanilla extract and combine thoroughly to incorporate flavor.
- Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agents and salt in the dough.
- Step 5: Mix Dry Ingredients into Wet
Gradually add the dry flour mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the dough, which results in tough cookies.
- Step 6: Fold in Mix-ins
Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, crushed pretzels, chopped nuts (if using), dried cranberries or raisins, shredded coconut, and festive sprinkles. Mix until all add-ins are evenly distributed within the batter.
- Step 7: Scoop and Bake
Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop rounded spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Step 8: Bake Cookies
Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown and the centers are set but still soft. Avoid overbaking to keep the cookies chewy.
- Step 9: Cool
Remove the baking sheets from the oven and let the cookies cool on the sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely. This helps them set and prevents breaking.
Notes
- Feel free to swap nuts or dried fruits based on your preference or what you have on hand.
- For a vegan version, substitute butter with plant-based margarine and use flax eggs instead of chicken eggs.
- Chilling the cookie dough for 30 minutes before baking can help minimize spreading and improve texture.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze for longer storage.
- Make sure not to overbake to keep the cookies soft and chewy in the center.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
