As I stood in my kitchen, the scent of melting chocolate mingled with the earthy aroma of crispy pretzels, I realized I was about to create something magical: Sweet & Salty Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies. This delightful treat combines the perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors, featuring crunchy bits of pretzels, vibrant M&Ms, and a sprinkle of festive cheer. Not only are these Christmas cookies a crowd-pleaser, but they also come together in a flash—no chilling required! You’ll have warm cookies ready to enjoy in just 30 minutes, making them ideal for holiday gatherings or cozy family baking sessions. So, are you ready to dive into this festive baking adventure? Let’s get started!
Why are Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies special?
Perfectly Balanced: These cookies give you a delightful mix of sweet and salty flavors that will please any palate.
Quick & Easy: With just 30 minutes to bake, they fit perfectly into your busy holiday schedule!
Endless Customization: Feel free to toss in your favorite mix-ins, like nuts or different types of chocolate!
Kid-Friendly Fun: Ideal for baking with your little ones, no chilling time needed means more quality moments in the kitchen.
Visually Stunning: The vibrant colors from the M&Ms and festive sprinkles make them a showstopper at any gathering.
Once you’ve tried these, you might want to explore other delicious treats like Brown Butter Cookies or Strawberry Crunch Cookies for even more holiday baking inspiration!
Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies Ingredients
• Dive into the magic of holiday baking with these delightful components!
For the Cookie Base
- Salted Butter – Ensures richness and moisture; soften it to make creaming easier.
- Light Brown Sugar – Adds a lovely chewiness; dark brown sugar can elevate the flavor further.
- Granulated White Sugar – Balances the sweetness perfectly; no substitutions recommended.
- Egg Yolks – Provide moisture and structure; using them at room temperature helps with incorporation.
- Vanilla Bean Paste (or Extract) – Elevates flavor beautifully; pure vanilla extract can be used if needed.
- All-Purpose Flour – Gives the cookies structure; measure accurately for the best results.
- Baking Powder – Helps create a lighter texture; don’t skip this for fluffy cookies.
- Baking Soda – Works alongside baking powder to ensure a nice rise.
- Salt – Essential for enhancing the overall flavor; balances out the sweetness beautifully.
For the Festive Mix-Ins
- Red and Green M&Ms – Adds sweetness and a pop of color; feel free to use any chocolate candy you prefer.
- White Chocolate Chips – Contributes creaminess; milk or dark chocolate chips can be swapped in if desired.
- Pretzel Pieces – Introduces a satisfying salty crunch; can be replaced with your favorite nuts.
- Potato Chip Pieces – Provides an unexpected salty surprise; any plain chips work or you can omit if preferred.
- Red and Green Jimmies – Perfect for decoration; optional, but they really add to the festive look.
These Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies are a wonderful way to bring joy to your holiday gatherings!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven warms up, prepare your baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper. This will prevent the cookies from sticking and make cleanup a breeze. A well-prepped workspace is the first step to delicious Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies!
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened salted butter, light brown sugar, and granulated white sugar. Using an electric mixer, beat the mixture on medium speed for about 2 minutes, or until it becomes light and fluffy. This vital step incorporates air, giving your cookies the perfect texture.
Step 3: Incorporate the Egg Yolks and Vanilla
Add the egg yolks and vanilla bean paste to the butter-sugar mixture. Mix on medium speed for another 2 minutes until the mixture is pale and fluffy. You’ll know it’s ready when it doubles in volume and has a light, airy texture, setting the stage for scrumptious Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies.
Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Avoid overmixing to ensure your cookies stay tender and chewy when baked.
Step 5: Fold in a Festive Variety of Mix-ins
Gently fold in the red and green M&Ms, white chocolate chips, pretzel pieces, potato chip pieces, and red and green jimmies until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough. This step adds fun and texture to your Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies, creating a delightful blend of sweet and salty flavors.
Step 6: Shape the Cookies
Using a cookie scoop or your hands, portion the dough into roughly 20 equal balls. Place each ball on the lined baking sheets, making sure to space them about 2 inches apart. For an extra festive touch, feel free to sprinkle additional mix-ins on top of each dough ball.
Step 7: Bake the Cookies
Now it’s time to bake! Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes, depending on your texture preference. For a chewy center, aim for about 10 minutes; for a crispier edge, lean toward 12 minutes. Keep an eye on them, as they should turn golden around the edges.
Step 8: Cool Before Serving
Once baked, remove the sheets from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes. After they’ve set slightly, transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely for another 10 minutes. This final step ensures optimal texture—a perfect blend of softness and crispy edges, ready to enjoy!
Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies Variations
Feel free to get playful with this recipe and customize it to your heart’s delight!
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Nutty Delight: Swap in chopped nuts for a satisfying crunch. Your cookies will be even more irresistible with this lovely addition!
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Dairy-Free: Use coconut oil or dairy-free butter instead of regular butter. These cookies will still be wonderfully chewy and delicious!
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Spicy Twist: Add a dash of cinnamon or cayenne pepper to the dough for a warm, spicy kick. This unexpected flavor will have everyone asking for your secret!
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Chocolate Lovers: Instead of white chocolate chips, use a mix of dark chocolate chips and butterscotch chips for a richer flavor profile. The depth of chocolate will send your taste buds soaring!
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Seasonal Sprinkles: Change the sprinkles to match any holiday or occasion—think pastel colors for spring or orange and black for Halloween. This will keep your cookies in sync with the season!
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Choco-Peanut Butter: Add peanut butter chips to the mix; they complement the salty pretzels beautifully and bring a nostalgic touch reminiscent of sweet childhood treats!
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Zesty Lemon: Incorporate lemon zest into the dough for a refreshing citrus zing. This twist will brighten up the flavors and add a lovely aromatic touch!
Once you’ve experimented, you may want to explore more delicious options like {Brown Butter Cookies} or {Strawberry Crunch Cookies}. Happy baking!
What to Serve with Sweet & Salty Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies
Warm, sweet, and salty, these cookies create the perfect foundation for a festive holiday feast that gathers everyone around the table.
- Creamy Hot Cocoa: The rich, velvety chocolate in hot cocoa pairs beautifully with the cookies’ sweetness and crunch, making for a cozy treat.
- Decadent Eggnog: This classic holiday drink complements the cookies’ festive vibe, adding a luscious creaminess that enhances the rich flavors.
- Festive Holiday Cheeseboard: A selection of cheeses, fruits, and nuts can create a savory balance to the sweetness of the cookies and will impress your guests.
- Spiced Apple Cider: Warm spiced cider, with its aromatic flavors, serves as a perfect warm beverage that adds a comforting touch to the cookie experience.
- Crunchy Carrot Sticks: For a refreshing contrast, serve with crunchy carrot sticks; their crispness cuts through the sweetness nicely and offers a healthier option.
- Coconut Macaroons: These chewy delights echo the sweetness of the cookies while adding a tropical twist, making your dessert spread even more inviting.
- Sparkling Water with Lime: The light effervescence and zesty lime in sparkling water cleanse the palate and keep the focus on the cookies’ delightful flavors.
- Whipped Cream and Berries: A dollop of whipped cream alongside fresh berries presents a simple yet stunning dessert option that complements the cookies’ textures perfectly.
- Chocolate-Dipped Pretzels: For a double dose of sweet and salty, serve these alongside your cookies, enhancing the theme of delightful contrasts.
Indulge in the joy of togetherness with these pairings for a holiday treat experience that everyone will adore!
Expert Tips for Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies
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Measure Flour Correctly: Use the spoon and level method or weigh your flour to ensure accuracy—this helps prevent dry cookies.
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Dough Durability: If your dough is too soft, you can quickly chill it for a few minutes, but typically chilling isn’t necessary for these Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies.
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Spacing Matters: Leave enough space between cookie balls on the baking sheet to allow for spreading—about 2 inches should do the trick!
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Perfectly Shaped Cookies: For uniformity, try using a circular cookie cutter to shape your cookies right after baking; this makes them look even more inviting.
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Store Wisely: Keep your leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days to maintain their delightful sweetness and texture.
How to Store and Freeze Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies
Airtight Container: Store leftover Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to keep them fresh and chewy.
Refrigeration: For longer storage, you can refrigerate the cookies in an airtight container for up to a week, but they may lose some of their delightful texture.
Freezing Cookies: To freeze, place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.
Dough Storage: If you’ve made cookie dough in advance, it can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for 2 weeks before baking—perfect for a last-minute treat!
Make Ahead Options
These Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies are perfect for busy bakers looking to save time during the holiday hustle! You can prepare the dough up to 3 days in advance. Just follow the recipe through Step 5, then wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate it. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully while keeping the cookie quality intact. When you’re ready to bake, simply scoop the chilled dough onto baking sheets and follow the remaining steps in the recipe. For longer storage, you can also freeze the dough for up to 2 weeks—just thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before baking. Enjoy the convenience of fantastic homemade cookies anytime!
Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the right ripeness of the ingredients?
Absolutely! Use salted butter that is at room temperature to ensure easy creaming, which contributes to a light texture. For the egg yolks, bring them to room temperature as well for better incorporation. As for sugars, using fresh ingredients ensures the best flavor—check that your brown sugar is soft and moist for the chewiest cookie!
What is the best way to store these cookies?
Keep leftover Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This helps maintain their chewy center and crispy edge. If you need to store for longer, consider refrigeration in an airtight container for up to a week, though they may get a bit drier over time.
Can I freeze these cookies?
Very! To freeze, first, place the baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze them until solid. Then, transfer the cookies to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored this way for up to 3 months! If you choose to freeze the dough instead, scoop it into balls, freeze them on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a bag—this allows you to bake fresh cookies whenever the craving hits.
What should I do if the cookie dough is too soft?
If the dough feels too soft, it’s perfectly fine to chill it briefly—just 10-15 minutes in the refrigerator should help firm it up and make it easier to scoop. However, these Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies are designed to be quick and don’t require extended chilling time.
Are there any dietary considerations for these cookies?
Yes, keep in mind the ingredients used! If you’re baking for someone with allergies, it’s good to note that these cookies contain gluten (from all-purpose flour) and dairy (from salted butter). You can substitute the butter with a dairy-free option and opt for gluten-free flour if needed. For nut allergies, simply skip the pretzel pieces or replace them with seed-based alternatives.
Can I change the mix-ins for these cookies?
Absolutely! The beauty of Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies is their flexibility. You can swap out M&Ms for your favorite chocolate candies, use butterscotch chips, or even nuts for a different flavor twist. The more the merrier when it comes to festive fun!
Sweet Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies in 30 Minutes
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, cream the softened salted butter, light brown sugar, and granulated white sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg yolks and vanilla bean paste, mixing until pale and fluffy.
- Sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt, then gradually mix into the wet mixture.
- Gently fold in the red and green M&Ms, white chocolate chips, pretzel pieces, potato chip pieces, and red and green jimmies.
- Portion the dough into roughly 20 balls and place them on the baking sheets, spaced 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, keeping an eye on them until golden around the edges.
- Let cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack for another 10 minutes.
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