Festive Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies Recipe

Jolly Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies Recipe for Holiday Magic

These decadent kitchen sink cookies pack a delightful punch of flavors that dance across your taste buds.

Loaded with an irresistible blend of chocolate chips, nuts, and surprise ingredients, kitchen sink cookies deliver a delicious treat that breaks all traditional baking rules.

Sweet and salty elements combine in a symphony of textures that will make everyone swoon.

Crispy edges and soft centers create the perfect cookie experience.

Crumbs will scatter, and smiles will spread as each bite reveals a new delightful surprise.

Bakers of all skill levels can master this crowd-pleasing recipe that turns ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary dessert.

Prepare to be the hero of any gathering with these incredible cookies.

What’s Inside Kitchen Sink Cookies

For Base Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and texture, ensuring cookies hold their shape with a soft crumb.
  • Baking Soda: Helps cookies rise and spread evenly, creating a light and airy texture.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances the sweetness of the cookies.
For Sweet Elements:
  • Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a crisp exterior on the cookies.
  • Brown Sugar: Brings moisture, depth of flavor, and a slight caramel undertone to the cookies.
  • Vanilla Extract: Provides a warm, rich flavor that complements all other ingredients.
For Mix-Ins and Texture Boosters:
  • Eggs: Bind ingredients together and contribute to the cookies' rich, tender texture.
  • Butter: Creates a rich, tender base and helps cookies achieve a golden-brown color.
  • M&Ms: Adds colorful bursts of chocolate and a playful crunch to each bite.
  • Chocolate Chips: Provides melty chocolate pockets throughout the cookie.
  • Crushed Pretzels: Introduces a salty, crunchy element that contrasts with the sweet base.
  • Nuts, Coconut: Optional mix-ins that can add extra texture and flavor complexity.
  • Electric mixer or stand mixer: Perfect for creaming butter and sugar to fluffy perfection.
  • Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining wet ingredients and mixing cookie dough.
  • Medium mixing bowl: Needed for whisking dry ingredients before combining.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient measurements.
  • Baking sheets: Required for baking cookies evenly.
  • Parchment paper or silicone mats: Prevents cookies from sticking and ensures easy cleanup.
  • Wire cooling rack: Helps cookies cool evenly and crisp up after baking.
  • Whisk: Great for mixing dry ingredients smoothly.
  • Spatula: Helps fold in mix-ins and scrape bowl sides.
  • Cookie scoop or tablespoon: Makes portioning cookie dough consistent and easy.

Making Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies

  • Prep the Workspace

Grab your baking sheets and line them with parchment paper. Set your oven to a toasty 350F.

  • Mix Dry Ingredients

Whisk flour, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl until perfectly blended.

  • Cream Butter and Sugars

Blend butter, white sugar, and brown sugar in a large bowl until super fluffy and light.

  • Add Moisture

Incorporate eggs one by one, then splash in vanilla extract for extra flavor.

  • Combine Wet and Dry

Gently fold dry ingredients into wet mixture until just combined. Don’t overmix!

  • Toss in Goodies

Dump in M&Ms, chocolate chips, crushed pretzels, and any wild mix-ins your heart desires.

  • Shape Cookie Balls

Roll tablespoon-sized dough portions into perfect little spheres. Space them generously on baking sheets.

  • Bake to Perfection

Pop cookies in the oven for 10-12 minutes until edges turn golden and centers look set.

  • Cool and Store

Let cookies rest on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire rack. Keep in airtight container for up to 5 days or freeze for 3 months.

  • Perfect Texture Trick: Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to prevent excessive spreading and create thicker, chewier cookies.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare cookie dough balls in advance and freeze them. Bake directly from frozen, adding 12 extra minutes to baking time for a fresh-from-the-oven treat.
  • Dietary Swap Options: Replace regular flour with gluten-free flour blend for celiac-friendly cookies. Use dairy-free butter and vegan chocolate chips to create a vegan version that doesn't compromise on deliciousness.
  • Flavor Adventure: Experiment with different mix-ins like crushed candy canes, dried fruit, or different types of chocolate to create unique flavor combinations that match your mood or holiday theme.
  • Storage Superhero: Layer cookies between parchment paper when storing to prevent sticking, and keep them fresh by adding a slice of bread to the container to maintain moisture.

Serving These Overloaded Cookies Right

  • Holiday Cookie Platter: Create a festive display with these Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies arranged on a decorative holiday tray, surrounded by candy canes and sprinkled with powdered sugar.
  • Sweet Gift Packaging: Wrap cookies in clear cellophane bags tied with red and green ribbons, perfect for homemade holiday gifts for neighbors, teachers, or family friends.
  • Dessert Pairing Delight: Serve warm cookies alongside cold vanilla bean ice cream or hot cocoa with marshmallows for a cozy winter treat that brings instant comfort and joy.
  • Cookie Decorating Party: Set up a fun activity where kids and adults can customize cookies with extra sprinkles, drizzled chocolate, or festive colored icing to make each cookie unique.

Storing Kitchen Sink Cookies Like a Pro

  • Smart Storage Solutions: Keep cookies crisp and delightful in a sealed glass container with a tight-fitting lid to maintain maximum freshness.
  • Freezer-Friendly Approach: Wrap individual cookies in plastic wrap, place in a freezer-safe bag, and store for up to 3 months – perfect for unexpected cookie cravings.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare cookie dough balls in advance, refrigerate for 24 hours, or freeze unbaked dough for spontaneous baking sessions within 2 weeks.
  • Quick Thawing Trick: Remove frozen cookie dough 30 minutes before baking, allowing them to reach room temperature for consistent, delicious results.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 200 kcal

Servings: 24

Print
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Festive Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies Recipe

Festive Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 14 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 25 1x

Description

Santa’s favorite Christmas kitchen sink cookies blend unexpected ingredients into a festive treat. Chocolate chips, pretzels, candies, and holiday sprinkles create delightful magic you cannot resist.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 tsps vanilla extract
  • 2 ¼ cups (280 g) all-purpose flour
  • ¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar
  • ¾ cup (150 g) packed brown sugar
  • 1 cup (175 g) red and green M&Ms
  • 1 cup (175 g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1 cup (40 g) crushed pretzels
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ cup (50 g) chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
  • ½ cup (45 g) shredded coconut (optional)

Instructions

  1. Dry Foundation: Whisk flour, baking soda, and salt together in a mixing bowl until thoroughly combined, ensuring even distribution of dry ingredients.
  2. Butter Transformation: Cream butter with granulated and brown sugars using an electric mixer until the mixture becomes fluffy and pale, then blend in eggs and vanilla extract until smooth and integrated.
  3. Dough Composition: Delicately fold dry ingredients into the butter mixture, then gently incorporate M&Ms, chocolate chips, crushed pretzels, nuts, and coconut, mixing until ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
  4. Oven Preparation: Heat oven to 350F (175C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats for easy cookie release.
  5. Cookie Formation: Scoop uniform dough balls using a tablespoon, spacing them two inches apart on prepared baking sheets to allow proper spreading during baking.
  6. Baking Process: Bake for 10-12 minutes, monitoring for golden-brown edges and set centers as indicators of perfect cookie texture.
  7. Cooling Stage: Let cookies rest on baking sheet for five minutes to stabilize, then transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling.
  8. Storage Solution: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days, or freeze for extended preservation up to three months.

Notes

  • Prevent Overmixing: Stir dry ingredients into wet ingredients just until combined to maintain a tender, soft cookie texture without developing tough gluten strands.
  • Customize Mix-Ins: Experiment with alternative add-ins like crushed candy canes, dried fruit, or different chocolate varieties to personalize the cookie’s flavor profile and suit individual preferences.
  • Temperature Matters: Use room temperature butter and eggs for smoother blending and more consistent cookie spread, ensuring even baking and a more uniform appearance.
  • Storage Strategy: Cool cookies completely before storing to prevent moisture buildup, which can lead to soggy texture and potential mold growth in sealed containers.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 25
  • Calories: 220
  • Sugar: 14 g
  • Sodium: 130 mg
  • Fat: 11 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
Jenna Hartley

Jenna Hartley

Founder & Recipe Creator

Expertise

  • Recipe development with a focus on single-dish meals.
  • Fusion of traditional and modern Australian cuisines.
  • Food styling and photography for digital platforms.​

Education

Box Hill Institute, Melbourne

  • Degree: Advanced Diploma of Hospitality Management
  • Focus: Specialized in practical food and beverage service, responsible alcohol and hygiene compliance, legal risk management, and hands‑on experience in a simulated restaurant environment.

William Angliss Institute, Melbourne

  • Program: Certificate IV in Patisserie
  • Focus: Specialized in pastry and bakery techniques, cookery and specialty food preparation, recipe planning and costing, commercial kitchen operations, sustainable and inclusive work practices, food safety and hygiene compliance, and workplace health and safety.

Jenna is the heart of Picture Perfect Meals, turning simple ingredients into beautiful, easy‑to‑make dishes. 

Growing up around family meals in Melbourne, she trained at Box Hill Institute and then perfected her pastry skills at William Angliss Institute. She loves mixing classic Australian flavors with fresh ideas to keep cooking fun and stress‑free.

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