Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies

Sweet and salty Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies are the perfect holiday treat! These cookies blend a delightful mix of flavors and textures, making them a standout addition to any festive gathering. With their unique combination of pretzels, potato chips, M&M’s, and white chocolate, these cookies are sure to impress family and friends alike. Enjoy these festive delights at parties, gatherings, or simply for a cozy night in!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Versatile Flavor Profile: The mix of sweet and salty ingredients creates an irresistible taste that appeals to everyone.
• Easy to Prepare: With straightforward steps and minimal prep time, these cookies are perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
• Perfect for Sharing: Yielding 20 servings, these cookies are ideal for holiday parties or gifting to friends and family.
• Customizable Ingredients: Feel free to swap in your favorite candies or snacks to personalize this recipe.
• Festive Appearance: The colorful M&M’s and sprinkles make these cookies not only tasty but also visually appealing.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking your Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies, gather your essential tools. Having everything ready will make the process smoother.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper
• Cookie scoop

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: This tool makes creaming the butter and sugars effortless, ensuring a light and fluffy cookie dough.
• Baking sheets: A good-quality baking sheet ensures even cooking, leading to perfectly baked cookies every time.

Ingredients

For these delicious Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 3/4 cup salted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1/4 cup granulated white sugar
• 2 egg yolks, at room temperature
• 2 tsp vanilla bean paste or extract
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup red and green M&M’s
• 1/3 cup white chocolate chips
• 1/3 cup pretzel pieces
• 1/3 cup potato chip pieces
• 2 tbsp red and green jimmies

How to Make Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and set them aside.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, combine the softened salted butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar.
* Use an electric mixer to cream them together for about two minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy.

Step 3: Add Egg Yolks and Vanilla

Add in the egg yolks and vanilla bean paste or extract.
* Mix on medium speed for another two minutes until pale in color and fluffy.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

Next, add the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
* Mix until all ingredients are just combined.

Step 5: Fold in Mix-ins

Gently fold in the M&M’s, white chocolate chips, pretzel pieces, potato chip pieces, and sprinkles using a spatula.
* Ensure everything is evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 6: Scoop Dough onto Baking Sheets

Scoop the dough into approximately twenty balls.
* Arrange them on the prepared baking sheets with two inches of space between each ball.

Step 7: Optional Toppings

For added visual appeal, you can place a few extra mix-ins on top of each cookie dough ball before baking. This step is optional but enhances presentation.

Step 8: Bake the Cookies

Place the baking sheets in the oven.
* Bake for about 10 to 12 minutes. Ten minutes yields chewier centers while twelve minutes results in crisper edges.

Step 9: Shape Cookies (Optional)

If you desire perfectly round cookies:
* As soon as they come out of the oven, use a large circular cookie cutter to shape them by swirling it around each cookie gently.

Step 10: Cool Down

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for five minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.
* Allow them to cool for an additional ten minutes.

Step 11: Store Leftovers

To keep your cookies fresh:
* Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days.

Now you have a delightful batch of Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies ready to enjoy!

How to Serve Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies

These delightful cookies are perfect for sharing and enjoying during the festive season. Here are some fun serving ideas to enhance your cookie experience.

Dessert Platter

• A variety of cookies: Arrange your Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies alongside other holiday favorites like gingerbread or sugar cookies for a colorful and inviting dessert platter.

Hot Cocoa Pairing

• Serve with hot cocoa: These cookies pair wonderfully with a warm cup of hot cocoa. The sweetness of the cookies complements the rich chocolatey drink perfectly.

Gift Giving

• Cookie jars: Package these cookies in decorative jars and give them as gifts to friends, family, or neighbors. It’s a thoughtful way to share holiday cheer!

Ice Cream Sandwiches

• Create ice cream sandwiches: Use two cookies to sandwich a scoop of your favorite ice cream. This treat is sure to please kids and adults alike!

Cookie Decorating Station

• Set up a decorating station: Provide icing, sprinkles, and other toppings for guests to customize their own cookies. This adds an interactive element to your holiday gatherings.

How to Perfect Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies

For the best results when making Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies, follow these handy tips.

• Use room temperature ingredients: Ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.

• Don’t overmix the dough: Mix just until combined after adding dry ingredients. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.

• Chill the dough if needed: If your dough feels too soft, chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before baking. This helps maintain shape during baking.

• Adjust bake time for preference: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake; adjust time based on whether you prefer chewy centers or crispy edges.

• Use quality mix-ins: Opt for high-quality chocolate chips and M&M’s for richer flavor. Fresh pretzels add a great crunch!

Best Side Dishes for Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies

These tasty side dishes complement your Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies beautifully. Consider adding them to your holiday spread!

1. Fruit Salad
   A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits provides a light contrast to the rich flavors of the cookies.

2. Cheese Platter
   An assortment of cheeses with crackers offers savory bites that balance out the sweetness of the cookies.

3. Nut Mix
   A blend of roasted nuts adds crunch and a touch of saltiness that pairs well with sweet treats.

4. Mini Cupcakes
   Small festive cupcakes can add variety without overwhelming guests with large portions.

5. Veggie Tray
   Crisp vegetables with dips provide a healthy option that cleanses the palate between sweet bites.

6. Flavored Popcorn
   Sweet or savory popcorn provides a fun snack that guests can munch on while enjoying their cookies.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies can be fun, but there are some common mistakes to watch out for.

• Skipping the butter softening step: Using cold butter can lead to dense cookies. Always soften your butter for a light and fluffy texture.
• Not measuring flour correctly: Packing flour into the measuring cup can result in too much flour. Spoon and level the flour for accuracy.
• Overmixing the dough: Mixing too long after adding the flour can create tough cookies. Mix just until combined to keep them tender.
• Ignoring the baking time: Baking too long can turn your cookies hard. Keep an eye on them and check around 10 minutes for perfect chewiness.
• Skipping the cooling time: Moving cookies too soon from the baking sheet can cause them to break. Let them cool on the sheets for a few minutes first.

Refrigerator Storage

• item Store cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
• item They will last for up to three days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies

• item Place cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet before freezing.
• item Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag for up to three months.

Reheating Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies

• item Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm cookies for about 5-7 minutes.
• item Microwave: Heat individual cookies for about 10-15 seconds for a warm treat.
• item Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat, covering it briefly until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies?

Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies are sweet and salty treats that combine various ingredients like M&M’s, white chocolate chips, pretzels, and potato chips.

Can I customize my Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies?

Absolutely! You can swap out mix-ins based on your preferences. Try different candies, nuts, or dried fruits!

How do I ensure my cookies stay soft?

To keep your Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies soft, avoid overbaking them and store them in an airtight container after they cool.

Can I use different types of chocolate chips?

Yes! Feel free to substitute with dark chocolate chips or even butterscotch chips for a twist on flavor.

Final Thoughts

These Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies are not only festive but also incredibly versatile. Their delightful combination of sweet and salty makes them perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy nights at home. Don’t hesitate to customize with your favorite ingredients; the options are endless!