Best Kitchen Sink Christmas Cookies

The holiday season is truly magical, filled with twinkling lights, cozy evenings, and of course, the irresistible aroma of freshly baked cookies. This year, ditch the ordinary and embrace the extraordinary with our Best Kitchen Sink Christmas Cookies.These festive treats are an explosion of flavors and textures, making them an absolute showstopper on any holiday platter.

Why You’ll Love These Best Kitchen Sink Christmas Cookies

• Irresistibly Diverse Flavors: Each bite delivers a delightful mix of sweet, salty, and chewy.
• Festive & Fun: Adorned with vibrant red and green sprinkles, they instantly elevate your holiday spread.
• Easy to Customize: Effortlessly swap in your favorite mix-ins to make them uniquely yours.
• Crowd-Pleasing Perfection: Everyone finds something to love in these loaded Christmas cookies.
• Wonderful for Gifting: Package them beautifully for a heartfelt homemade present.
• Simple & Straightforward: The recipe is designed for bakers of all skill levels, ensuring success every time.
• Satisfyingly Chewy & Crispy: They offer the perfect balance of a soft center and slightly crisp edges.

Ingredients Needed for Your Best Kitchen Sink Christmas Cookies

Crafting these delectable Christmas cookies starts with selecting quality ingredients. Ensure your butter is properly softened for the best texture.

• 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened – the cornerstone of any great cookie, use good quality butter.
• 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar – for that classic sweetness.
• 3/4 cup (165g) packed light brown sugar – adds moisture and a rich, caramel-like depth.
• 2 large eggs – bind everything together beautifully.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – enhances all the sweet flavors.
• 2 1/4 cups (270g) all-purpose flour – the structure of our delightful cookies.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda – helps them rise to chewy perfection.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt – balances the sweetness and brings out other flavors.
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips – a classic, beloved inclusion.
• 1/2 cup white chocolate chips – adds a creamy, sweet contrast.
• 1/2 cup crushed pretzel pieces – introduces that fantastic salty crunch.
• 1/2 cup toffee bits – for an extra layer of buttery sweetness and chew.
• 1/2 cup festive red and green sprinkles – essential for that holiday charm!
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional) – offers a nutty richness if desired.
• 1/4 cup dried cranberries (optional) – provides a touch of tartness and chewiness.

YOU MIGHT LOVE: Chocolate Peppermint Swirl Cookies: A Festive Treat for the Holidays – Indulge in another delicious and festive cookie that brings a cool, minty twist to your holiday baking!

Essential Equipment for Perfect Kitchen Sink Christmas Cookies

Having the right tools makes all the difference when baking. Gather these essentials before you begin.

• • Large mixing bowl: Crucial for creaming butter and sugar without a mess.

this …

• Medium mixing bowl: Perfect for whisking dry ingredients.
• Electric mixer (handheld or stand mixer): This tool makes creaming butter and sugar light and fluffy effortlessly.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Precision is key for perfect cookies.
• Rubber spatula or wooden spoon: Ideal for scraping down bowls and folding in mix-ins gently.
• Baking sheets: Ensure you have several or work in batches.
• Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
• Wire cooling rack: Allows cookies to cool evenly, preventing soggy bottoms.

Recipe Overview for These Festive Kitchen Sink Christmas Cookies

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
• Total Time: Approximately 30-35 minutes
• Servings: 24 cookies
• Difficulty: Easy

Step-by-Step Instructions to Master Your Best Kitchen Sink Christmas Cookies

Get ready to create some holiday magic with these easy-to-follow steps.

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Station

1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius). Meanwhile, line your baking sheets with parchment paper; this ensures a non-stick surface and easy transfer.

Step 2: Cream Wet Ingredients

2. In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar using an electric mixer. Beat vigorously until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, usually about 2-3 minutes.
3. Next, beat in the eggs one at a time, incorporating each fully before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract until just combined, ensuring a rich flavor base.

Step 3: Combine Dry & Wet Ingredients

4. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This step distributes the leavening agents evenly.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed with your electric mixer until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can lead to tough cookies.

Step 4: Fold in the “Kitchen Sink” Goodies

6. 6. Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, crushed pretzel pieces, toffee bits, festive sprinkles, chopped pecans (if you’re using them), and dried cranberries (if you’re using them). Continue folding until all these delightful additions are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

CHECK OUT: Jam Thumbprint Cookies with the Perfect Buttery Crumble – Discover another classic cookie that’s perfect for holiday baking and sharing!

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

7. Drop rounded tablespoons of the dough onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing them approximately 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
8. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges turn a beautiful golden brown and the centers appear set. Keep a close eye on them to prevent overbaking. If the cookies look too pale, give them another minute or two.

Step 6: Cool & Enjoy

9. Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the hot baking sheets for 5 minutes. This helps them set and prevents breakage. Afterward, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely, ensuring a perfectly crisp exterior.

Tips for Success with Kitchen Sink Christmas Cookies

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Always use softened butter and room temperature eggs for a smooth, homogenous dough that bakes evenly.
• Don’t Overmix: Mix flour just until combined. Overmixing develops gluten, leading to tougher cookies.
• Chill the Dough: If your dough feels too sticky or you live in a warm climate, chill it for 15-30 minutes before baking to prevent excessive spreading.
• Quality Parchment Paper: Good parchment paper truly makes a difference in preventing sticking and ensuring easy cleanup.
• Rotate Baking Sheets: For even baking, rotate your baking sheets halfway through the cooking time.

Variations & Substitutions for Your Kitchen Sink Christmas Cookies

Get creative with your cookie mix-ins! These “kitchen sink” cookies are incredibly versatile.

• Nut-Free: Omit pecans and ensure your pretzels/toffee are nut-free for those with allergies.
• Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free butter alternatives and chocolate chips.
• Flavor Twists: Experiment with peanut butter chips, butterscotch chips, chopped caramels, or mini marshmallows.
• Spice it Up: Add 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg to the dry ingredients for a warmer flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions for Best Kitchen Sink Christmas Cookies

These festive cookies are delightful on their own, but here are some ways to make them even more special.

• Warm Beverage Pairing: Serve with a mug of hot cocoa, a creamy chai latte, or a refreshing glass of almond milk.
• Dessert Platter: Arrange them alongside other holiday treats for an impressive display.
• Ice Cream Sandwich: Press two cookies around a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for an indulgent treat.
• Holiday Gift Boxes: Package a selection of these cookies in decorative tins for thoughtful homemade gifts.

Nutritional Highlights of Kitchen Sink Christmas Cookies

While these are indeed a treat, our Kitchen Sink Christmas Cookies offer a delightful balance of energy and some beneficial elements. Each cookie provides carbohydrates for a quick energy boost, and the optional pecans contribute healthy fats and a touch of protein. Dried cranberries add a small amount of dietary fiber and antioxidants, making each indulgent bite a little more balanced.

Storage & Reheating Your Kitchen Sink Christmas Cookies

Proper storage ensures your cookies remain fresh and delicious for days.

• At Room Temperature: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container for up to 5-7 days.
• Freezing Dough: Form dough balls and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once solid, transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding 2-3 minutes to the baking time.
• Freezing Baked Cookies: Place cooled cookies in an airtight freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature.
• Reheating: Warm slightly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for that “freshly baked” feel.

Frequently Asked Questions About Kitchen Sink Christmas Cookies

Got questions? We’ve got answers to help you bake the best Christmas cookies!

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it, covered, for up to 2-3 days. Bring it to room temperature slightly before scooping and baking.

Why are my cookies spreading too much?

This can happen if your butter was too soft, the oven wasn’t hot enough, or if you didn’t chill the dough. Ensure ingredients are at the correct temperature and ovens are preheated properly.

What if I don’t have an electric mixer?

You can cream butter and sugars by hand with a sturdy whisk or wooden spoon, though it will require more effort. Make sure the butter is very soft!

Can I use different types of sprinkles?

Yes, feel free to use any sprinkles you like! We recommend festive red and green for a true Christmas feel, but rainbow or gold sprinkles would also be fun.

Are these cookies chewy or crispy?

These cookies offer the best of both worlds – a deliciously chewy center with slightly crispy, golden-brown edges, especially when cooled on a wire rack.

More Delicious Dishes

Craving more sweet treats or festive baking ideas? Explore these other fantastic recipes:

• Peppermint Snowball Cookies That Melt Before You Blink – Get ready for a frosty, melt-in-your-mouth experience with these delightful peppermint treats!
• The BEST Chocolate Crinkle Cookies Dessert Recipe – Unleash your inner chocoholic with these fudgy, crackled cookies, perfect for any occasion.
• Easy Maple Pecan Shortbread Cookies – Discover the buttery, nutty goodness of these simple yet sophisticated shortbread cookies.

Conclusion

These Best Kitchen Sink Christmas Cookies are truly a celebration in every bite, perfect for sharing the joy of the season. Whip up a batch today and watch them disappear! Follow us on Facebook and Pinterest for more delicious recipes.

Print