Introduction
Of all the holiday confections, none capture the spirit of Christmas more than Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies. These cookies have a soft and chewy texture, colorful mix-ins, and the perfect blend of sweet and salty flavors. Packed with red and green M&M's, crunchy pretzels, white chocolate chips, sprinkles, and anything else you love, they are guaranteed crowd-pleasers. Whether you are baking for a cookie exchange, preparing gift boxes, or simply filling your home with cozy holiday aromas, these cookies deliver flavor and joy in every bite.
This post will guide you through everything you need to know—from what makes kitchen sink cookies unique, to ingredient variations, baking tips, storage suggestions, and a tried-and-true recipe that produces festive, delicious cookies every time. Grab your mixing bowls, turn on your holiday playlist, and let's dive into one of the sweetest parts of the season!
What Are Kitchen Sink Cookies?
Kitchen sink cookies are best described as “loaded” cookies filled with a mix of sweet, salty, crunchy, and chewy ingredients. The name comes from the idea that you can add anything you want—everything but the kitchen sink! Traditionally, they include chocolate chips, pretzels, toffee bits, potato chips, and various candies. For the Christmas version, we add seasonal colors and flavors like red and green M&M’s and festive sprinkles. The result is a cookie packed with texture, flavor, and holiday cheer—loved by both kids and adults.
Why You Will Enjoy These Cookies
- Perfect for holiday parties – These cookies stand out on any dessert table.
- Customizable – Use any mix-ins you love or already have in your pantry.
- Soft and chewy – Thanks to the perfect balance of butter, sugar, and ingredients.
- Beautiful for gifting – They look festive in cookie tins or gift bags.
The Essential Ingredients
The mix-ins are what make Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies so unique. Here are the most common additions:
Red & Green M&M's
These chocolate candies give the cookies their signature festive look. You can use classic milk chocolate or holiday mint versions for extra flavor.
White Chocolate Chips
White chocolate adds creamy sweetness that balances the salty elements. You can replace them with semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips if you prefer.
Pretzels
Chopped pretzels create the perfect sweet-and-salty contrast while adding a satisfying crunch.
Festive Sprinkles
Choose red and green sprinkles or jimmies. They enhance the appearance without changing the flavor.
Optional Add-Ins
- Toffee bits
- Crushed potato chips
- Mini marshmallows
- Chopped nuts
- Caramel bits
- Peanut butter chips
Mix and match depending on your personal taste.
Tips for Perfect Cookies
Chill the Dough
Chilling is optional but highly recommended. It helps maintain the cookie shape, prevents spreading, and enhances flavor.
Avoid Overmixing
Once flour is added, mix gently. Overmixing can make the cookies tough instead of soft and chewy.
Add Mix-Ins Gently
Fold them in at the end so pretzels don’t break and chocolate chips don’t melt. Press a few extra mix-ins on top before baking for a bakery-style look.
Observe the Bake Time
Kitchen sink cookies are best when slightly underbaked. They will finish setting as they cool.
Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (2 sticks)
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup red & green M&M's
- ½ cup white chocolate chips
- ½–¾ cup chopped pretzels
- ¼ cup holiday sprinkles
- Optional: ½ cup toffee bits, crushed chips, or caramel bits
Instructions
- Blend Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: Beat butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes).
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla extract.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Slowly add the flour mixture and mix until just combined.
- Fold in the Mix-Ins: Add M&M’s, white chocolate chips, pretzels, and sprinkles. Reserve some for topping.
- Chill the Dough: Refrigerate for 30–60 minutes (recommended).
- Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment. Scoop dough balls, top with extra mix-ins, and bake 10–12 minutes until golden at the edges.
- Cool: Let cookies cool 5 minutes on the tray, then transfer to a cooling rack.
Storage & Freezing Tips
Room Temperature
Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Freeze Dough
Scoop dough into balls, freeze on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen by adding 1–2 extra minutes.
Freeze Baked Cookies
Freeze cooled cookies, layering them between parchment sheets.
Fun Variations
Candy Cane Crunch Cookies
Add crushed candy cane and use only white chocolate chips.
Caramel Kitchen Sink Cookies
Add caramel bits and drizzle with melted caramel after baking.
Peppermint Mocha Cookies
Use chocolate dough and add espresso powder with mint chips.
Gluten-Free Version
Replace flour with a gluten-free 1:1 blend and use gluten-free pretzels.
Final Thoughts
Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies embody everything we love about the holidays—colorful, comforting, nostalgic, and incredibly delicious. Whether you stick to the classic mix-ins or create your own combination, these cookies are sure to become a cherished holiday tradition in your home.
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