Name: Festive Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 32 min
Yield: 24
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3/4 cup salted butter (softened); 3/4 cup light brown sugar (packed); 1/4 cup granulated white sugar; 2 egg yolks (room temperature); 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled); 2 teaspoons vanilla bean paste or extract; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon 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 tablespoons red and green jimmies

Cookies bursting with holiday magic and kitchen sink ingredients offer a delightful twist on traditional treats.

These delectable morsels combine unexpected flavors that dance across your taste buds.

Packed with chocolate chips, nuts, pretzels, and sprinkles, the recipe brings festive cheer to every bite.

Each cookie tells a story of creativity and spontaneous baking joy.

The mix of sweet and salty creates an irresistible combination that sparks smiles.

Bakers of all skill levels can master this simple yet spectacular dessert.

Grab your apron and get ready to spread some delicious holiday cheer.

Why Kitchen Sink Cookies Delight

Packed with an incredible mix of sweet and salty ingredients like M&M's, white chocolate chips, pretzels, and potato chips, these cookies deliver a wild taste adventure in every single bite.
Super simple recipe requiring basic mixing and minimal kitchen skills, perfect for bakers of all levels who want to create something spectacular without complicated techniques.
Guaranteed to delight both kids and adults with its playful combination of unexpected ingredients, making it an awesome choice for parties, gatherings, or casual family snack time.
Flexible recipe allows endless mix-in variations, letting bakers personalize cookies by swapping or adding different crunchy, sweet, and colorful ingredients to match preferences or pantry supplies.

Primary Ingredients:

Butter: A rich, creamy base that provides flavor and helps create a soft cookie texture.
Light Brown Sugar, Granulated Sugar: Sweet ingredients that add depth of flavor and help create a chewy, golden-brown cookie.
Egg Yolks: Contribute to the cookie's richness and help bind the ingredients together.

Dry Ingredients:

All-Purpose Flour: The main structural component that gives the cookies their shape and texture.
Baking Powder, Baking Soda, Salt: Essential leavening and seasoning agents that help the cookies rise and enhance overall flavor.

Mix-Ins and Decorative Elements:

M&M's, White Chocolate Chips, Pretzel Pieces, Potato Chip Pieces, Sprinkles: Colorful and crunchy additions that create a festive, fun texture and add exciting flavor variations to the classic cookie.
Vanilla: A classic flavoring that enhances the sweetness and adds depth to the cookie's taste.

Tools for Christmas Cookies

Electric mixer: Essential for creaming butter and sugars to create a fluffy base.
Large mixing bowl: Perfect for combining all cookie ingredients smoothly.
Spatula: Great for gently folding mix-ins without overmixing the dough.
Baking sheets: Two lined with parchment paper for even cookie baking.
Cookie scoop or spoon: Helps create uniform-sized cookie balls.
Cooling rack: Allows cookies to cool evenly and maintain crisp edges.
Optional cookie cutter: For shaping round cookies after baking.
Measuring cups and spoons: Precise ingredient measurement.

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station

Grab your baking sheets and line them with parchment paper.

Preheat the oven to a cozy 350F (175C) so it’s ready for cookie magic.

Step 2: Whip Up Butter Base

Grab a large mixing bowl and combine softened butter with:

Light brown sugar
Granulated sugar

Use an electric mixer to create a fluffy, creamy mixture that looks like clouds of sweetness.

Mix for about 2 minutes until everything looks light and dreamy.

Step 3: Enhance Flavor Profile

Add these liquid ingredients and mix on medium speed:

Egg yolks
Vanilla extract

Continue mixing for another 2 minutes until the mixture becomes pale and incredibly smooth.

Step 4: Create Cookie Foundation

Gradually introduce dry ingredients into your mixture:

All-purpose flour
Baking powder
Baking soda
Salt

Mix until everything blends perfectly without overmixing.

Step 5: Go Wild With Mix-ins

Gently fold in these fun ingredients using a spatula:

M&M's
White chocolate chips
Pretzel pieces
Potato chip pieces
Colorful sprinkles

Ensure everything is evenly distributed for maximum flavor excitement.

Step 6: Shape Cookie Balls

Scoop the dough into 20 beautiful balls, spacing them 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets.

Step 7: Add Extra Pizzazz

Sprinkle additional mix-ins on top of each dough ball for an Instagram-worthy look.

Step 8: Bake To Perfection

Slide the baking sheets into the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes.

Choose 10 minutes for chewy centers or 12 minutes for crispy edges.

Step 9: Create Perfect Circles

Optional pro tip: Use a large circular cookie cutter to swirl around each cookie right after baking for perfectly round shapes.

Step 10: Cool Down

Let cookies rest on baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack to reach room temperature.

Step 11: Store And Enjoy

Keep leftover cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 delicious days.

Swap Mix-ins Easily swap ingredients based on dietary needs or preferences, like using gluten-free pretzels or dairy-free chocolate chips for allergies or restrictions.
Chill Dough Refrigerate cookie dough for 30 minutes before baking to prevent spreading and create thicker, chewier cookies with better texture and shape.
Control Sweetness Reduce sugar by 25% if you prefer less sweet cookies, or balance flavors by adding a pinch of sea salt to enhance overall taste profile.
Freeze for Later Portion dough into balls and freeze for up to 3 months, allowing you to bake fresh cookies whenever craving strikes without full preparation.
Perfect Texture Tap baking sheet gently on the counter after removing from oven to create slight cracks and ensure soft, tender cookie centers.

Gluten-Free Festive Cookies: Replace all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend, ensuring same measurements for a celiac-friendly version.
Vegan Holiday Crunch Cookies: Swap butter with coconut oil, use flax eggs instead of egg yolks, select dairy-free chocolate chips and vegan-friendly sprinkles.
Low-Sugar Christmas Cookies: Substitute granulated and brown sugars with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, reduce total sugar content while maintaining delicious flavor profile.
Nut-Lover's Kitchen Sink Cookies: Add chopped almonds, pecans, and walnuts to existing mix-ins for extra crunch and nutty richness, perfect for nut enthusiasts seeking more texture.

How to Serve These Cookies

Holiday Cookie Platter Paradise: Arrange these colorful cookies on a festive platter with sprigs of fresh rosemary and candy cane pieces for a stunning Christmas display.
Dessert Pairing Perfection: Serve alongside creamy vanilla bean ice cream or hot cocoa to complement the sweet and salty cookie flavors, creating a delightful treat experience.
Gift-Worthy Packaging: Stack cookies in clear cellophane bags tied with red and green ribbons, making them an adorable homemade gift for friends, neighbors, or holiday gatherings.
Kids' Decorating Station: Set up a fun activity where children can add extra sprinkles or chocolate drizzle to personalize their own Christmas kitchen sink cookies.

Storing Kitchen Sink Cookies

Place cookies in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking, keeping them fresh for 5-7 days.
Wrap individual cookies in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months, preserving their delicious texture and flavor.
Restore softness by microwaving a cookie for 10-15 seconds or letting it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before enjoying.
Warm cookies in a preheated oven at 275F for 3-5 minutes to bring back their original crunch and fresh-baked taste.

FAQs

What are the key mix-ins for these Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies?

The mix-ins include M&M’s, white chocolate chips, pretzel pieces, potato chip pieces, and sprinkles, creating a fun and unexpected flavor combination.

Can I substitute any of the mix-ins if I don't have all the ingredients?

Absolutely! Feel free to swap in similar crunchy or sweet ingredients like crushed candy canes, different chocolate chips, or alternative salty snacks to match the kitchen sink style.

The name comes from the phrase “everything but the kitchen sink,” meaning these cookies include a wild variety of ingredients, mixing sweet and salty elements into one delicious treat.

Do I need any special equipment to make these cookies?

You’ll just need a standard electric mixer, baking sheets, parchment paper, and a spatula.

Clara Thompson

Recipe Developer & Food Educator

Expertise

Plant-based and vegetarian recipe development, Nutritional analysis and meal planning, Culinary education and workshop facilitation, Content writing with a focus on healthy living

Education

Diploma in Culinary Arts, Mt. San Jacinto College, CA
Focus: Comprehensive culinary training with an emphasis on sustainable cooking practices.

Certificate in Nutrition and Healthy Living, Cornell University (Online Program)
Focus: Understanding the principles of nutrition to create balanced and health-conscious recipes.

Clara lives where fresh ideas and fresh ingredients meet. She pairs her culinary know-how with her passion for healthy, planet-friendly cooking.
For Clara, good food should taste great, nourish your body, and feel easy to make. Her recipes highlight whole foods, colorful produce, and a deep respect for seasonal eating.

The Ultimate Festive Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies Recipe

Why Kitchen Sink Cookies Delight