Kitchen Sink Christmas Cookies
235
18
1.30k
When it comes to holiday baking, nothing beats the joy of creating vibrant, memorable treats that evoke festive cheer. One of my all-time favorites are Kitchen Sink Christmas Cookies—an indulgent mix of sweet and salty flavors that captures the spirit of the season. Whether you’re looking to impress guests at a holiday gathering or simply want to enjoy a cozy afternoon baking with family, this recipe is an absolute must-try. The beauty of these cookies lies not only in their delightful taste but also in their versatility. A little bit of this and a dash of that makes them perfect for the holidays!
Why You’ll Love This Dish
This recipe is beyond just a delicious treat; it’s an experience! Kitchen Sink Christmas Cookies stand out because they perfectly blend sweet and salty ingredients—think smooth white chocolate chips alongside crunchy pretzels and savory potato chips. They are quick to make and even quicker to disappear, making them ideal for any last-minute holiday baking. Plus, kids absolutely love them, which means they can be a fun family activity.
"Best cookies ever! The mix of flavors is unreal—salty, sweet, and festive all in one bite!"
Preparing Kitchen Sink Christmas Cookies
Creating these scrumptious cookies is a breeze! You’ll be cranking out batches in no time with just a few simple steps. Start by creaming together the sugars and butter, mix in the wet ingredients, and then fold in the dry ingredients along with your fun mix-ins. It really is as easy as that!
What You’ll Need
To get started, gather the following ingredients:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick, softened)
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup white sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups unbleached flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup crushed potato chips
- 1/2 cup holiday M&Ms
- 1/4 cup crushed pretzels
- 1/2 teaspoon coarse sea salt (optional)
Feel free to swap out the holiday M&Ms for any seasonal candy or customize with your favorite mix-ins!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
- In a medium-sized bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and white sugar using a fork until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Add the egg and pure vanilla extract, mixing thoroughly to combine.
- Sift in the flour, baking soda, and salt. Stir until just incorporated.
- Gently fold in the white chocolate chips, crushed potato chips, holiday M&Ms, and crushed pretzels until evenly distributed.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough and place them about 2 inches apart on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Top each cookie ball with extra chips, pretzels, M&Ms, or white chocolate if you please. Don’t forget a sprinkle of coarse sea salt if you’re feeling adventurous!
- Bake for about 9 minutes or until the edges start to brown—but be careful not to overbake!
- Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to finish cooling.
Best Ways to Enjoy Them
These cookies are delicious on their own, but you can also elevate the experience! Serve them warm with a glass of cold milk or pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Arrange them on a festive platter as a centerpiece for your holiday table, or pass them around at a cookie exchange party. The options are endless!
Keeping Leftovers Fresh
If you happen to have any cookies left (which is unlikely!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. To preserve their delectable texture, you can also freeze the cookies for up to three months. Just make sure to separate layers with parchment paper to keep them from sticking together.
Helpful Cooking Tips
- For softer cookies, be sure not to overmix once you add the flour.
- Use room-temperature butter for the best creaming results; it ensures that your cookies turn out light and fluffy.
- Experiment with different mix-ins: swap potato chips for crushed nuts or try different flavors of chocolate chips!
Creative Twists
Feeling adventurous? You could substitute dark chocolate chips for the white chocolate, or throw in some dried cranberries for a tart twist. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, replace the unbleached flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Your Questions Answered
How long do these cookies take to make?
The total time is approximately 20 to 30 minutes, including baking—perfect for a quick treat!
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough ahead and refrigerate it for up to three days. Just scoop and bake when you’re ready.
What’s the best way to freeze these cookies?
To freeze, place baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag for long-term storage. Remember to label the bag with the date!
With all these delightful aspects, Kitchen Sink Christmas Cookies are bound to be a holiday favorite. So gather your family and friends and let the baking festivities begin!
Kitchen Sink Christmas Cookies
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
- In a medium-sized bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and white sugar using a fork until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Add the egg and pure vanilla extract, mixing thoroughly to combine.
- Sift in the flour, baking soda, and salt. Stir until just incorporated.
- Gently fold in the white chocolate chips, crushed potato chips, holiday M&Ms, and crushed pretzels until evenly distributed.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough and place them about 2 inches apart on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Top each cookie ball with extra chips, pretzels, M&Ms, or white chocolate if you please. Don’t forget a sprinkle of coarse sea salt if you’re feeling adventurous!
- Bake for about 9 minutes or until the edges start to brown—but be careful not to overbake!
- Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to finish cooling.
